Computer vs. Portable Digital

[kurt_tietjen]

What are the advantages of a computer based system vs. a Portable Digital recorder like the Akai DPS16 or the Korg D16??

As a 2nd question -- any comments on the Akai DPS 16 or the Korg D16? The Akai has a huge harddrive built in.

Kurt

[Mip]

I've been asking myself that first question for about a year now, and i've come to the conclusion that i'm going to buy a computer setup, because I think you can do it cheaper while getting at least twice the amount of tracks out of it.
I think a good 16 track digital recorder is around $5000 Australian (maybe more, maybe less), but a 32 track computer setup will cost you somewhere around $4000 Australian. That includes the computer, really good soundcard, and software.

[Macca]

You might also like to add the cost of 'plug-ins' to your computer set up.

What it really comes down to is what you want to end up with and what you want to do with it.

A portable all-in-one workstation is just that; portable! A computer aint.

A computer is a lot more expandable than an all-in-one, which is good if you want to keep upgrading your rig to a 'pro' recording outfit, capable of 'pro' results. (But there goes your price comparison!!!)
Don't get me wrong, the modern all-in-one units, Akai or Korg, are capable of astounding results. They may not have the convenience or 'user-friendliness' of a graphical editing environment, but they sure kick some serious butt.
I own a Korg D8, 8 track machine. I bought it on price mainly as I didn't own a computer at the time and didn't want to get into the whole computer set up thing.
But there you go.
Work out what you want and why you want it, and what you want to do with it, and you're half way home!!!

good luck,
Macca