computer recording or Digital Recorder?

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FullSailStud

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Ok.....here is the deal. I am wanting to record mainly live instruments(guitar,bass,drums,vocals). Would I be better off recording on my computer or buying a digital 8-track recorder that can connect to my computer for burning cds of what I recorded? What are the pro's and con's to both? and i would appreciate it if you could possibly recommend some digital recorders within the $600 to $900 price range. thanx
 
Both is the way to go. If you can afford it. If you act fast the korg d16 is on closeout almost everywhere. Then Install Vegas on your Comp. They you have prtability and Power that is eternally upgradeable.
 
Yo Studley with FULL SAILS:]

Also, you might want to check out the new baby brother of Yamaha's 4416, the 2816.

It's got 16 tracks, all digital, and mix down to the internal built-in CDRW. And, it costs less than the 4416; however, I've noticed that the price on the 4416 has also dropped significantly. But, the 4416 has a longer learning curve than its new brother, 2816.

I have one on order, 2816, and I'll post when I plug it in and see if it is "easier" or easy to operate.

Green Hornet
 
I had a roland vs880 and it took me 2 months to even get up and really operating, I hated it . I've got vegas now and it took about 2 hours!
 
Hey guys, I also asked the same question earlier. My question now is(since I'm still unsure) what are the advantages of having both the PC and the digital recorder?
Specs
 
PC's kick ass for editing but can be somewhat iffy for multitrack recording....if set up and optimized CORRECTLY, they can do fine, but the standalone units offer portability and stability....for instance you can record a gig or practice session to the standalone unit and bring it home, fly the tracks into the PC, and do the editing, mixing, and mastering.....
 
IMO Gidge is right on the money.. Get a recorder w/o a cheesy mixer/fx part.. Just a recorder that lets you transfer all tracks into the computer. Spending money on a good computer will also benefit you in more areas than music. If you have a good computer, you'll also be able to do some darn serious pre-produtions (i.e. using drum-software, linebox + POD)
 
I am in complete congruence with Gidge and Meshuggah. If you have the money then it's the best way to go...

spin
 
Can you guys recommend some good recorder units without mixer/fx. I have been reading and reading and I think the more I read the more confused I get on what to buy. This studio is a slow project but i want to basically have an outline so I don't buy equipment that I don't need. I want it as pro as possible so as to maybe use as an income on the side. I know I need to build a new comp. I think I might go with the Asus/athelon combo and a POD, DI, new keyboard, Drum machine(after I master Fruity Loops), good monitors(JBL LSR25p). A good souncard with digital ins/outs.

I read a sight that said for good sound I would need a Digital mixer, monitors, a DAW, ADAC, MDM, and mics.

I haven't decided if I am going to convert part of my garage or part of my basement yet but if you guys can suggest good quality material to make a pro or close to pro studio that would be great.
I also won't need to ask this question again, seeing as some people on here are constantly answering this question.
Specs
 
Well.. I have made up my mind about my (future) setup.

I will get an Alesis HD24 for portable recording. I have a Mackie 1604 vlz pro for its' pres and for monitoring, and will also buy a good stereo stand-alone pre. This + mics and monitors is what I bring for recording. Once recording is done, I transfer the files by the network interface to my comp and do all the mixing / editing. This gives me a high quality setup while I hunt down outboardgear-bargains.

I figured this is the best price/performance for my budget w/o having to buy gear that will be obsolete when I have invested in proped outboard gear. The Mackie will of course be too small when that day comes, but it will still be a VERY good mixer in many aspects. Even tho I'm starting to hear that Mackie sound ppl aren't to excited about, I still think it's one of the best, most bang for the buck mixers that's out there.

Look around the manufacturers sites and read up on the products that are in your pricerange. Alesis, Roland, Tascam, Mackie to name a few...
 
The Mackie 1604 vlz is an analog mixer, 16 chan and phantom power correct? I saw a used one and was going to pick it up but I was thinking digital might be better. I can see now that for a start you have the digital covered with the ADAT. Does the ADAT send digital to you soundcard? Are the pre's on the Mackie good enough for vocals or their not that great so your getting another pre?
Specs

p.s
Sounds like a good way to start.
 
Yup, the Mackie is an analog board.
http://www.mackie.com/Products/VLZ_PRO_Series/1604VLZPRO.asp

You CAN send digital to an ADAT interface on your computer, however, that seems rather irrellevant when you can download tracks to the computer with an FTP-client through the networkinterface.
http://www.alesis.com/products/hd24/index.html

I have very little experience with pres, but I've been interested in music and good sound all my life. The Mackie pres are good, but they have a certain color. I'll get a good couple of micpres to have an alternative to the Mackies, and to have a comforable little setup to record with my soundcard at home.
 
with a digital eight track recorder is it possible to record eight tracks at the same time and have them all seperate? I know with the boss br-8 it says you can only record two at a time and have up 8 tracks for playback, and then ping ponged tracks you can have a lot more.
 
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