Analog 4 buss mixers w/ 4 tracks

[studiodrum]

Okay, I'm very new at recording my own stuff, so please be patient with me, and I apologize in advance for my brain dead questions. . .

I am planning on purchasing a used Tascam 4, or 8 track reel to reel recorder, as well as a used mixing board-- my recording experience is using a Tascam 424, 4 track recorder with the integrated mixing board. . .

My questions are. . . If I want to record all 4 tracks at once from the mixer to the 4 track reel to reel-- I will need a 4 buss mixer, is that correct?

and if I went with the 8 track reel to reel, and I would only be able to record 4 tracks at a time-- with that same 4 buss mixer. . . correct?

So, am I correct to assume that its the direct outputs, and/or busses on your mixer that determines how many tracks you can record at one time????

What model mixer would you guys recommend that would allow you to record 4 tracks at a time, and that also would also have 48v phantom power? Reasonable priced,and used?

 

[Easto]

If you mixer has any "insert" jacks you can use those as "outs" too (but it will usually be pre-fader/EQ/Pan. Just the raw signal.

 

[TexRoadkill]

If you are new then why get a reel to reel? They can be expensive to maintain even if you know how to do it yourself.

 

[Calwood]

You get alot of bang for the buck with Behringer mixers. They have a 32 channel 8 buss for like 600 bucks. Their 24 track 4 buss is somewhere arond 4 or 5 hundred bucks. If your getting an 8 track recorder why not get an 8 buss mixer? Their 8 buss model is MX3282A. Its an alright mixer,...I've had alot of expierience on it. Absolutely NOT the best quality out there but it meets all you criteria.

I will get bashed for this post!!! But,..who gives a fuck about that anyway.

Take 'er easy,...

Calwood

 

[Bulls Hit]

I agree with Tex. Why burden yourself with old technology? Sure analog can sound great and all, but if you're getting it to save money, you'll end up spending more in the long run.

For 4 track recording, I would recommend a Yamaha MG12/4 mixer for $200 and a M_Audio Delta 44 sound card , another $200. If you want 8 tracks, replace the 44 with a Delta 1010lt - $280.

Digital all the way baby

 

[Chibi Nappa]

I agree with Tex. Why burden yourself with old technology? Sure analog can sound great and all...

...And that analog real to real will still only sound great if you feed it great instruments, rooms, mics, and preamps. There is so much more to worry about concerning your sound than the medium you record to that it's not worth it. Go the cheap easy way (digital) until you get your technique and front end (mics, preamps, etc.) squared away. After a few years of that is under your belt, then get fancy with the recording medium if you want.