Roland VS 2480 versus Yamaha 4460 and others

[ttewell]

Being an afficianado of analog, (used to own a Tascam 24 track 1 inch machine and Tascam board) I am having difficulty achieving good response in the lower registers from my VS1680... its clean but no balls. I am considering upgrading to a 2480 or perhaps some other brand of digital machine. What are other's experiences? Am I moving in the right direction, or should I buy back my old analog system (this would cost me about $8500, which would buy a lot of cool digital stuff and accessories.). Money is really no object (within reason). The primary consideration is good sound and editing/mastering capabilities. Of course I am aware good technique is of the essence, however a first-rate machine certainly doesn't make the formula any more difficult. Any suggestions out there? I've heard great product from inexpensive machines, and realize the capabilities are out there, but I don't have the time it takes to really wade thru a lot of procedure if I can put to tape what is coming out of the instrument. It seems to me the 1680 has limitations in the lower frequency spectrums that are audible in the final mix. I love a good tight bass mix with lots of punch.

[ttewell]

I also understand from my reading the Yamaha 4416 has all but eliminated the latency issue, does the Roland have any trace of this problem? Knowing some pro recording engineers, this seems to be an issue of concern. And does anyone know if Yamaha might be u0pgrading to 24 tracks soon. I really prefer 24 since that is what I am used to.

[virtual.ray]

The new Yamaha AW2816 is about $1500 cheaper than the VS2480,and has most of the features of the AW4416.Both Yamaha machines have a sonic edge over the Roland IMHO in that they do not compress the audio data. Ergo,ballsier sound.

[Link]

No latency issues with the aw4416

IMO get something like the AW4416 and buy yourself some good preamps to go with it (mindprint envoice, Joe meek etc etc)

Then you have Awesome automation abilities, and a great sounding desk. The inbuilt pres are pretty good, but an outboard pre is still a better thing IMO

[docwilson50]

I just purchased a tascam M-512 and looking for a owners manual. If you know where on can be had please let me know at "docwilson50@home.com"
Thanks in advanced

[ttewell]

Thanks for the replies so far. Hope to get a few more so I can make a decision. ery helpful so far. I woiuld rather buy on recommendation or good data than a hunch.

[MrZekeMan]

The VS-2480 has uncompressed modes.

You might want to also give consideration to the Akai DPS24 if you need 24 tracks. It also has the automation like the 2480 and AW units. I bought the 2480, the Akai machine gave me the the biggest temptation. I'm not sure if it's been released yet, but if it hasn't it has to be close.

Does the 2816 have motorized faders?

Zeke

[ttewell]

I have seeen the Akai 24 track unit listed in the Musician's Friend or American Musical Suppy catalogs already.
Does anyone know if Yamaha will be releasing a 24 track version soon? I know their secrecy is legendary, but there is always an industry buzz around.
The uncompressed modes of the 2480 are a bit of acrobatics to use as I understand it. The Akai unit looked good but I am not sure what the total features are.. of course no one has everything, also I was concerned about overall sound quality and reliability.
I do want onboard effects, signal processing and mixdown/mastering. I wonder what the Akai 24 track has to offer in this category, also does it have a CD/RW bay option. Anyone out there familiar?? PS thanks,everyone for the suggestions and replies

[MrZekeMan]

Originally posted by ttewell
I have seeen the Akai 24 track unit listed in the Musician's Friend or American Musical Suppy catalogs already.

They've been listing them for at least 6 months, maybe more. The same with the 2480. They listed it for a long time prior to it's release.

The uncompressed modes of the 2480 are a bit of acrobatics to use as I understand it.

I don't understand what you mean by this.

The Akai unit looked good but I am not sure what the total features are.. of course no one has everything, also I was concerned about overall sound quality and reliability.
I do want onboard effects, signal processing and mixdown/mastering. I wonder what the Akai 24 track has to offer in this category, also does it have a CD/RW bay option. Anyone out there familiar?? PS thanks,everyone for the suggestions and replies

I agree. I really like the looks of it. I like those 100 mm faders. My apprehension about the Akai was the same as yours; overall sound quality and reliability. The input I got from people familiar with both Akai and Roland, advised to go with the Roland.

The effects were a big selling point for me as well. Again, those familiar with these systems advised me that the Roland efx were elite to the others. It has processing on every channel just like the 2480. Each channel has compressor/ limiter/expander, noise gate and programmable 3-band EQ with sweepable high and low bands and a fully parametric mid-band. I don't remember reading anything about the mastering, but I can't imagine that it wouldn't have it. In the Roland, you master to two virtual tracks, so you don't have to reserve two of your regular tracks for mastering.

I believe the Akai does have a bay for a CD writer. The burner has to be ordered as an option.

The Akai looks like a nice machine. I was tempted by it. If I were in your position I would still be tempted by it I think.