Computer vs. Digital Recorder: Help!

[Don Lee]

I am replacing a Tascam 38 w/mixer/dbx and want to go digital. I have a decent midi setup (Mac, Sequencer SW, M1, 4-5 modules) and enuff guitars to make my wife crazy. I have about 12 years of analog recording experience, but it is seven years old! The World has passed me by! And I'm confused!

Should I go with a really good soundcard (500-600.00 range) or something like a Korg D16? What are the pros and cons? I am experienced with Mac's and PC's, so I'm not concerned about "learning" to use the HW interface or software, etc. I also don't mind retiring my Mac in favor of a PC-based system.

I am concerned about (1) Best value: Based upon limited research we're talking about the same $$$ when its all said and done, so I'm talking about usability 4 years from now. (2) Familiarity of use in re: the analog world. For instance, I cannot imagine a mixdown without having fingers on faders, (3) I use lots of guitar tracks, and (4) Editing and Mix options.

My thinking is that Computer-based solution is likely to be the way, but I'm having a hard time pulling myself out of an analog mentality......HELP!

 

[Darkhorse]

I am by no means an expert - and I have the same questions myself. I've been recording on Analog Tascams for about 7 some years. I have had some recording software on my computer and I found it didn't give me the same dynamic sound as analog. That is, if I recorded something on the computer and then something on the tascam, I would end up liking my tascam much better. If I were to suggest anything, I would go with some of the new Digital recorders and forget the computer sound cards, I'm sure many people out there would disagree and many would agree. If you have the money to throw around then try them all! There is an advantage to some of that computer software you can edit out any clicks and bad annoiances which sometimes get in the way. - and some of it gives you virtually unlimited track space. But for me, I usually don't use beyong 8 tracks.

 

[ola]

Darkhorse - what soundcard do you have? A "regular" soundcard may explain (some of) the difference in the recording quality. As for analogue vs. digital in general, I found it to be of no use to decide which is better. It's different, end of story.

As for digital stand-alone vs. computer recording. My experience with stand-alone recording is very limited but so far, I've disliked the menu systems combined with a small display. I found it hard to get a good overview. However, I can see why some think they're easier to use but I don't. I miss the hands-on experience of stand-alone units though. Also, I like computer HW and looking for a soundcard have been an interesting journey and ironing out the problems that may come with computer recording is my idea of fun... And, I already have a good computer so all I needed was the dedicated soundcard and the SW, meaning that I was up and running for less than $500, plus mics etc. but that's the same for both of course.

So, where does leave the poor sods who's pondering the eternal question? Try both before you decide. It's the only way. Have the people at the music store give you lenghty hands-on demos of both systems before you decide. It's a lot of money so you should really make sure that you get what you're most comfortable with.

Good luck

/Ola

 

[DavidK]

I guess I will throw my opinion in to this very
complex question.

Don, do you LIKE computers? Do you enjoy
the challenge when things dont work? If no,
stay away from the PC system.

As far as price, if you already have a good
computer, the DAW (thats what computer
recording is called, digital audio workstation),
will be much cheaper. A program like cakewalk
is $179, a decent soundcard can be as low as $300.
The Korg is probably $1400 I would guess.
Thats a big difference.

If you like faders to mix with, there are products
out there to use with the DAWs. Peavy makes
studiomix, which looks like a mixer, but its a
machine to mix cakewalk with faders instead of
a mouse. A friend of mine has one, works great
for $299.

As far as sound quality, they will be very similiar
between the Korg and the DAW, as long as
you have a Reasonable Soundcard. I have a
Darla24 card, which was $250-275 I think,
and after experimenting with mic placement,
reverb, mixers, all that stuff, I am able to make
some really serious stuff.
I made a recording last night that really sounded
like it was done in a pro studio, no fooling.
I am not an engineer-type either, I am a pro
classical violinist.
The bottom line is dont worry about the sound
quality, the Korg or a DAW will sound good in the
right hands.

As far as which one is easier, in my opinion that is
a no-brainer: the Korg will be much easier, at
least at first. If you are used to Tascam Porta
Studios and Such, the Korg is very similiar.
However, the DAW is easy after you fool with it
for a few months. The learning curve for a program
like cakewalk can be a little steep, but for me
it has been a blast to learn this new technology.

I cant tell you how much I have learned in this forum,
its amazing. There are some smart folks here who
have bent over backwards to help me, so if
your worried about the learning curve, dont, just
hang out here and ask a bunch of questions.

I used to have a Fostex and a Tascam, and I loved
them both, and occasionally I think " why didnt
I get a Korg or Roland recorder". But then when
I see what can be done with the DAW, I realize
I am going the right way.

A final note: I use Cakewalk Pro 9. Cakewalk
just put out a new program called SONAR, which
looks very cool. I can upgrade to SONAR for
$99. If you have a Korg, and then Korg comes
up with something cooler, you cant just trade
the old one in, you will fork out another $1400.
I can also add more RAM, better hard drive,
etc, so the computer is much more forward-looking.
Food for thought, Cheers, David

 

[Don Lee]

Thanks for all of your replies. I truly appreciate it. I will certainly make a habit of visiting this forum moving forward.

Gracias!