Cheapest Overall setup- semi emergency

[jmproductions]

My parents say that if my band can keep the total cost of a recording/mixing setup under 300 they will buy it for me. When i say a setup, i mean everything a recorder, a mixer (i don't care if its a machine a a computermixer) and a microphone.

Your best value in this price range would be a 4-track MiniDisc (MD) recorder. You should be able to pick up one of these on Ebay for less than $250. Then maybe you'll have enough left over for a Studio Projects B1 microphone. This combo would give you pretty good sound quality with some patience and research on recording techniques.

Joel

 

[Lopp]

I second the VS880.
The VS880 is a great setup you can get used for possibly under $400 and maybe even around $300.

For example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2509318010&category=1288

Now that I have a good PC-based recording system, my VS880 is collecting dust. However, I to me, it's worth way more than they're selling for used, so I'll never part with it.

It may suit your purposes for many reasons:
Portability
Better sound than 4-track cassette
At least 4 inputs
Good effects

However, some people find them difficult to use. I didn't think it was too bad, but I'm part electrical engineer (FWIW).

There are other issues to keep in mind with the VS880 such as:
- making sure it includes the effects board, getting an EX instead of an Xpanded (but the Xpanded will be cheaper),
- having a backup such as SCSI CD-Rom or SCSI Zip
- did I mention it may be difficult to learn to use?


A 4-track MiniDisk may also be a good option, but I've never used one.

 

[Lopp]

By the way, that eBay link I posted is a good example of an Xpanded being listed as an EX (which it is not). However, right now it's a GREAT buy at around $200 for the VS, the effects, and a CD-Rom. It will possibly still be a good buy at over $300.

 

[jmproductions]

By the way, that eBay link I posted is a good example of an Xpanded being listed as an EX (which it is not). However, right now it's a GREAT buy at around $200 for the VS, the effects, and a CD-Rom. It will possibly still be a good buy at over $300.

I think it would be a steal at $300. I used to have a VS-Expanded, I think I paid $1900 without the CD-R. Good sounding machine and great sounding effects. I am worried that it would be a little difficult for a beginner to use though. We need to keep in mind that his goal is to cut a demo and he's not trying to get into any heavy production here. That's why I'm thinking the MD might be a little more straightforward in use and should definitely be within his budget.

 

[Vurt]

life would be alot easier if i didn't hafta depend on my parents so damn much

Perhaps, but then, without them you would not be shopping for recording equipment, would you?

As much as I detest computer recording, I prolly hafta agree with everything Camn said. Otherwise, I would get a new (NOT used) cassette 4 track and a couple mics, and learn with them. By the time you grow out of the 4 track, you'll have a much better idea of what you really need, and you won't be out too much dough.

 

[jmproductions]

Otherwise, I would get a new (NOT used) cassette 4 track

Why would anyone want to mess around with cassette tape when you can get the sound quality and editing capabilities of a digital multitrack for the same price? It won't be too much longer before you won't be able to give away a cassette 4-track - at least an MD recorder will hold it's value when and if he decides to get something else.

 

[Vurt]

Because they're more closely related to reel tape recording. Good place to start if someone wants to learn reocrding processes. Plus, I happen to actually like cassette recordings. usually they're very interesting, and they always have a unique quality to them that I love. I still use my old 4 tracks once in a while and will probably never get rid of them. A couple weeks ago we did all the drums on one, sync'd to everything else that was done digitally. Awesome.

the rash of 4 track bashing really sucks.

 

[Lopp]

I think it would be a steal at $300. I used to have a VS-Expanded, I think I paid $1900 without the CD-R. Good sounding machine and great sounding effects.

No doubt. I think I mentioned I think the 880 is worth more than they're going for. The only thing to keep in mind is to monitor the price so you don't pay more than the going price. Also, the EX is definitely worth more than the Expanded at least for three reasons:

XLR inputs,
Backlit, tilted display, and
"Mastering" capabilities.

I am worried that it would be a little difficult for a beginner to use though.

I think I mentioned that a couple of times, but good reminder.

We need to keep in mind that his goal is to cut a demo and he's not trying to get into any heavy production here. That's why I'm thinking the MD might be a little more straightforward in use and should definitely be within his budget.

That reminds me, Important: also keep in mind there is a learning curve to recording and mixing a demo. I remember when I started out on a 4-track, my live boombox recordings sounded way better than my 4-track recordings.

Point being, just getting a multitrack recording setup will not result in a good demo. It takes time and patience to learn the art. For most of us here, homerecording is an end in itself, not just a means to an end.


Matt

 

[jmproductions]

Plus, I happen to actually like cassette recordings. usually they're very interesting, and they always have a unique quality to them that I love.

I think I know what you are saying as far as the sound. I got some cool sounding stuff out of my Portastudio with a little effort. Problem is after 50+ playbacks you start to get tape dropouts and hi-end roll off. I was just thinking in terms of bang for the buck for someone starting out.

Joel

 

[darnold]

jmproductions - i want to learn a little more about your multitrack minidisc recorder idea. Is there really a minidisc recorder you can plug a B1 into? Very interesting.

danny

 

[dobro]

"Prolly" is good American English. I've seen it written and heard it said. I use it myself.

Not only that, but you got some excellent advice here Blankink - good luck with the project. I'd rate the advice here in this order, considering your budget now and the direction you're probably going to be moving in the future:

1 Camn's suggestion about computer recording.

2 the four-track minidisk

3 the four-track Tascam

They're all good, though.

Have fun.

 

[littledog]

"Prolly" is good American English. I've seen it written and heard it said. I use it myself.

maybe in Singapore...

 

[jmproductions]

jmproductions - i want to learn a little more about your multitrack minidisc recorder idea. Is there really a minidisc recorder you can plug a B1 into? Very interesting.

danny

The Sony unit accepts 2 XLR's although you'll need a phantom power unit (Rolls PB23) to power the B1. I've got one I'll sell you cheap if you want it. Check out:

http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/1997_articles/feb97/sonymdmx4.html

Yamaha MD4 is line only I think, not sure about Tascam's.

 

[darnold]

Very cool jmp,

i was just interested because i have always though that minidisk recorders were little dinky things. I didnt know they had bigger and better ones that could actually do multiple tracks and use XLR. Sounds like a good little unit.

danny