Digital 8-Track medium experience

[jkess114]

I will start off by saying, this BB seems to be quite good at getting information to people who ask for it. Fantastic. My question concerns new digital 8 track machines. I will be in the market soon to buy one and many of you have much more experience than lowly old me. I am hoping to get criticism and praise for the models that are currently on the market. As for what I can spend, I have a pretty good feel for the market (I think) and that is not really the issue right now. Having said that, I trust a BB mor than any 20 year old salesman - I'm 26 and I was 20 not too long ago. I am sorry that I am not asking for help deciding to buy and old RCA B6-A or an old Fairchild "One Knob" as that would surely be more exciting. To keep things in perpsective, I am planning purchasing something like a Rode II-Classic for my voice and a few mics to record instruments with. Rode NT-2? AKG C1000s? Neuman.

Maybe another question is, Do you think I will need mic pres and limiter/Compressors for this or is the onboard gear enough? What other gear will I need for recordings that will satisfy(most ears)?

I am terribly unsatisfied with the recording quality of my tape machine and want something better to give to people and I have someone who wants to help me by giving me some money. And yes I am very, very, very thankful to her and to you.

-j

[twist]

j,

Though I haven't used one yet, the premier portastudio on the market seems to be the Yamaho AW 4416. It's got the best specs, and the most features of anything out there. I think it maybe a bit too much for a true beginner to fully utilize all its capabilities.

The Akai DPS 16 is also very good in terms of features and specs, and cosiderably less money.

If your not planning to buy more than an 8 track machine, Tascam has a new one that is 24 bit, the 788.

Roland makes 8 track machines also. I believe the 840 and 880 are 20 bit, and they have a newer model, the 890.

Most units are now available with built effects processors, and mic preamps.

Good luck,
Twist

[Donny]

Stay away from Fostex unless you like trouble. Check out the Fostex forum you'll soon understand. Donny!!!

[bwindsor]

Just want to say, one bad product (or experience) doesn't necessarily mean the whole companys line is bad...I have had a Fostex D-108/D-160 combination for over a year in my studio, with absolutely no hiccups whatsoever...don't know about the FD4, but Fostex certainly does make some reliable/quality products for the $...there are better of course, always will be!
Sure wish someone over there could write a decent manual though!

Best of luck,

BW

[jet-rocker]

From my meager experience, from customer service, to product reliability, Fostex smells like trouble

[The Green Hornet]

YO KESS 114 encoded:

You can get an MD-8; I have one. It's not the best but it is not too hard to learn right out of the box. Some of the others, YUK on the manuals, as most people say.

However, when you hit on the 24 bit and higher recorders, you are going to get a super result if you know how to use the box.

I remember when I bought my DX-7 from Yamaha; oh, it was easy to play and punch in the patches; however, to learn how to manipulate the other features was a three year ordeal, plus, Yamaha sent me two or three more manuals, plus a cassette set of directions, plus I bought four more, EASY to use the DX types of books.

So, when you want to know what 8 tracker will serve you best, what is it you want to do? Real good stuff and sounds? Then, you need a good box. Want to play with menus forever, man, there are all sorts of PC programs out there to help you while away your youth or older youth.

Check, listen, and check and get hands on if you can before you dump your cash into a box.

Good luck and welcome to the club,

Green Hornet