What to do?

[JasonBird]

hi there, I'm currently recording through microphones, mackie mixer, delta44 card, into my desktop PC, into Sonar 1.31. I'm pretty happy with the results that I'm getting, but it's not an ideal situation for live recording. My dilema is whether or not i should stick with pc based recording and invest in a laptop computer, or should I buy a portable recrding setup, like a roland 1824, vf-16, or korg 1600, something along those lines. From reading different reviews, it seems to me the pc based systems off the most flexibility. What about going with a hdr based system like the mackie sdr 24 , is that a good option? i'd like to keep it under 3 grand and not completly obsolete everything i already have....thanks for your ideas and opinions in advance.
jason

[Tom Hicks]

Hi Jason
What is the most important factor for you?Each option has its advantages and drawbacks.
For example,computers are modular.You can upgrade your hard drive,processor,sound card etc.The solution in a box will always stay pretty much the same.
On the other hand,hardware solutions just don't crash and don't have to be tweaked and configured like 'puters.

[stonepiano]

one thing that doesn't get mentioned much in this debate is my problem. It's a problem I'm having doing comp based recording.

Many people suggest dedicating a comp to only recording. I do not have the $ to do this so my standard machine pulls double duty on the weekends when I'm playing weekend engineer. The only thing is, I find myself easily distracted by the fifty other apps on my machine.

With this in mind, I propose this question to you, JBird.

Do you ever fall victim to procrastinating on your computer when trying to get things done?

If your post count here is over 200, my guess is you do. I know I do so I'm thinking a stand alone unit might force me to concentrate on the task at hand better. I mean, they don't have minesweeper on the Roland VS series yet, do they?

stone

[James Argo]

I guess you'll want portable DAW as you mentioned. Korg D1600 is a good choice. You can take it easily to gig and record your live performance. Bring back home, transfer to PC, and make the editing in Sonar if needed. Simple and plain... or do you need any -must have- specific feature that I miss ? Ms Word perhaps ?