Recording full band?

[CALABRESE]

Hi,

I would like to buy the MR-8 because of the affordable price and the USB download capability. (I have Win 2000, Acid Pro and a CD burner.) But my only concern is miking drums since the MR-8 has only 2 inputs. Has anyone tried miking drums w/ the MR-8 yet?
I am currently recording with a Tacam Portastudio 4 track but we really need an 8 track recorder. I want to record Drums, Guitar, Bass and 2 vocals. Would the MR-8 be the right choice for me? I am also looking into the Tascam Portastudio 788 but I'd rather get the MR-8 (because of the affordability and I want to use my computer for editing and mix down. It sounds like most people are using the MR-8 for just recording guitar and vocals. Has anyone recorded a full band yet using the MR-8?


thanks
-jim

[RampageGL]

hey jim, i've recorded drums through ONE mic on my fostex 4track(same as your tascam) and it came out fine. But since I no longer have a set to use, I put the old recordings from the 4track onto the 8track, and if it sounds good recording it on the 4, then it'll be better on the 8track. Just get the package, so you ge t amic w/ it and mic cable, and go about another mic w/ cable and you can record to seperate trakc s/w 2 seperate mic's so im sure it'll work out, and the mic it comes with is quite good.

[CALABRESE]

Looks like the MR-8 will give me the same limitations the 4-track does. The VF-160 or Vf-16 seems to fit my needs better, I just wish it didn't cost so much. Does anyone know if the VF-160 or Vf-16 has the capability to upload to a computer via USB like the MR-8?

[mrx]

The VF-16 requires either SCSI or an ADAT card to transfer to a computer. For recording a whole band, the VF-16 will let you record to 8 separate tracks at once. I'm assuming you checked out the "MR-8 recording time trick" thread?

[BubbaGeek]

Currently I record drums with three mics (cymbals, top drums, kick) run through an external mixer. I do a real-time mix-down on the drums to a single track into the recorder. The more mics you have on the drums the better the result.

BTW, the VF160 will do 16-ch records with an external ADAT box. This can be done with the VC-8 and a mixer (not a cheap solution). Graham Patten ADAT-1 is another option (pricing unknown).

If I get the VF160 doing 16-ch, I'll probably hang 4 or 5 mics for the drums.

[Goodwin Audio]

If you are going to record a full band, I think you will quickly find the MR-8 fustrating. 2 simul tracks and only 8 total! I have been using the VF-16 for some time and it is a great recorder, easy to use and a great value for the money. You can find them for $400-500 on eBay all the time. You will need at least one SCSI ZIP100 drive or like device to move your .wav files to PC. I bought 2 ZIP drives for like $60 bucks and a couple of ZIP disk for like $10 bucks. I can record 24 tracks on my VF-16 and move them all my PC for mixing. It really is easier than you might think. Go to http://www.meetgoodwin.com/GoodwinAudio.html and see the setup I am currently using. I can record 16 tracks at once now!

Good luck,
Daniel
www.meetgoodwin.com

[CALABRESE]

Sorry if someone posted this already but can the VF-16 connect directly to a external CD burner? Looking at my PC's limitations I don't think I'd be able to use it to mix and master, unless I seriously upgrade the thing. I am trying to find the most cost effective option. Would a used VF-16 and CD burner (if it's an option) be cheaper than the VF-1600? Does anyone have any recordings posted of a song mixed to the internal burner on the VF-1600. From what I've seen most songs are recorded on VF-16 ( or VF-1600) but mixed on a computer. Has anyone recorded, mixed and mastered using the VF-1600?