digital recording-first timer!help

[singergrl]

I need to record vocal w/background tapes/cds on a digital 4 track recorder. I have priced out a couple multi tracker(toneworks, by korg) digital, is the one I am looking to purchase.
My questions are the following:

Is this toneworks, hand held a good buy?

What do I need for a mic? Will the CAD mic I have work?

What do I need for a soundcard?

Any info you can help me with is much appreciated!
Peace and happy recording!

[shadowfax]

i'm not familiar with any of this but it usually helps if you're a little more specific. for instance, what are you looking to spend? what model is the CAD?

[singergrl]

Ok Shadowfax....thanks, alright, the mic is:

CAD22

I bought 4 years ago to use for outdoor performances.
Can this be plugged into a digital recorder?

[singergrl]

oops forgot to answer your other question.....I am looking to spend no more than $500-600....FOR NOW!

[jeap]

ya those dinky things look nice.

the zoom dinky 4 track digital is the cheapest i think. like 250$.

they prolly have a 1/4" mic jack so youll want to get a mic cable with a 1/4" plug. radio shack has em.

your mic will work fine but you may want a better one.

the m audio audiobuddy mic preamp would be a good idea to get a good sound cause the mic preamps in the dinky things prolly suck. then you wouldnt need a special cable.

before you buy anything download the owner's manuals from the manufacturer's sites and and see what they recommend.

i would prolly buy the zoom or the tascam unit but theyre probly all very similar in usage and quality.

[Richard Monroe]

Singergrl- I use a KORG PXR-4 (the unit you referred to). It doesn't use a sound card, but it does need a memory card. It's called Smart Media, and you will need at least 1 128 mb card, about $50. If it was my only recorder, I would choose BOSS BR-532, for it's bigger faders. However, I love the Pandora for travel as a practice amp/tuner/accompaniment/creative tool. It will work with any mic that doesn't need phantom power. Any good dynamic stage mic will do. The back electret mic in it is actually rather good by itself. Consider an inexpensive tube mic like Studio Projects TB-1, which has external power. A little 4-tracker is lovely. We're now learning how to change MP-2 to wav and then to MP-3's, so I should be able to post up some stuff soon.-Richie

[singergrl]

Thanks Jeap and Richie!
Both great info. Maybe I will also look into the Boss BR532.
I will keep my mic for now, and look into the studio ones for recording. I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't blow up the new system...lol
I'll look into downloading the manual..also great Idea
THANKS

[knownuttin]

I'm not sure I get what you're trying to do. You mention both a standalone like the Korg, and a soundcard which makes me think computer interface. With your budget that's an either/or proposition.

Assuming you have a computer already, an analog to digital recording interface may be the more cost effective and flexible solution. It's less portable though.

Tell us what you want to do with your new rig. One important specific is how many sources you'll need to record at once.
-kent

[knownuttin]

Oh sorry! You said 4-tracker. So you don't mean computer. Otherwise I'd say have a look at the Delta line.
-kent