Digital---->analogue....there and back again.

[ausrock]

OK, I know this kind of thing has come up here before, but I couldn't track it down, so here goes...........

I track onto a Fostex D160 16/44.1 H/disk recorder, and will be mixing direct to a dedicated audio computer (when I finish building it) to burn CDs.

I have the opportunity to buy an Otari MX-55 1/4" 2 track reel to reel..........cheap!!!

Would there be any audible change in the sound if I first mix down to the Otari, before transferring to the PC for burning to CD. The other option that occured to me was to track vocals to the Otari then transfer them to the digital domain.

Comments please.................

[longsoughtfor]

Hi Ausrock - As you have noticed but maybe others have'nt there is a similar discussion going on in the Analog forum.

I'd say go for it with the Otari. Depending on head wear etc... you may find that it sounds better to mix to then the computer. You can always then transfer the mix from the deck to master it...

As for vocals on the Otari, I'm sure you could get it to work OK, syncing would be my only concern.

Hell, if it's cheap enough you could use it as a slap-back echo box

Kevin.

[TexRoadkill]

Originally posted by ausrock
Would there be any audible change in the sound if I first mix down to the Otari, before transferring to the PC for burning to CD. The other option that occured to me was to track vocals to the Otari then transfer them to the digital domain.

Of course it will sound different. I wouldn't mind having a decent analog deck around to use for mastering and effects. Usually 1/2" is considered more of a pro standard than 1/4" but it should be cool for some stuff.

[Cratinus]

aus,..just curious. is there something about the "sound" of your current setup that you aren't happy with?? are you looking for more "warmth" or "presence" from your recordings? i've actually been considering something along these lines as well (currently i am mixing a 16-bit
digital signal through an analog desk). i am calculating that "hammering" a mix onto a 2-track analog deck might give my tunes a bit more of a "warm, rounded" sound. might be worth the experiment. cheers.

[ausrock]

Cratinus,

It sounds like we are doing similar things.........I run through a S/craft Spirit Studio 24/8 into my Fostex.

Generally speaking, the Fostex/Soundcraft combination is great,....... but I know that an analogue component MAY give things a slightly enhanced sound. If the budget allowed I would be putting in an 8 or preferably 16 trk tape, synched to the Fostex. I would use it primarily on vocals and drum o/heads.

[mixmkr]

imo, I think you will just be wasting your time. Don't expect the Otari to "enhance" your mix in a pleasant way. I say that because with Otari generally being considered a notch or too above the Tascam, Fostex...of the era, it is still consumer gear. You'll want to find a quality 1/2" deck to get the analog 'bashing' that you apparently are searching. Old MCI, Ampex's, Scully's, and even Studers are around for a reasonable price. I am guessing you can pick this Otari up for a couple hundred...even less. Consider..., if they where so "hot" for "enhancing" digital mixes, their prices wouldn't have dropped like rocks..especially for the prices they are commanding now. I think you'll just be bummed by the tape hiss, and not the quality you think you might get. As far as syncing vocal tracks...you might get away with it (but not by syncing this machine, which I believe you won't be able to), but by recording them on the reel to reel, then dumping to the computer and then lining up there. Something more "timing" critical, I think you'll find the sync to drift enough after a minute or so, to make it unusable.

So....what did I say?? I'd say, if you can find a quality machine that was/is PRO to mix to...you might be happy. Not so with this Otari.

[MikeA]

1/2" may be a "pro standard" now but for years and years 1/4" was the pro standard. The MX-55 though is one of their older models and you would probably do better to get a Studer, Sculley, MCI, or Ampex.
Mixmkr, I kind of agree with you in that the Otari is not in the same league as a Studer, but "a step above a Tascam?" Give them at least two steps. A whole, whole lot of gold and platinum records have been done on Otari machines. One other thing about the MX-55 is that it's highest speed is 15ips. For a true pro machine with low noise level you would want one that does 30 ips.
You could do worse but I think you could do better also...

[camn]

Forget about the tape. Save your money, sell your Fostex, and start recording at 24-bit. THIS will improve your sound in a signifigant way.

xoxo

[ausrock]

Guys,

Thanks for the opinions.............you kind of confirmed what I suspected.

Camn,

There's no doubt that upgrading to 24bit would give some improvement, but for my current purposes 16bit is doing fine........but I hope your comment to forget tape was only aimed at my specific Otari 2 trk enquiry and not meant to imply that 24bit is preferable to analogue as a whole.

[knownuttin]

This for me is the crux of the whole analog vs. digital debate. While I concede that well-maintained pro analog decks are superior to the best 24bit digital rigs yet devised, I also know that I can not afford to purchase, restore and maintain such a deck, let alone reels of 2-inch tape.

My consolation is that the technology is catching up, and the gap will be closed in the foreseeable future. I won't spend the interim relapping heads, perfecting my razor technique or learning to set azimuth. More power to those who do. You deserve our money as your clients.
-kent