Multitrack recorder -- what to get?

[Steven Rosenberg]

I'm looking to get a multitrack recorder that can stand alone -- i.e.
not just a USB interface to a computer. Just something to record rhythm
guitar on one track and solo on the other. What do you recommend?

There are the Tascam and Fostex 4-track cassette recorders for $99 to
$150, and the Korg Toneworks PXR4 for $300. There's also a digital
Fostex, I think ...

[oasysco]

It's much easier to get your files onto the 'net with a digital
recorder that can feed your PC via USB or a memory card of some sort.
I'd steer clear of the multi-track casette recordersand spend more to
get a digital one.

I use the 8 track recorder on my Digitech GNX3 MFX foot pedal. For
non-pro use, it's fine.

Greg

[Max Leggett]

On 22 Feb 2005 17:02:58 -0800, "Steven Rosenberg" <ste...@usa.com>
wrote:

For not much more you can get 8-track digital - I'd go that route.
I'mnot up on models and makes - I have an old Roland that cheeses me
off - but have a look through Music123 and the ads in guitar mags for
an idea of what's out there.

--------------------------------------------------------------
"If the gods wanted us to twist our spines about
while we played guitar, they would have given us
rubber bands rather than vertebrae. And then where
would humanity be? Propelling cornflakes box
submarines in some alien bathtub in an ungodly
time dimension where the music of the spheres
consisted of Kenny G."
Friedrich Nietzsche
--------------------------------------------------------------

[Mark Outrage]

in <1109120578.4...@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>,

If you're sensitive about tuning/intonation, avoid cassette tape
(it's too stretchy). I had a Korg 12-track that was nice; I'd buy
another if I had cash to spare, they put a lot of thought into it.

[Sotos]

I've heard good things about this model
http://www.tascam.com/Products/PocketStudio5.html

Does the USB / Midi /Compact Flash thing, but also works standalone. Saw
one, but didn't get to play with it. If you've specific questions, my
neighbor has one I could probably check out for you.
HTH

Sotos

"oasysco" <oas...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:1109130084....@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...

[skin...@yahoo.com]

I've worked with the Tascam 2488 which is their top of the line model
and it sounds great with some nice plug-ins (effects.) They're not very
user friendly when it comes to mixdown but it sounds better than a lot
of computer recordings. You can choose 24 or 16 bit sampling. Even more
important is they have the best D/A converters which makes or breaks a
digital recorder. Tascam has a reputation for their D/A converters. I
would choose a Tascam over a Fostex.

If you're not going to burn CD's or do any type of mixdown production,
a simple 4 track cassette recorder is all you need. I'd still stick
with the Tascam. I've never really cared for Fostex.

Also take into consideration what type of mics you're going to use. If
you use any condensor mics, you'll need phantom power which most likely
will not be on the 4 track tape recorders. Some of the digital
recorders have phantom power. If you're just going to stick with
dynamic mics like a Shure SM57 or SM58, don't worry about phantom
power.

If you're thinking about potential for future needs like more tracks,
burning CD's, using phantom power etc., go with a digital recorder.

Stan

[jim harris]

get digital, sure there's still a lot of mileage left in magnetic tape but
it's at the higher end of the food chain!

these two are under $200

Zoom MRS4B
Zoom PS04

next up would be the Boss BR series, they begin at $350-$400

jim

"Steven Rosenberg" <ste...@usa.com> wrote in message
news:1109120578.4...@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[Pete Kerezman]

On 22 Feb 2005 17:02:58 -0800, "Steven Rosenberg" <ste...@usa.com>
wrote:

>I'm looking to get a multitrack recorder that can stand alone -- i.e.

I have a Fostex MR8 eight track digital. It records to flashcards
which, to me, is an annoyance due to limited recording time. It works
alright but I have to dump works in progress to the pc before I can
start on something else.

Tascam has recently released their DP01 and DP01FX 40 gb hard disc
recorders at $400 and $500 (street) respectively.

http://www.tascam.com/Products/dp01.html

http://www.tascam.com/Products/dp01fx.html

40gb of hard disc recording for $400 bucks is seeming mighty hard to
resist.

Texas Pete

[Michael]

Not knowing what your budget is, I can't endorse the Yamaha AW-4416 enough.
For the money, you couldn't possibly find a more professional stand-alone
recorder.
You could probably find one on ebay for around $1300-$1600 used.
I could post some clips recorded with the yammy if you desire.

Michael

"Steven Rosenberg" <ste...@usa.com> wrote in message
news:1109120578.4...@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[Dan]

A good friend of mine has the PX 4 track which he swears by (not at). I
believe they've dropped the price to approx £279 UK
Compact and easy to use and with a built in condenser mic for quick
recording.

[Steven Rosenberg]

These Zoom models sound like the ticket ... they're $200 vs. $300 for
the Toneworks ... still, I'd love to only spend $100, but I do like the
idea of transferring the files to a computer. Thanks everybody.