Fostex VF80EX CD-R vs MR-8?

[Glenn Cimera]

I would like to record an acoustic guitar alone. I don't think I need but one track, or two I guess if I use two mics...I would really appreciate some input regarding the MR8 vs something like the VF80EX CD-R. Are they both easy to use? I am a complete recording novice, so ease of use is very important. So here are my questions:
Which is easier to use for simple acoustic recording, then burning a cd?
Any advantage to the cd burning capacity of the VF80, vs transfering to computer a la MR8?
Price is not that much of an object, just want to get clean sound with as little fuss as possible, with perhaps the ability to add some reverb, etc.
Thanks, everyone! I appreciate your help!

[Tubedriver]

The big difference is that the vf80 has phantom power, which may help you because generally speaking acoustic guitars are recorded with condenser microphones, which require phantom power.

This can be overcome though, by buying a microphone preamp.

I have not used the mr8, but it appears easy enough reading the user manual. The vf80 does require a bit of study. I found it easy, but I'm not a novice so YMMV.

There are advantages to cd burning within the unit, especially if you need to run off a quick burn and you arent near your PC. However, if you are always working near your PC it's not an issue.

The biggest issues are more in regard to storage and problems. I have to say that I have seen much more problems with the mr8 and it's card storage in forums like this, than I have compared to the vf80 and it's hard drive. Also, FWIW you can record up to 24 tracks for one song on the vf80....not that this will matter much to you.

Have you considered using your computer? there are very nice USB and firewire interfaces these days, that come with software, that make true plug and play and recording a snap.

Tube

[Glenn Cimera]

I thought about using my computer to record. The problem is the noise it generates...seems like the fan is always running, and I have heard that computer noise can be a big drawback verses a separate recording device. Also, I like the idea of being able to record in different rooms, or outside for that matter. As far as phantom power, don't these units require a preamp anyway to get a good signal strength from the mic? I've heard the internal preamps arent all that great...this recording stuff sure does confuse me!
I may just go get something and jump in...Perhaps the MR8, MXL 990 and 991 mics and a Behringer UB 1202 preamp. Would this set-up do a good job?
Thanks!

[billisa]

Originally Posted by Glenn Cimera

I thought about using my computer to record. The problem is the noise it generates...seems like the fan is always running, and I have heard that computer noise can be a big drawback verses a separate recording device. Also, I like the idea of being able to record in different rooms, or outside for that matter. As far as phantom power, don't these units require a preamp anyway to get a good signal strength from the mic? I've heard the internal preamps arent all that great...this recording stuff sure does confuse me!
I may just go get something and jump in...Perhaps the MR8, MXL 990 and 991 mics and a Behringer UB 1202 preamp. Would this set-up do a good job?
Thanks!

The internal preamps on the VF80 are just fine and the CD burns are excellent. I'd consider Studio Projects B1 mics... Very quiet, very neutral, wonderful on acoustic guitars and great on many voices. They're $100. with the shock mount, and the company has wonderful tech support if you ever need it. If you really want an external preamp, the Studio Projects VTB1 is an excellent choice for a 1-channel unit. VERY quiet, plus the option of dialing in a tube circuit.

I'd go with the VF80 or the VF160 over the MR8. The VF80 though tends to leak more HardDrive noise than the VF160, which is extremely quiet. Still, the VF80 is much quieter than a PC, and it's very portable. The MR8 would obviously be dead silent...

With the VF160, you're getting 16 individual tracks for not a whole lot more $$ ($799.). It ships with a very quiet 40gig drive, and the burns (like the VF80) are almost always error free. It's also easily portable. The thing is, even though you may not think you need the extra tracks now, it's amazing how having them tends to become very useful.

Many PC burners will put out discs with significant error rates. They may not cause a skip or click, but they're there.

[YeshuasFan]

I have to agree with billisa. Although I would add if $$ are not a major factor, I would vote for stepping up to the VF-160.
If brand loyalty to Fostex is not a critical issue, you might also look at Zoom. Zoom makes a true 8-track with separate tracks for mixing/mastering in the same price range--compared to the Fostex VF-80 actually being a 6-track.

[Rokket]

Originally Posted by YeshuasFan

I have to agree with billisa. Although I would add if $$ are not a major factor, I would vote for stepping up to the VF-160.
If brand loyalty to Fostex is not a critical issue, you might also look at Zoom. Zoom makes a true 8-track with separate tracks for mixing/mastering in the same price range--compared to the Fostex VF-80 actually being a 6-track.

The MR-8 is also really a 6-track, as 5-6 and 7-8 are stereo tracks. I have the MR-8 because it was cheap and portable (It runs on 6 AA batteries as well as a DC in), and it is dead quiet. It's up to you which one you choose. There are factors we don't know about that will influence your decision. Tascam and Zoom both make reputable products. The Tascam products tend to cost a bit more, but they are "pioneers", and I think you are paying for the name IMHO...

[dave in toledo]

i think it all comes down to what you can afford, and want to start recording right away, the more you spend, the better the unit, but you can get great recording with all these machines some have more or different features, i went the mr8 rount moving files to the pc and mixing and mastering, total cost not counting mics and all 350.00. Already had the computer, My recording will sound as good as anything coming through a more expensive set up, but i may have to take different or more steps to get there,

all depends on your available funds verses time allowed......... all great machines

[junplugged]

if you can afford the mr8 vs an all-in-one burner and 16 tracks and hdd, go for the bigger one, for sure. I got the mr8 as a gift, she got a bracelet. I got the better deal.... but now i have a Korg 16 track and it's very cool how these things can do everything including burn cd and even backup to it - no computer, I love that aspect.


Billisa, how do you deterimine the amount of error on a burned cd?

[billisa]

Originally Posted by junplugged

Billisa, how do you deterimine the amount of error on a burned cd?

NERO software has a toolkit where you can access "CD Speed" and from there check out an individual disk using one of the drop-down menus. It will scan the CD and tell you how many errors are on it. Errors may not result in an audible click or skip because all CD players have error correction. Though, I have heard some mastering houses won't accept a disk that has errors on it. My VF160 typically burns disks with 0 errors. My PC burner on the other hand used to be awful, with thousands of errors...

Sometimes a piece of dust will cause an error or two to show up, so it's not always the burner. I also use Taiyo-Yuden disks.

Bill Keane