ex-Tascam TSR-8 home vet seeks a new digital environment

[G. Simon]

Hello -

I used 1/2" analog tape in my home studio during the 1990s, boxed the machines up in 2000, and haven't done any recording since. I'm ready to start again, but I would like to go digital with some good advice guiding my decisions.

I once made great tapes, but I've never burned a CD. I am computer literate and Internet savvy, but I know nothing about where to begin with this.

Specific questions for you if you feel like answering:

1. computer software vs. stand-alone mutitrack recorder?
2. PC vs. Mac? (I hear Mac software is the industry standard?)
3. books you might recommend?
4. what am I forgetting to ask?


Thanks,
Glenn

 

[guido #2]

1- go with a computer. With a computer you can do many other things besides record.
2. mac vs PC- used to be a really big deal... not so much any more. Macs tend to be easier, but more expensive. A lot. PCs are stupid cheap and you can buy one at the beer store.
3- hmmmm....for what you are looking for at this moment, I don't think you can beat this forum and the internet in general. ALWAYS start by checking the manufacturers webpage.
4- "Mother, may I?"

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

^^^^
What he said.

Do you still have your mixer/outboard gear/etc? Since you already have good experience working with tape, its quite possible to use a computer the same way you used to use the tape machine: record through the mixer into the machine, play back and mix through the mixer. Kind of the best of both worlds- you can use your tasty outboard gear AND use the software editing, plugins, and mix automation. You can pick up one new piece of digital technique at a time that way. (The same is true, of course, if you use a stand-alone digital deck.)

That path DOES up the startup costs, though- even if you already have a computer you're going to need better sound card than the one its got in it. You can get a decent "Audio Interface" for $200-$300, but it will only give you a few ins and outs. The software can handle tons of tracks on a modern computer, but the less expensive hardware is designed for a few ins and outs (2 bus and maybe a seperate monitor mix, for example.) If you want to mix "In the box" (i.e. software only) then 2-4 outs is enough and you can leave your analog gear packed away.

For example I have a Pro Tools mBox and 002. The mBox costs around $300 now (I think) and gives all of 2 in and out. Just enough record in stereo and hear what you're doing- or edit a project on the computer when I'm at, say...Starbucks. The 002 (~$2200) offers a total 18 i/o and I generally submix the 32 tracks in PT out to my mixer and mix it there- and use mix automation in pro tools.

There are many cheaper options out there if you don't go the Pro Tools route. But then you have to buy the software, as well. The advantage of non-pro tools systems, though, is that they are expandable- you can integrate several bits of hardware to add i/o to your system. With Pro Tools you have *replace* your hardware- and 18 i/o is all you get without $pending lot$ of ca$h. For software, I'd look at Cubase SX (PC/Mac) or Logic (Mac) at the top end, and n-track (PC- www.fasoft.com) at the low end.

PC or Mac? 6 of one, half dozen of the other... I use both. PC's are more powerful for less money, Mac's don't need to be wrapped in cellophane and kept off to avoid attracting mallicious software. Stand-alone recorders are by far the most stable, but they also tend to be the least customizable and most expensive.

That about all I have in me at the moment- if you shoot us some more info about what kind of projects you want to be doing, you'll probably get the best info that way.

Welcome (back) aboard!
Chris

 

[G. Simon]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for responding!

My projects will be mostly guitar based (ac, elec, bass) singer-songwriter material w/harmony vocals and programmed drum machine with only a little keyboard. No heavy MIDI, synth, etc. Does that help you to better assess what kind of setup I should shoot for?

-- Glenn

 

[G. Simon]

Oh, and yes, I still have my Tascam TSR-8 tape recorder *and* Tascam M-208 8x4x2 mixing board. Can I still use this mixer in a modern setup??

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Hi Glenn-

Sorry I missed your replies until today.

Of course you can use the mixer with a modern setup. No reason not to, except to avoid the expense of an audio interface with lots of I/O.

Check out the M-audio Delta 1010, for example:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Delta1010-main.html

That gives to 10 ins and outs which you can hook up to your mixer just like the 8 i/o of the TSR-8. You could, for example, break out your old tapes and record each track into your computer and mix it there.

On the other hand, if you're just doing your own stuff and rarely use more than 2 or 3 mics at once (eg. stereo mics for guitar and one for vocals) then the Delta 44 might be all you want to start out with (4 ins and 4 outs):
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Delta44-main.html

You'd still use your mixer for the preamps, but you might be less interested in only mixing 4 outputs on your mixer and probably do more mixing in the box (i.e. with the software.)

Oy. Software. That's another issue. And one I'd rather get into later. For starters, look at stuff like Cubase SL, Sonar, and n-track (www.fasoft.com).

Take care,
Chris