Computer or 16 track for recording accoustic?

[Hob]

I'm interested in beginning to record accoustic piano, and I'm wondering whether to buy a digital 16 track, or a computer with recording software. Would love your insight into the pros and cons of each. Thanks.

[Garak]

If your background has todo with computers go with the computer based setup.

If your background is music then you might be better off with the 16 track recorder.

The main factor for me was cost, 16 track recorders can be very expensive compared to a PC. You can build a computer to handle 32 tracks + for under $1000. While most 16 track track harddrive recorders are well over $1000.

If your just recording piano you don't really need a big fancy setup nor 16 tracks. A small 8 track recorder would do fine or with a computer likely the computer your using now would be fine if you add a pro quality soundcard.

In recording piano most of your money should be spent on buying mics and preamps and maybe an out board compressor.

[SPINSTERWUN]

Garak pretty much summed it up inside of one post.

spin

[dr.colossus]

one point is that a console (be it eight or sixteen track) is by far more portable than a p.c.......but what garak siad is vrey important... if you never seen a tascam porta 02, then go with the pc, because once you get attatched to console recording its a hard thing to break out of....IMHO i think digital eight track would be suited down to the ground for the job (unless of course you feel you will need sixteen) then the money saved would be well spent on good mics, comps and pre's... just like garak said

[Garak]

PC based systems can be quite portable they just cost a little more than. A rack mount computer chassy and keyboard drawer in a little rack. Add a flat panel LCD and its just as portable as any of the harddrive recorders.

I've dragged the PC with a 17" CRT to more live shows that the computer chassie actually fell apart.