2488 neo opinions

[Tru]

Hi there, I have been working with my 2488 neo for a long time. Probably because I have always been broke, so when I was playing shows I didn't use effects. I know it sounds naive but it wasn't until I started recording that this bell went off in my head that said" aha, that is how they did that". I knew about Flanders and chorus and distortion pedals but I thought they were just gimmicks. I got my sound from my guitar, my amp, and most importantly, the volume knob.
So, when I began home recording it was to work out ideas, not produce for anyone. On a 4track cassette recorder. Forget the brand, but still have it in some drawer.
From that I went to a Boss BR-8. That was fun and all but it was still pretty basic and getting zip disks was getting difficult. So enter Tascam 2488 Neo.
Instantly, way over my head, not a lot of info on the web, and I think that anyone that has ever had one will agree that the User Manual is the absolute worst in creation.
To my point. Even though I am slowly getting it, and it has taught me that my brain can be stretched further than I ever imagined, what I want is thoughts on the difficulty of other systems. Are the difficulties from my lack of knowledge, in general, and no matter what I decide, that will be the same result, or are computer system for recording easier?
For example, every bit of information out there is Not for the Neo. Internet and books.
I see something like "push the soft knee button" . That doesn't exist on a neo.
Anyway, I just miss recording and I feel that eventually I will be forced to get something else. I would like to get opinions on what might be a good fit for me before that day comes, so I can start looking looking for it.
I really hope this is portable. I could use the information. Thank y'all ahead of time. I sure like reading what you say.
T

 

[PitchTempoAndriy]

Tru, a useful way to compare is to test one tiny recording job, rather than trying to learn every effect first. Record a short guitar part, overdub one more part while hearing the first, adjust their levels, save, then make a stereo file. Keep EQ and compression out of that first test. Those are separate skills you can add later.

For any replacement you're considering, ask for a demonstration of that exact sequence. Can you see which input feeds which track? Is it obvious what you're hearing while recording? Can you reopen the song and get back to work? A larger computer screen can make those things clearer, but audio-device setup and monitoring add their own learning steps.

I'd also treat that 'soft knee button' instruction as a mismatch with the tutorial's equipment, not evidence that you're missing a basic recording skill. Which part of the Neo currently stops you most: getting sound onto a track, overdubbing, finding effects, or making the final stereo file? That would help people suggest a simpler route without sending you into another big learning curve.

 

[Manslick]

YouTube.

 

[PorterhouseMusic]

The 2488 has a very loyal following. People seem to love that recorder and become attached to it.

If you're staying in "stand alone" recorder land - which I certainly relate to (I only just recently jumper to Reaper and computer based recording) - the next logical recorder is the machine that Tascam released after the 2488: the DP-24/32(SD). <--- technically 4 different models but all very closely related. The only one of these four still available new is the DP-24SD. They're a little dated by now - but still very capable, very powerful, very (imo) intuitive recorders. You can accomplish full production strictly inside the DP - including mastering tools.

I still capture everything on the Tascam DP and then export/import into Reaper.

You may want to consider jumping in to computer based recording. It's true that some folks suffer from "option paralysis" or "workflow frustration" with computer based recording as the typical DAW's are quite complicated. But they're also extremely powerful. And fun.

Let me know if you have any questions about the Tascam DP line - I'm pretty familiar.

 

[TalismanRich]

The thing about recorders is that they are as basic or complex as you want. I read people saying that a DAW is just way to complex and "I don't need all that". Well, your car has a whole bunch of stuff that you probably don't use, and your computer can do stuff that you don't use. My oven has an air fryer that I've never used.

I recommend you look at some computer recording software, specifically Reaper. It's my personal choice.

I have it, it's a full fledged DAW, and I can set up 1 channel to record, press the record button, record and then play it back. No changes, no tweaks, just record it and then play it back. No different than plugging into a cassette deck and then rewinding and playing it back. Its not mandatory that you put 10 plugins on every channel. Start basic, then try a few things. As you do, you learn. Computer have an advantage over standalone units in that they are extensible. Its a tool box, and you can add tools to them. Want 10 compressors instead of 1? Add them. 7 types of reverb? Heck, I've got 90! Add a drum program, add a synthesizer. It's endless. Or you can just keep 5 or 10 that you like and use and delete the rest. It's entirely up to you. You didn't read your entire math book in school and know it all 2 weeks into the semester. It took time to learn it all. You may never graph a linear polynomial! And you may never use that MIDI Velocity Variation Generator plug-in.

I have 4 stand alone recorders, two Yamaha, two Zooms. They are all different in methods, menus, etc. but there's nothing particular difficult in learning to use them. I haven't used the Tascam units, but I suspect they are similar.

I agree with Porterhouse. It's really easy to record on a standalone, and then transfer it to a computer. I use my R-24 to do mobile recording, pull the SD card and copy it to my computer. Then I'm free to mix levels and pans, twist and tweak things as needed. With my first Yamaha, I had to burn it to a CDR, then copy that to my computer. Adding USB was a huge improvement. It's best if the system uses standard WAV files, not a proprietary internal format. It just makes life easier. Whether you use SD cards or USB shouldn't make a difference. You just want to copy the files.

Of course there's nothing to stop you from doing everything in the box. It's what you learn and become comfortable doing And Manslick's right, Youtube has video on just about everything. Tascam Forums has messages going back to 2013 in the 2488/DP24-32 section. Those are the first places to hunt for answers.