Sky, I think you might have a couple of options here. In terms of recorders you can go with the ADAT XT20 and get the ELCO connector. You than have balanced tape inputs and +4db on those inputs. You now have a recorder that is up to snuff with the big boys. Its extra money, but if you have it go for it. Another option is
the Fostex D-108 which is an 8-track digital hard drive recorder. It also records 20 bit like the ADAT and it can be purchased with an additional balanced +4db connector. If you don't have that kind of money to buy the deck and connectors, just get the deck--either comes standard with RCA, unbalanced -10db jacks. Hey, sometimes money is a factor--it definitely would be for me. Mixers: I might go with
the Studio 32--it looks impressive. But for the same money, I could get
a Tascam TMD1000 digital mixer or the Roland VM Pro3100. Both go for about $1000, have digital effects and a snapshot memory (remembers all your settings so if you stop recording one day, a week later you can start again at all the same levels). Of course, the Roland VS series stand alone recording system are the talk of the town.
The VS880 is a 20bit recorder and
the VS1680 is a 24bit recorder. Both have awesome built in effects which means you don't need anything but instruments and vocals. Any outbourd effects would be to bolster what they already have. The 880(@$1500) is an 8 track and the 1680($2400) is a 16 track. The big problem with the 1680 is that the effects cards (it takes up to 2, but you can install 1 at a time if you don't have $600 for both) are optional. But I have seen stores throw one or both cards in for free (really).
Personally, I think I would go with the ADAT. I like the idea of putting 40 minutes of 8 track music on a $12 tape. I, unfortunately am not made of money, so I dream about the Studio Pack, which I still can't afford. The Studio Pack is the LX20 and the Studio 24 board. You don't get the option of balanced +4db tape inputs, but the total cost is under $2000. And you get the Nanocomp and Nanoverb and all necessary cables for hooking up the recorder, board and processors, too. People might say that those effects units (the Nanoes) aren't too hot, but they are basically thrown into the Studio Pack for free. Honestly, I've listen to this setup and I was really impressed. The recording sounded pretty great to me. It may not be production studio quality, but it beat the heck out of my anaolg 4-track. Anyway, you can always add better effects (I already have them), upgrade the board and use the old board for live shows and/or practices. The options are endless. The question is what does your pocketbook allow. This is a great website, but some people act as if those of us with small check books and families shouldn't try to produce great music of good quality. When the record labels decide to push my songs and pay me bucks or when I win the lottery then I will get the toys I really want. But till then, I can still create killer music for a little money. Someday for even $2000.
Another option is
the Fostex VR800 and
VM200 (Ithink those are the right numbers). This set up is a digital mixer (the VM) and 8 track hard disc recorder. The recorder is 16bit (the same as a CD) and uncompressed (important). The Mixer is 32bit (that is vastly superior to CD, though the recorder will take that great sound and only produce CD quality sound--like that is terrible, right). Musician's Friend has this setup for $1899. Oh yeah, the board has built in effects, though it may not have a compressor. It does have all kinds of digital outputs, including ADAT--all standard. So you could go straight from this board into an ADAT and not even worry about the balanced vs balanced and the -10db vs +4db argument. The signal would be pure digital. So the LX20 vs the XT20 ADAT argument starts to become unimportant in terms of sound quality--the digital signal remains the same for both. So $2500 or less would get the Fostex board and
the ADAT LX20 and the money you save could buy a killer compressor, additional effects, mics, new guitar, etc. depending on the amount of money you have to use.
Make sure you try to get an opportunity to check out the equipment you want to use before you buy, if possible. I live in small town in rural Wisconsin (go Badgers) surrounded by a number of small towns. I have 2 music stores in a 25 mile radius, so listening to everthing I want would be tough. But to try is important. Let you ear decide what you want more so than your pocketbook. Money should determine only what you can't afford, the ear should tell you the rest of the story.
Peace, Jim
[This message has been edited by Jim Marquard (edited 12-16-1999).]
