So I'm primarily a performer, but every once in a while the urge strikes to record something to get an idea down. For a few years I was using a studio PC w/ Cubase, Reason, and a Motu 828mkII. A rocking system, except that I discovered I had pretty severe ADD when it came down to tracking. Every time I went to create the effect I was looking for, I found 5 others (or blinking lights, even worse), and completely lost what I wanted. I think I had too many options.
Fortunately, I accidentally plugged in the fireware cable to my 828mkII backwards a year and a half ago, and rendered it useless as an interface (power to data = pzztt). Still a rockin preamp & pass thru though. I pipe it to my DBX 2ch compressor - nice sound.
Shortly after the short-out, I bought a Roland VS-880 Ex. that I used seldom few times (got married, a career, moved, life, etc). Sold it a few days ago cuz it was just sitting around.
Using the Roland the few times I did was a pretty straight forward experience. Despite the console being small (esp. the screen), it gave a decent sound, and it was easy enough to plug in (mic or line level, very cool) and hit the record button. I tinkered with it enough to know that the effects boards were awesome sounding, but it was hard getting them to work in a way that would record what I wanted (clean track, effects track, bounced track, etc). I also didn't have the manual, and I did have a short attention span.
I'm thinking about what to get next. Replace the VS880? Get a 1680? Forget it and go with an 8 track reel to reel?
I use pedals for effects - what I do on tape I need to do live - so that's not much of a concern. I'm looking mostly for a digital multitrack hard drive recording deck, I guess.
Anyone use the VS-880, VSR-880, or the VS-1680/equivalent as their main tracker? What'd you think? Would you do it again? Any other suggestions or preferences? I'm all rack-ears.
Fortunately, I accidentally plugged in the fireware cable to my 828mkII backwards a year and a half ago, and rendered it useless as an interface (power to data = pzztt). Still a rockin preamp & pass thru though. I pipe it to my DBX 2ch compressor - nice sound.
Shortly after the short-out, I bought a Roland VS-880 Ex. that I used seldom few times (got married, a career, moved, life, etc). Sold it a few days ago cuz it was just sitting around.
Using the Roland the few times I did was a pretty straight forward experience. Despite the console being small (esp. the screen), it gave a decent sound, and it was easy enough to plug in (mic or line level, very cool) and hit the record button. I tinkered with it enough to know that the effects boards were awesome sounding, but it was hard getting them to work in a way that would record what I wanted (clean track, effects track, bounced track, etc). I also didn't have the manual, and I did have a short attention span.
I'm thinking about what to get next. Replace the VS880? Get a 1680? Forget it and go with an 8 track reel to reel?
I use pedals for effects - what I do on tape I need to do live - so that's not much of a concern. I'm looking mostly for a digital multitrack hard drive recording deck, I guess.
Anyone use the VS-880, VSR-880, or the VS-1680/equivalent as their main tracker? What'd you think? Would you do it again? Any other suggestions or preferences? I'm all rack-ears.
