multitrack vs computer

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FloydLongwell

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I have an ancient Korg D1600 mkii that works fine. The question is am I being stupid using such old tech? My only other tech is this Lenovo Ideapad 3 15iil05.

What I like about the Korg, it has inputs for phantom power, so I can use this (ancient) pair of Shure SM81 mics.

I'm only recording single tracks -- acoustic guitar, flute, sax, etc to mix down to 1 & 2. I realize my only output will be by CD
 
IF nothing is wwong with unit - why not? I’d be concerned about only being able to write CD’s - other than that for what you are doing - and your work flow with which you do it - it’s fine - SM81s are good mics BTW - they might be old - but are certainly useful - I will say this - with recording to a DAW. - you get a multitude of effects - better control of your audio - and more output formats than you can shake a stick at - and easier and greater amounts of storage.
 
Might be able to export with usb. Is DAW what I have? The only thing wrong is the headphone jack is wonky. Will have to operate at some point.
 
FloydLongwell said:
Might be able to export with usb. Is DAW what I have? The only thing wrong is the headphone jack is wonky. Will have to operate at some point.
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Digital Audio Worlstation- fancy name for recording on a Computer with software (Like Reaper, Logic, Cubase etc..) - how is the jack wonky? Is the connector failing or something?
 
The Korg is a standalone hardware DAW. Most people mean software on a computer when they say DAW, but it applies to various hardware units as well.
 
I am a naysayer. I have 4 analogue reel to reel recorders, i have mixers and lots of old rack gear. NONE of it is up to the quality and convenience of an interface and computer. There is something very nice about recording with the old stuff, but the advantages are swamped by disadvantages. Cost, reliability, repeatability, convenience, speed, versatility and in my opinion, quality. I have two analogue mixer and two digital ones. The most expensive costing a lot of money. Since covid it has been used 6 times. I do not need a mixer with knobs. My computers allow as many tracks as I need, and for me, automation is everything. I do like the old gear and collect it, but using it? All those restrictions? Not for me.
 
I prefer multitrack because it’s not a graphical show and I can focus on the music.
My DAW is so awesome that I sometimes spend hours tweaking effects for things that don’t add to the music.
Plus multitrack has better latency.
 
Manslick said:
I prefer multitrack because it’s not a graphical show and I can focus on the music.
My DAW is so awesome that I sometimes spend hours tweaking effects for things that don’t add to the music.
Plus multitrack has better latency.
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It’s graphical - just small and limited - but I know what you mean about the lack of distraction - I do that in Logic - you just set it up that way.
 
I think I am a bit weird. I use Cubase like a recorder. The only two things I use commonly are reverb, and a touch of compression. Oddly - not exciting O-Zone or similar products - just two reverbs, and two compressors - that come with cubase. The system sits there, connected. I can fire it up, press record and be recording in less than a minute from start-up. Like papanate - you just set it up to work this way. Probably quicker than shoving cables into sockets!
 
I have both, but 90% of my time is spent on the computer. If I record with my Zoom R-24, the tracks go straight into the computer for mixing. And like Rob, I usually limit myself to the stock plugins from Reaper. REAeq, REAcomp and REAverb with the Bricasti IRs are my mainstays. There are occasions when I play with others, but those time are rare.

My Zoom is great for remote recording tho. You don't have to take a computer, interface, more cords and other stuff. Mixer and the recorder takes care of it.
 
I have a good friend who also uses cubase. I was preparing something and he said he would send me his cubase file - as we both had the actual audio files, this would be simple. Nope! His file had over 120 tracks, and cubase threw up a plug-in error - 72 plug-ins not found. I knew some of the names but had no idea at all what they did. One guitar part was over a dozen tracks - each little bit processed with different processing. I moved them all to one track marked guitar. Reverb, tempo mapped delay and that was that. The same application but used radically different!
 
120 tracks is, well, ridiculous.

But I’m in a phase now where I’m doing the minimalist thing by restricting myself to 24 tracks ha ha.
 
FloydLongwell said:
I have an ancient Korg D1600 mkii that works fine. The question is am I being stupid using such old tech? My only other tech is this Lenovo Ideapad 3 15iil05.

What I like about the Korg, it has inputs for phantom power, so I can use this (ancient) pair of Shure SM81 mics.

I'm only recording single tracks -- acoustic guitar, flute, sax, etc to mix down to 1 & 2. I realize my only output will be by CD
Click to expand...
Your Korg D1600 is very similar to the older Yamaha AW16G and the Yamaha AW1600 units. You can export files via CD to computer. If it ain't broke....use it to record yourself.
 
Manslick said:
But I’m in a phase now where I’m doing the minimalist thing by restricting myself to 24 tracks ha ha.
Click to expand...
Not to worry, Manslick. You can still mix down some tracks to a stem, to free up space for more tracks.
 
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