mitchmolson

Hmmmm ... just noticed that I didn't really answer your question. My guess is that if you are computer savvy, you should not have a problem learning any of these machines. It also will help if you are familiar with the working of a sound mixing board, as things like outputs and effects loops work similar to that. The key to using any of these machines is understanding that, although attempts are made to making using them similar to using a tape recorder, many functions are controlled by software and must be adjusted and saved using menus, etc. that are displayed on a small LCD display. Per what I said earlier, the AW1600 manaual makes it look a little more difficult to understand IMO -- more difficult that the Tascam box would seem to be, but you can check out the manuals and decide that for yourself.

Not sure how the buddy list and visitor message thing works, so you might want to confirm that this gets through OK.

My recorder (the now discontinued Tascam Pocketstudio 5 4-track recorder) is still in the $300 category, so can't speak from personal experience, only what I have read and heard from net friends. But the AW1600 at around $1000 is a well regarded machine -- I once considered getting one myself. The most negative thing I can say about it is that from what I saw when briefly reviewing the manual either the machine is not all that easy to use, or the manual to me is not that good. Another negative is that when recording in 24-bit resolution, it only provided 8-tracks -- 16 tracks is only supported when recording and playing back in 16-bit resolution. The higher resolution supposedly provides higher sound quality. I am not sure why that is so important because when one puts the final product on a standard audio CD the resolution is 16-bits. I have however been told by on-line friends I trust that the 24-bits makes a difference, and that if one ever wants to take the files to a studio for professional mixing and mastering, 24-bits is a must to have.

Another option is the new Tascam 2488 neo, which offers 24 tracks at 24-bit resolution at the ridulously low price of around $800. The just discontinued 2488 Mark II has a few less features but can be had for a little over $600 new if you move fast. That said, I have seen to quite a few bad reports on-line about failures in the 2488 series, so I definitely wouldn't go in that direction without buying an extended warranty.

The one I have my eye on is the Korg D3200 at around $1300. It provides 32 tracks at 16-bit resolution or 16 tracks at 24-bit resolution, the latter of which would seem to be enough for anything I would do.

I think any of these machines, if used properly can produce equal quality -- not professional quality, but darn close. Manuals for all of them are on line and I would recommend taking the time to download and browse through them before buying to get an idea of how easy the machines are to use. One final note -- as you are considering the AW1600, which is a higher priced machine, you might ought to consider a PC+software based approach. I don't care for that approach, but many others on thie board are big fans of it.

Hope this helps,

Regards,
Tom

www.soundclick.com/oancient1