VS-1880... Somebody talk me out of it! I beg of you!!!

[KingNothing]

Buy, Buy, Buy! Yes. Run out right now and buy it NOW!.

At least then you can record your drunk friends doing real stupid shit. Or incriminating sounds made by other people. You can even use it to record a normal conversation, and then doctor it all up...very useful..

[Brad]

Suntag,
I would love to offer up my opinion on the VS1680...Oh wait, I am a stupid American, what would I know...

[Suntag]

For what I'll be doing, this system seems to have proven its worth through the days. And with sites like VS-Planet (a bbs like this one, only for VS trouble-shooting) and the names Roland has made for itself, I'm running out of reasons not to buy it. The computer-based system would be nice if I had the time to worry about matching all the components, but for something rock-solid which won't konk out on me, is there really anything out there to compete with the VS?

Korg D-16 looks like it's a little gimmicky. Even the demo on it sounds flat...

Besides that, I just don't know. Right now, I have NOTHING to record with, and will NOT be converting my comp to audio recording (I need it for too many other things - and internet usage makes it volatile).

... help ...

-Suntag-

[monty]

Your mind seems to be made up about every other issue discussed on this website, then when it comes to the actual reason for this website, you ask us to make up your mind for you. You must be one mixed up puppy. I would say don't buy it, and don't get involved with home recording.

[This message has been edited by monty (edited 05-25-2000).]

[Buck62]

Korg D16 is gimmicky?
That's not what the reviews say.
And remember... the demo only sounds as good as the source it's played on.

Digital is digital. The rest of it comes down to what features you want and how much you want to pay.
They're both fine machines, but all Roland equipment is (IMHO) a bit overpriced.
And be prepared to buy only ROLAND add-on's... like a Roland cd-burner.
Other recorders allow you the freedom to use any burner you want.

[DALtune]

You picked the wrong place to get talked out of buying any piece of gear.

I have the 1880 and love it...so far.

[monty]

Okay...buy it. You want one, don't you? If you don't want to go the computer route, it's the way to go. Be forewarned, there is a pretty heavy learning curve. I bought a 1680 and returned it when I found out how much hassle it was going to be to learn to do things that are easy as pie with Cakewalk. You can, however, get the Datasonics VSPro Toolbox software which allows operation through your computer. More like Cakewalk with onscreen mouse editing. I did end up getting a VS880EX but never use it as I bought Cakewalk and a Gadgetlabs soundcard when I returned the 1680. But I also have a separate computer just for that.

[Buck62]

BTW... did I forget to mention that Roland charges thirty bucks for a video that shows you how to operate that machine?
They could've just written simpler instructions.
But, why do that when you can put it on a 2 dollar VHS tape and make 1,500 percent profit?
Like I said... overpriced.
(you asked to be talked out of this!)

[monty]

My 1680 came with the video and when I bought the VS880EX it not only came with a video but they also sent me one for free. I don't know why they did, but they did.

[RonH]

For what its worth, the D16 performs great, is easy to use and has a clean sound. FX are in my opinion outstanding. Touch screen works well too. Still learning, but to me, it seems simpler to operate than the Roland. Don't get me wrong, I like roland, and own many roland products, its just that I compared the two and the D16 seems easier and more intuitive and it will burn to CD. None of the products mentioned will work for everyone.

[Shailat]

I'll talk you out of it.

Got to the VS planet - meet some users - buy something else

[S8-N]

WORD.

Monty: Who did you blow to get all of those posts with the # 666???
Funny thing is that you can tie up your computer with internet, games, virtual sex, whatever... And still buy a seperate system dedicated to recording for less than $500...
Just use the same monitor.
Check out these VSPlanet guys... The only place you wont find them is in the "MP3 mixing clinic"...
Yeah.

[monty]

Dragon

[kristian]

BAD mental picture here.

[JimH]

I'll take a shot at it.

Part of your reason for wanting a VS so bad could be just wanting to have *something* to record with. Since you have a computer, maybe what you can do is buy a cheap soundcard for $89 or so, then get some kind of shareware, demo, or very cheap recording software, and you now have something to record with for practically nothing. (Did I forget anything? Maybe a mic preamp.) After using this for a bit, it may help you to reevaluate how badly you really want the VS.

I know you said that you don't want to do computer recording. But you don't really need to "convert" your PC to recording. I believe it can do both. There are lots of advantages to computer recording. Editing is much easier. Moving tracks around is as easy as drag and drop. Everything is individually upgradable. A CD burner is cheaper. Do you have keyboards? Being able to record MIDI is pretty helpful.

[Krystof01]

I also have the D-16-digital is digital as mentioned. I've had no problems and did also try out the VS-nothing against it-just down to personal taste I guess.

The trouble with new machines is that they are overpriced to start with. Wait 6 months to a year and you have it hundreds cheaper. What do you mean wait!!!!!!!!!!!

'your running out of reasons not to buy it'-in that case it means money is no object-do yourself a favour, buy yourself a home studio and one for each us at this forum-cheers.

[drstawl]

People have tried to warn me off of using my PC for more than just recording. I use it for everything. The only thing I can't do so far is run the voice chat......
No mic inputs on my Gina so the S/W gets confused. When I record I make sure only the recording app(s) are running.

[VineRecords]

I have a VS1680, upgraded with a 10 gig toshiba notebook hard drive and It is one awesome machine. As far as CD burning you can either buy the roland CD burner or Plextor works great also. I havent tried all the new machines so I really cant compare it to them. I dont regret buying my 1680 at all. I've made some very nice recordings. Go for the 1880, you will love it.

[magicman]

Does the VS-1880 allow you to burn CDs if you already own a burner? I have a Fostex CR-300 burner and if buying the VS-1880 means I just lost my $900 investment in the Fostex, then it's out.

[DALtune]

You can still burn CDs. The 1880 has all kinds of outputs(analog, digital), so connecting to your current CD burner would not be a problem. The only thing you lose (kinda) are the mastering functions on the FX expansion boards. You record to 16 tracks and bounce the stereo mix to 17-18 then you can access all of the "mastering" tools and Burning menus.

You cannot use a standalone unit and use the mastering effects as far as I know, but that doesn't mean there isn't a way around it.

[Buck62]

But, if you purchase a Korg D-16, you won't "lose" anything, and you won't have to "work around" anything. The D-16 will work with ANY cd burner, no problem. And you don't need a $30 video to learn how to use it.

[markr]

Hey Suntag, have you bought one yet?
I also considered buying one (but didn't)
Another option; Save $1,000.00 and pick up a Fostex VF-16.

[rjt]

You came to the right place, every time I mention a stand alone DAW, everyone tries to get me to buy a computer...they don't ever ask is portability is a factor (or whatever reason it is you want one). I think there are certain advantages to computers and certain advantages to stand alone machines depending on who you are and what you want to do. Regarding the VS two points: 1) it is 24 bit all the way through the processing, I havn't used one but folks "in the know" tell me that if you add effects, mix down etc several times, it is like losing bits, so your "really" don't have 24 bits when you are done. (hopefully someone more experienced than I could respond to that or even report whether it is a problem or not) 2) There are a number of other cool machines coming out right about now, specifically the Akai DR-16 and the Yamaha AW4416. You may want to wait to hear them before making up your mind. I have heard the Fostex and it sounded bad...but that may have just been the quality of the pre-recorded demo. Good luck with your choice.

[reclusesf]

You know, I usually abstain from shit-bagging home-recordists on this forum for ridiculous posts; but the posts following 'suntag's' original take the cake. 'Monty' proceeds to hassle 'suntag' about having his mind made up "about every other issue on this website" but coming hear to have his/her mind made up. Then 'KingNothing'(probably so) makes some stupid comment about recording drunk friends. Finally, our esteemed big shit senior member 'Brad' makes some lame comment about dumb americans.

Geez, I hate to be asshole, but did I miss something here or do these guys need to get out of their rad, killer "DAWs" a little more often. Nice show fellas! You guys must really know your shit.

Buck62 offers wisdom on the D16 and digital debate:

"That's not what the reviews say"
"Digital is digital"

a. Congratulations on reading reviews. They "sound" great.
b. Digital is Digital? Yep, that's why every single soundcard sounds different, people complain about pro-tools interfaces, and converters range in price from $150 to a $trillion fucking dollars. Are you joking Buck?

Monty's back: "steep learning curve".

WHAT? Using the EZ routing on a VS is ridiculously easy and el Monte should know that - he's owned fucking two of them. EZ routing takes care of all aux/patching/bus-ing while you're learning the intricacies, then you can do it yourself.

Then old Buck62 brings it back to whine about a $30 video to operate a $1500-$2000 machine. Ladies and gentleman.

Sorry for bitching so much. Suntag:

vs pros: easy, practicle, portable, and the 24bit models sound truly great. I've been recording on analog for years and the 880's and 1680's sound truly amazing. Also, if you play the guitar, you'll enjoy messing around with the amp simulators. You may not want them on your records, but thet're fun anyway. Oh, btw, the VS "planeteers" may not be terribly helpful (they're self-professed recording gurus like the people in this post), but that site is a tremendous resource, and any question you'll have is probably answered there. The portability thing is pretty amazing too. I'd set mine up next to the drum kit and record all night. It's great - no rewinding, clear sound, blah, blah, blah.

VS cons: You're stuck paying for a lot of features you probably don't know if you'll need. And if you do decide you need them, you may very well end up hating Roland's and having to shell out for outboard compressors, delays, preamps, etc.
A stereo pair of preamps - if you want to record drums - will cost you a least a couple hundred bucks. Compressors too - that was my only real gripe, I thought the Roland's comperssor sounded the opposite of "transparent" - it really colored the sound. But who knows, you might like it.
Lastly, if you decide you really like recording, you'll eventually get a nice analog machine or do it on a computer. It's kind of inevitable, and I know that sounds weird. That's what happened with me anyway. I was drawn to things like nice soundcards from traditionally respected companies, unlimited tracks, and I don't hate computers. By the way, you can absolutely work with regular apps/web stuff as well as record on a single pc, and don't let anyone tell you any different. If you have a mac, create a specific extensions set and restart before and after recording. Sorry, no info on pc. But, ultimately (and it took me a long time to realize this) I'll end up spending less on computer stuff than a standalone recorder. And the problem is that standalones are changing so quickly, resale value on a VS, D16, or whatever sucks ass. You'll be lucky to get half what you spent even six months later.

I don't know, that's just my two cents.

Good Luck!

[reclusesf]

Suntag, I forgot.

If your actually worried about matching components to do it on a computer, I'd really suggest some of the all-in-one pc solutions - bundles that include all the hardware and software you need to get rolling. Even effects. Even preamps on some.

Digidesign (pro tools) "Digi 001" seems real popular. Comes with Pro Tools LE software and an 8 channel analog interace (1/4" and Mic plugs), and even has two preamps.

See: www.bayviewproaudio.com www.digidesign.com

MOTU's 2408 MkII.
Some love it, some hate it, but it also comes with everything. It's about the same price, but no mic preamps.


See: www.soundchaser.com


Ya know...just go to soundchaser.com and each of the products links directly back to the manufaturer's page for specs/features.

Again, good luck!