Fostex Mr-8hd/cd

[Michael O'Regan]

Hi everybody,

I'm just about to get into home recording.

At the moment I'm browsing the forum - but, in the meantime, what do you guys think about this Fostex machine?

I'll basically be recording Guitars, Bass, Mandolin, voice, harmonica - all played by me.

Will this unit be OK?

-Mike

 

[bardo]

Welcome to the board Michael!
Fostex make some great running machines thats for sure.
Are you expierenced at recording?
Have you thought about using your computer to recrd?
I use an AWSOME software muti-tracking system called
,Reaper,Its free to try out to see if you like it!
Check it out here http://www.reaper.fm/download.php

Good luck with your music!

Bardo

 

[Michael O'Regan]

Hi Bardo,

Nope, I have absolutely no experience with recording.

Yes, I looked into the use of my PC to record but, with teenagers around the house its not always easy to access the computer.

Overall, I think I'd prefer a setup like the Fostex I mentioned above or some other such system by BOSS or one of those.

I'm trying to look into which is the best setup and would appreciate any input from forum members.

-Mike

 

[solaris1982]

I have myself an MR-16HD that I use. I have no complaints at all. It's very easy to use and I've had no problems with it so far.

You can actually still use your PC with it. What I do is I record to the MR-16, then export all the tracks to my PC and edit, mix, etc. (with reaper also). I've yet to post any samples of my "work" (I use quotes because I really just mostly mess around ), but I assure you the machine is pretty easy to use, especially after a good read of the (fairly thick) manual.

Welcome, Michael. And good luck!

 

[Michael O'Regan]

Hi Solaris,

Is the unit useable without having to use the PC? Are reasonable results achievable without using PC?

-Mike

 

[solaris1982]

Good results are certainly possible without a computer. It even has built in "mastering" effects that allow you to master your tracks as you bounce your tracks to a stereo track, then burn them to the CD. I'm sure it takes a bit of trial and error (I don't have the CD version, so I can't really speak for it for sure), but reading the user's manual can go a long way to really taking full advantage of what it has to offer.

 

[Rokket]

Hi Solaris,

Is the unit useable without having to use the PC? Are reasonable results achievable without using PC?

-Mike

You can achieve decent results without a pc, but in the long run, you will outgrow the 'mastering' mode on the unit and will start using your computer or some other outboard means to mix your songs. You can't do much with the Fostex unit beyond adjusting the faders. There is no eq built in, and the onboard effects aren't that great. Best bet, get the lower priced MR-8 mkII or the original MR-8, download the Wave Manager from the Fostex site, and get Reaper. You'll thank me later.