Best Portable Multitrack Recorder for My Purposes yo son

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Hello friends and loved ones,

I am looking to buy a portable multitrack recorder for recording demos and maybe full-fledged recordings(music is the purpose). I have a Tascam US-1800 for computer use and am perfectly satisfied with it. This is just about something portable that has the overall simplicity I find so inspiring and encouraging. I did a bunch of research on things which left me a bit confused. I am unable to try any of these things before buying to find out what's ideal for me, figure there are plenty of knowledgeable people whose opinions would give me some insight. Have gotten great advice and insight on this forum in the past as far as "what to get?" queries, so figured I'd give it another whirl ha.

I don't need all the features in the world, but I am looking for a few key things:
- the ability to multitrack. Record a track, record a second track over top while listening to the first track, and so on etc.
- good preamps with relatively low noise (not super picky or anything though)
- a good quality built-in microphone, particularly for recording acoustic instruments and stuff, sometimes while singing
- xlr and 1/4 inch options (the ability to record more and more tracks is a bonus, but not a necessity)
-24 bit recording capabilities

Those are the main things. I had been set on the Zoom H6, would have already bought it if I hadn't been busy, but then read that its not much for multitrack recording, and you can't record overdubs with the built in microphone. Then I was thinking the Zoom H4n Pro, but am concerned that the on board mics will be of lesser quality than the H6, as the H6 mics are bigger. Perhaps the difference is minor enough, but the onboard mic quality and overall recording quality is the main sticking point for me other than the portable multitrack thing. Was thinking of getting the H5 but unsure about how its mic quality compares with the H6(said to be the same, but there are comparison videos on Youtube that have audible differences) or how the multitrack capabilities compare with the H4n. Been looking at the Tascam DP-006 and DP-008. Would really like to know how the recording quality of these (or even somewhat pricier models) stack up with the Zoom or anything else that might compare. Feel free to recommend any other device that fits my criteria. Quick responses would be greatly appreciated as there's a sale on all these things ending March 4th, on this one website. Thanks so much to anyone that takes the time to respond!!!!
 
The DP-006 and DP-008 are both 16-bit/44.1kHz

I've used the DP-003SD with pretty much the same specs. All three have a pair of stereo condenser omnidirectional mics built into the front edge. These are very sensitive and will give good, clean recordings when you eliminate ambient room noise. Of course, they all have 1/4 and XLR inputs. No MIDI IN/OUT.

Only two tracks can be recorded simultaneously.
 
Thanks for replies friends!

Spantini: Interesting! So the DP-003SD records in 24 bit? Any chance you know how the on-board mics stack up to the ones on the Zoom H4n, H6, etc?

ecc83: Those Pre things don't have on-board mics, which is a big part of the reason why I'm looking for one of these in the first place. I have a Tascam US-1800 that I am satisfied with and fulfills my computer recording needs. I'm looking for something that can be used for recording outside the computer, accessible and relatively portable. I'll inevitably transfer the audio onto the computer and edit some there, but the main thing I am looking for is a multitrack recorder rather than a USB device.
 
Thanks for replies friends!

Spantini: Interesting! So the DP-003SD records in 24 bit? Any chance you know how the on-board mics stack up to the ones on the Zoom H4n, H6, etc?

ecc83: Those Pre things don't have on-board mics, which is a big part of the reason why I'm looking for one of these in the first place. I have a Tascam US-1800 that I am satisfied with and fulfills my computer recording needs. I'm looking for something that can be used for recording outside the computer, accessible and relatively portable. I'll inevitably transfer the audio onto the computer and edit some there, but the main thing I am looking for is a multitrack recorder rather than a USB device.

Ok, so, did not pickup on the built in mics but the devices ARE multitrack and the USB function is a secondary convenience.

Dave.
 
Zoom R8 | Sweetwater
Zoom R16 | Sweetwater
Zoom R24 | Sweetwater

I had bought a used R24 a while back that is pretty capable. The internal mics are not all that great, but are fine for capturing something on the fly. All models can be battery powered for portability (I haven't tried this yet). Can be used as an interface which is pretty slick. There are a few limitations on the R16 and R24, one being phantom power is not on all channels. The R24 has drum machine capability and can use imported drum WAV files.

Sound on Sound Reviews........
Zoom R8 |
Zoom R16 |
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/zoom-r24
 
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