VF-16 or 1680?...

[Ibanez^]

I am thinking of buying a used roland VS-1680 or a new Fostex VF-16.. but i'm not sure which one to buy..(they cost the same) can any one give me any tips? the man that was selling the fostex said it had better fxs and newer functions, but i don't know if he is just trying to sell the fostex..Can anybody help me out.(i tried the vs forum--they think i should go for the roland) thanks.....

[Bob Dallago]

Ibanez,

I just got my VF-16 from musicians friend. I only listened to the recorded demo but it sounds great. I am still reading the manual . There seems to be a lot of menus to go though to change settings but I am sure with some time it will be easy. The effects on the demo sound great.

I am not familiar with the Roland at all. I would suggest that you tell the sales man that you want to hear the pre-recorded demo on the Fostex and that may help you out.

Bob

[oneArtist]

Ibanez,
If you get the VF 16 at Muscians Friend, go through Dashbar.com and get a 5% discount off the $1200 or better yet, go to http://www.digitalproaudio.com and get it for $1049. Or even better, get the D824 for $1500 like I did and you'll be ready for the furture. The D824 is not only 24bit96K, but it has better converters than TASCAM's MX2424($3600)If you need a digital mixer, get at TASCAM TMD-1000 on ebay for between $300-$450. My D824 is coming from DigitalProAudio today. It's a small business in NY state that is very customer friendly and knowledgeble in DAW's.
(The $1399 price listed for the D824 is $100 under the real price-misprint.)
Chuck

[Stratamatic]

Depends on what you want to use it for. I have a VF-16 that I use to record my own music, I'll be recording my band with it real soon, I also use it to make pracice cd's for myself. In this respect it works out great, for the price I'm not complaining about anything. If you are using for home studio type things a Vf-16 should work fine, I'm sure it would work good in pro-recording conditions too, in certain circumstances.

As far as the 1680 goes, what version is it? Does it come with BOTH effects cards, this is a big question as they are EXPENSIVE if you have to get them. If it's a newer 1680 with both the effects cards I would have to seriously consider it if I were you. If it's an older 1680, don't even consider it imo.

The VF has access to all 16 faders at one time, 1680 doesn't.

The 1680 comes with Mic and amp simulations (if it has effects cards), the VF doesn't

The new VF will come with a warranty, the 1680 will not.
Etc.....
Just depends on which of these factors are important to you.

I don't think you'll notice much of a differance sonically between the two. Just go for the one with the features you'll be happy with.

One other important factor, is 16 bit good enough for you??
sounds fine to me but a lot of people are opting to go with 24 bit as it will soon be the new standard. That doesn't mean much to me but it might to you.

Hope this long reply helps. :-) Phil W.
Oh yeah, If you get something new, no matter where you get a price from get online with someone from Full Compass, they'll usually beat it. Woulda saved almost $100.00 on my VF if I'd known about this at the time. Good Luck!

[Ibanez^]

Thanks a lot for helping me out..It's not any easy desicion.. the fostex sound pretty good with all the new features, but i still like the big screen and form of the roland.. But i'll research some more..Thanks again..