DPS12i or D16?

[Blender]

I am looking for a decent multitracker, but I don't want to spend to much. Considering my budget, the most that I can afford is an Akai DPS12i or a Korg D16. I already have a Yamaha CRW4416S external CD Writer, and this device is compatible with both. This will come in handy for backups.

I've been to the music store lately, and the D16 was cheaper than the DPS12i. In my point of view, the D16 pro's are its size, the touchscreen, 16 tracks and built-in efx, and its price, the DPS12i pro's are its superior recording quality (compared to the d16), 12 seperate faders.
So it's basically "16-track portability" vs. "12-track quality".

Can any one of you add some usefull comments/insights on my short analysis?

Thanx.

 

[Buck62]

I don't know where you priced those units, but I got the new Akai DPS-16 for $1,500 even at Guitar Center.
Skip the salesperson and go directly to the manager and tell him what you want and how nuch you want to spend. Tell him that if he cuts you the deal now, you'll be back for LOTS more equipment in the near future. Those are the words they want to hear.
Remember, *anything* is negotiable.
Go for the best you can get.

 

[Pbass75]

$1500 is a pretty good deal! i wish i would have known that before i got my vf-16..oh well

[Edited by Pbass75 on 09-12-2000 at 20:01]

 

[lazyboy]

Yeah, $1500 is a great deal! With Fx? I know they're supposed to be standard on american models. The cheapest I've found is through Musicians Friend for $1900. I figured I could get zzounds to match or beat the price and not pay tax or shipping. The nearest GC is in Cleveland or DC, either of which is a 3-4 hour drive for me. I'm gonna haggle with the locals this weekend. I'd make the drive to save $400 though. Damn, if I could get a price quote that low, I'd have even more leverage when I shop locally (I use locally rather loosely. The nearest good shops are 60 miles away in pittsburgh).

Blender, I think you're the first person I've heard refer to the touchscreen as a positive. It would drive me nuts. Doesn't the Korg only record 4 tracks simul.?

 

[DollarB]

I was in the same situation that you were and I ended up going with just the dps-12. To me sound is everything, consider how many tracks you are going to use. I use cool edit pro to construct base line with its 4 track, once the base line is how i want it i just load it in to 1 track of the dps-12. this site http://www.shreveaudio.com sells the regular dps 12, for like $600. I got mine from there, but is the dps-12i, it sounds good. I added 2 gig jaz drive to it. But for only $600 you can save the extra money and get other equipment that you might need in the future. Also is the dps-12 is extremely easy to learn and use.