analog setup???

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happymatty

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hey, im not new to recording but ive always had a digital setup, and i would like to get an analog setup on the blend but i though it would be best to ask for a nice simple run through of all the equiptment needed, how things are hooked up, and anything else that differs from digital. just wanna get a rough idea of how much i would have to spend.

thanks, matt.
 
Matt,

First off, what are your specific needs, like do you record just piano + vocal or something more elaborate? How many tracks do you absolutely need? Fill us in, before we go any further.

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happymatty said:
hey, im not new to recording but ive always had a digital setup, and i would like to get an analog setup on the blend but i though it would be best to ask for a nice simple run through of all the equiptment needed, how things are hooked up, and anything else that differs from digital. just wanna get a rough idea of how much i would have to spend.

thanks, matt.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty big question, but with just a bit more info, I'm sure plenty of people around here will be able to give you ballpark figures.

1) How many tracks are you wanting to be able to record on analog?
2) Are you wanting to synch up your digital and analog, or keep analog separate?
 
im looking at an 8 track, i would be mainly recording guitars, drums and vocals, and i would like to be able to mix/master in anologue, i am guessing this means i will have to invest in an effects rack. Also what sort of mixer will i need?

Thanks, Matt
 
IMO you'd be good with an integrated 8 track unit like the Tascam 388.
You avoid all of the interconnection and component compatability hassles up front which lets you get down to recording straightaway. Not to say that doing any mutlitrack work doesn't have a learning curve, but the 388 has boatloads of functionality and is a pretty good quality system to boot.
 
+1 to the 388...great way to get into analog multitracking on a machine that can hold its own for sure.

But if you go with separate components, the basic units needed for creating a multitrack project tracked and mastered to analog would be:

  1. Analog mixer
  2. Analog multitrack recorder/reproducer
  3. Analog 2-track recorder/reproducer

Yes, you would need outboard effects processors as well if you want to utilize them, but they are not necessary to the process like the tape decks and the mixer.
 
Other things to consider in the mix:

>>Your budget both up front and for longer term:
For a discreet component setup like Sweetbeats has outlined, figure not only the initial cost of the mixer + 8 track + 2track, but also all of interconnect cables and the cost of 1/2" tape (8 track) plus 1/4" tape (2track). You have a lot more flexibilty with the individual components, and can grow your setup easily, but the investment is going to be larger.

>>Space: how much room do you have, are you able to dedicate a semi-permanent location to set your gear up? Discrete components require more space and beg for nice furniture to set them up. They are a pain to move.

>>Quality: Running a 1/2" 8 track is going to sound better than a 1/4" 388.
How MUCH better is less certain, and will have a great deal to you with your techniques, recording environment, and skills as a musician and recordist.

I'd still say buy a 388 and cut your teeth on analog. The 388 does everything the individual units do, in less space and a lower investment. (unless you can get killer buys on gear) If you find you like the results on the 388, you can always but a 1/2" 8track and 1/2" 2 track and use the mixer section of the 388 standalone.
 
Yep-yep...techno's spot-on. I've heard some amazing stuff done on 1/4" 8-track, and there are lots of hidden costs in a component analog setup, cabling being significant for sure. Furniture worse though you can get by for sure on hodge-podge solutions, but if you are planning on doing your own calibrating and maintenance, a tilting rack for the multitrack deck is a real back-saver, but anything decent is going to run you in the neighborhood of $200...that's almost half of what a decent 388 costs. The 388 remains one of the coolest open-reel pieces of gear ever made, period.
 
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