Don't you think TASCAM DP-01 is now a better option than Fostex MR8 ?

[crgl]

Since everyone upgrades its ( included ) 128 Mb card, which adds additional cost, and supposing you have not bought the Fostex MR8 in the first place, would you consider buying the Tascam DP-01 digital recorder instead ?

It costs $ 400.

It has a 40GB internal hard disk, 8 mono ( independent) tracks, an additional ( stereo ) Master track.

No effects.

 

[ch2os7]

better option?

Be aware that you'll need a mixer for phantom power and eq and decent pre amps. By the time you outfit the MR8, you'll be over $400.
The Tascam doesn't have phantom either but the other features are good. Is it uncompressed 44.1/16bit?
I'd probably go for it if it came in RED!

 

[crgl]

Be aware that you'll need a mixer for phantom power and eq and decent pre amps. By the time you outfit the MR8, you'll be over $400.
The Tascam doesn't have phantom either but the other features are good. Is it uncompressed 44.1/16bit?
I'd probably go for it if it came in RED!

You said it:

Fostex doesn't have phantom power either, nor equalizer, nor decent preamps

What "other features" does the Fostex have ????

Tascam has 8 mono tracks ( no only-stereo tracks ), and yes, it has 44.1/16bit uncompressed recording.

 

[cellardweller]

Seems to me that the premise of your thread is correct.

There does seem to be one thing overlooked though, it comes in RED, BLACK, and now GRAY!!!

Put that on your Tascam and record it...

 

[BentRabbit]

You said it:

Fostex doesn't have phantom power either, nor equalizer, nor decent preamps

What "other features" does the Fostex have ????

Tascam has 8 mono tracks ( no only-stereo tracks ), and yes, it has 44.1/16bit uncompressed recording.

But even without the Phantom power, I do have two XLR jacks... The Tascam doesn't offer that...
I suppose for what I spent on my MR8 and my MG10/2, I could have got the Tascam...
Actually... nope... Even with the 512 memory card, I still came in at just over $350... And I can still use my MG10/2 for other things as well...

Were the Tascam available a year ago when I got the MR8, I think I would have looked pretty strong at it... But the lack of XLR is a big thing to me since I really don't want a 4 inch adapter poking out when I'm trying to do portable things...

Edit: The eight separate tracks offered really don't amount to that much of a convenience to me since both decks can only record two at a time anyway....

There's plenty the Tascam has that I wish the MR8 did... The recording space onto a large hard drive is desireable...
But for the price they're axing.... I'm happy with what I have...

 

[crgl]

Seems to me that the premise of your thread is correct.

There does seem to be one thing overlooked though, it comes in RED, BLACK, and now GRAY!!!

Put that on your Tascam and record it...

I think you win... I have the Ketchup Red one.

Does it come in Gray now ???

 

[cellardweller]

Someone said it did, though it seems the person was not from the states.

You can really get some good deals on CF cards. My 512 CF ended up costing somewhere around $25 after Mail in rebate.

I never used the XLR inputs before I got my DMP3, but damn did that make a world of difference being able to run balanced as opposed to unbalanced...

 

[Rokket]

But even without the Phantom power, I do have two XLR jacks... The Tascam doesn't offer that...
I suppose for what I spent on my MR8 and my MG10/2, I could have got the Tascam...
Actually... nope... Even with the 512 memory card, I still came in at just over $350... And I can still use my MG10/2 for other things as well...

Were the Tascam available a year ago when I got the MR8, I think I would have looked pretty strong at it... But the lack of XLR is a big thing to me since I really don't want a 4 inch adapter poking out when I'm trying to do portable things...

Edit: The eight separate tracks offered really don't amount to that much of a convenience to me since both decks can only record two at a time anyway....

There's plenty the Tascam has that I wish the MR8 did... The recording space onto a large hard drive is desireable...
But for the price they're axing.... I'm happy with what I have...

I am with you all the way there. My only wish is that the MG10/2 had XLR outs. I would love to be able to run a balanced signal to my MR-8. I love it as is, though. I cannot believe how much better my acoustic guitar tracks sound since I got the mixer. I know that I am not using it to its full potential yet either, since it's mainly a pre amp right now (until I get live drums), so I am still learning how everything works on it...

 

[crgl]

Someone said it did, though it seems the person was not from the states.

You can really get some good deals on CF cards. My 512 CF ended up costing somewhere around $25 after Mail in rebate.

I never used the XLR inputs before I got my DMP3, but damn did that make a world of difference being able to run balanced as opposed to unbalanced...

Would you please, give details about your setting for recording using the DMP3 and the XLR inputs ?

How did that change your recordings ?

Does the XLR inputs really make a difference even if you record very near to the recorder ?

 

[Rokket]

Would you please, give details about your setting for recording using the DMP3 and the XLR inputs ?

How did that change your recordings ?

Does the XLR inputs really make a difference even if you record very near to the recorder ?

The XLR inputs are balanced, which means they reject outside noise such as hiss and the like. The difference in recording with the DMP3 or any other pre amp is that you can get your signal much louder without having to turn the knobs up on your trim in the MR-8, therefore you get much less noise introduced onto the tracks. It doesn't matter how close or how far you are from the recorder, accept that longer cords tend to introduce much more noise because there is more wire available to pick up transient waves. This shouldn't be a factor with XLR or any shielded cables. But the shorter your signal chain has to travel, the better off you will be.

The settings on your pre amp should be that the gain is cranked up just below the clipping level, and you don't have to turn up the trim on your recorder. For certain things, you may have to adjust them both a little bit, in order to get a good loud, clear signal.

I hope this answered your question...

 

[BentRabbit]

I am with you all the way there. My only wish is that the MG10/2 had XLR outs. I would love to be able to run a balanced signal to my MR-8. I love it as is, though. I cannot believe how much better my acoustic guitar tracks sound since I got the mixer. I know that I am not using it to its full potential yet either, since it's mainly a pre amp right now (until I get live drums), so I am still learning how everything works on it...

I could be wrong (I'm at work and can't verify) but I'm thinking you should be able to run TRS 1/4" from the Yamaha to XLR on the MR8 for balanced input... If memory serves, the outputs on the MG's are balanced...

Anyone know furchur?

 

[crgl]

The XLR inputs are balanced, which means they reject outside noise such as hiss and the like. The difference in recording with the DMP3 or any other pre amp is that you can get your signal much louder without having to turn the knobs up on your trim in the MR-8, therefore you get much less noise introduced onto the tracks. It doesn't matter how close or how far you are from the recorder, accept that longer cords tend to introduce much more noise because there is more wire available to pick up transient waves. This shouldn't be a factor with XLR or any shielded cables. But the shorter your signal chain has to travel, the better off you will be.

The settings on your pre amp should be that the gain is cranked up just below the clipping level, and you don't have to turn up the trim on your recorder. For certain things, you may have to adjust them both a little bit, in order to get a good loud, clear signal.

I hope this answered your question...

Thanks, you answered a lot of questions and raised another one(s):

I record by connecting my guitar to my amp modeler ( behringer Vamp ) and straight into the MR8. I have not had a good result. People in this forum have told me to get a mixer.

What exactly a mixer does , apart from mixing different audio sources, that could help my sound ?

What do you think about Behringer UB802 Mixer ?

This mixer has XLR inputs, but I don't see any XLR outputs to connect to the MR8 neither specifications in the online manual about the outputs being balanced. In that case this mixer would not connect to the XLR inputs of the MR8. Will that make a difference ?

Thanks for your help.

 

[cellardweller]

A mixer will have "better" pre's than the MR8, as well as provide the ability to route multiple sources into either/both channels of the MR8.

If you are not recording more than two sources (two mics) at a time, I would recommend the M-audio DMP3. It comes highly recommended around these parts for "bang for the buck".

If you are needing more than two channels, I believe rokket/rabbit can advise you on the specifics of yamaha mixers.

 

[Rokket]

I could be wrong (I'm at work and can't verify) but I'm thinking you should be able to run TRS 1/4" from the Yamaha to XLR on the MR8 for balanced input... If memory serves, the outputs on the MG's are balanced...

Anyone know furchur?

I'll look into it. I don't have any TRS cables to XLR, though, so I'd have to buy them. I am getting decent results just running TS cables from the stereo outs. Is there a better way? How do you run to your MR-8?

 

[Rokket]

Thanks, you answered a lot of questions and raised another one(s):

I record by connecting my guitar to my amp modeler ( behringer Vamp ) and straight into the MR8. I have not had a good result. People in this forum have told me to get a mixer.

What exactly a mixer does , apart from mixing different audio sources, that could help my sound ?

What do you think about Behringer UB802 Mixer ?

This mixer has XLR inputs, but I don't see any XLR outputs to connect to the MR8 neither specifications in the online manual about the outputs being balanced. In that case this mixer would not connect to the XLR inputs of the MR8. Will that make a difference ?

Thanks for your help.

I've heard many mixed reviews about the Vamp. I think you have to really play around with the settings to get something decent. I think using the Vamp is almost the same as DI (direct in), and you can't really get a decent sound out of it. If volume is the issue, go for the pre amp or get a mixer. If it's tone, you may want to look into mics on an amp.
As far as Behringer goes, same issue. I've heard folks down them and there are those who like them. If price is your main concern, then go for it. I bought the Yamaha MG10/2 because everywhere I looked, it was getting great reviews. I have never been happier. Once I get all of its features down, I think I will have a great mixer for a long time. I got mine for less than $100 US, which is a bit more than the Behringer, but I think it was worth it.