Computer studio, or 4-track recorder?

[Lyrical Boxer]

Aight y'all, you need to help me with a dilemma here.

Christmas and my birthday is coming up, and I am taking this opportunity to get something that will help my music career.

I have the option of getting a 4-track recorder for my birthday, which is coming up in a week. OR, I can wait till Christmas and get a new computer.

The problem with my current computer is that the soundcard (not the mic, at least i don't think) is extremely sensitive and picks up every noise. also, I get a squeaky scratching noise whenever I playback what I just recorded with a mic. As a result I am not able to record my music effectively on the computer.

What makes me want a 4-track is the extreme simplicity of it. I could record an instrumental on the computer, plug a mic in, and rap over the beat. I could do the extra sound effects on the 3rd track, and heaven knows what I'm going to do with the 4th track. Somehow when I'm doing this with Cool Edit it's just not "raw" enough. Also, the idea of a bedroom studio appeals to me.

I do not want to shell out $175 for a 4-track and make it collect cobwebs after we get a new computer. So help me with this guys.

What would you get if you were in my situation?

Maybe I'll get both, and record on the 4-track and put the song on the computer and just let it handle the mastering, etc.?

 

[FBstdminime]

Why do you have to get new computer if just the soundcard is bad? I would suggest getting a new soundcard - you'll save a ton of money that way.

Eric

P.S. - What mic are you using?

 

[Lyrical Boxer]

cuz...

Coz the overall computer sucks. it's a 133 mhz. i just have to get a new computer. i can't stand the old one.

not sure what mic i'm using but it works fine when i use it in ohter shit.

 

[zelmobeaty]

I have owned numerous 4 tracks over the last 20 years. Then I upgraded to a Roland VS-840EX (8 track digital)and soon outgrew it when i wanted to use loops. I strongly suggest a computer system. I just switched and am very pleased.

 

[Lyrical Boxer]

All righty then, thanks for putting in your input, any more opinions?

 

[Diragor]

4-track machines are a dead end. If you go the computer route you'll be able to expand as needed instead of starting over again. Starting with 2-4 inputs you'd only need a Celeron 300+, so you could get the system for like $500 (assuming you'll keep your monitor).