Yamaha or Tascam PLEASE HELP! Need 2 know 4 tomorrow!

[Odizzy1]

Yamaha MT3X or Tascam 414? PLEASE HELP!! Same priceish.

[Buck62]

They are both comparable, but if you really want to spend your money only once, go for broke and get a digital 8~track. I KNOW, I KNOW... it's not in your budget right now, right? Just hear me out.... You'll probably be happy with the 4~track machine for a few weeks or months until you realize that you want 1: Better sound quality... 2: More options... and 3: MORE TRACKS to record on without having to constantly bounce tracks and lose MORE sound quality. Plus, you get built in effects and the ability to get perfect digitally recorded music that you can put directly on CD with a CD burner. I'm only saying this because I originally bought a Tascam 4~track and outgrew it in a short period of time. I know 3 other guys who did the same thing. Trade in value is next to zero on a 4~track. Go to Guitar Center and you'll see a wall full of new 4~track units. You can probably pick up a barely used 4~track for half the price of a brand new one in the Tradin' Times if that's what suits your needs. Disregard this rant if you're just looking to have a little fun and are not very serious about ever getting your music to the masses. But, if you ARE a serious musician, and/or ever plan to make a good demo or record some serious original music, spend your money once... it's worth it. Sorry if I seem a little preachy here, but even if this post doesn't apply to your situation, maybe someone else who reads this might reconsider thier recording needs and benefit from it. Heck, I'm already pricing 16~track machines for my next CD and I haven't even finished the first one yet!

[TAE]

PC hard disc recording is the way today. there are soo many options and software to choose from any other way is just yesterdays news.Although this is more expensive in the begining the expandability in the future just blows away stand alone recorders. If you are planning on doing this for a few years jump on the HD recording bandwagon take a few months to educate yourself and spend your money on the technology of the future. Good luck!

[Buck62]

While I agree with TAE that HD/PC recording has a lot to offer, I disagree that other methods of recording are "yesterdays news". While technology can be a good thing, it can also drive you nuts too! I say... "keep it real" by using a device made specifically for recording music, not one that puts you on the internet, balances your checkbook, and helps your kid write a book report. I'm not bashing those who use the PC for recording... to each his own. It's just that "I" personally don't want to become more dependant on this thing than I already am. I spend enough time already in front of a computer screen. Playing and recording is a way for me to get AWAY from being "bug~eyed" from staring into a monitor for too long and getting a headache. Anyway... one other suggestion is to see if you can borrow or gain access to an analog 4~track machine for a week or so (from a friend) to see if it suits your needs. It'll only cost you the price of a few cassette tapes and you'll have a better idea of the realities of home recording and if it meets your expectations. Gather as much info as you can before you buy.

[audioforgery]

Heck, just buy 'em both. Then take back the one you like less. That's really the only way you can know what's right for you.

However, what's the rush? If somebody's giving you pressure to buy anything, I'd say back off immediately. You're the customer and these machines aren't cheap. Make the sales guy demo them for you. If he won't, walk.

[Jim Marquard]

Odizzy,

Go with the advice about an 8 track or pick up a used 4 track. I have been using a 4 track for years and they make good tapes for at home. Problem is, now I don't have a lot of loose change and can't get an 8 track. Wait a couple of months and get an 8 track--possibly used. You will run out of tracks too quickly on a 4 track, guaranteed.

Peace, Jim