Fostex VF-08 vs. Roland VS-840GX Any suggestions?

[busboy]

Fostex VF-08 vs. Roland VS-840GX -- Any suggestions?

I've been using my computer for about the last 3 or 4 years to record some of my own stuff. But lately I've started recording other people's stuff. A lot of the time, I just haul my gear over to their rehersal space because my living room doesn't really accomodate a whole band. Obviously, toting my entire computer setup is a huge pain in the ass, so I'm looking into something more portable. This is where I'm stuck.

Right now I'm looking at the Fostex VF-08 and the Roland 840GX. They both seem to be fairly nice and inexpensive machines that would do pretty much everything I would need them to do. But none of the stores around here carry them, so I can't tinker around with either of them.

I like the fact that the fostex unit has an upgradable IDE hard-drive, but from what I gather the only means of exporting the recorded data is via the non-included SCSI controler. As opposed to the Roland unit which records entirely on 250 Meg zip disks. I have a 250 Meg Zip drive on my computer, so data transfer would be easy. But is it worth having to buy a crapload of zip disks to keep recording.

So...my ultimate question is:
has anyone used either/both of these units? Are there any features that really make one more desirable over the other? And are they versatile enough to grow as my studio needs increase?

Any and all comments are greatly welcomed!!

 

[micmac]

Hi there,

The VF08 can also export song data or audio via the S/P-DIF output to a CD-recorder, DAT or a computer's S/P-DIF input (never tried the last option myself, though).

The swapable IDE drive is a good solution, yes, but it's still a very basic machine. Only records on two channels at a time, no aux sends, you can only use one effect at a time (bouncing the tracks can solve that, but you loose flexibility of course).

If you just wanna get a couple of live stereo tracks recorded, then do overdubs, and later dump them as they are into your computer for editing, mixing etc, it'll probably work, but it won't get much more exiting than that.

I use the VF08 for demo work and throwing down ideas. Works great, it's really small (A4 size) so I have no problem taking it with me anywhere. And of course, it was really cheap.

Don't know anyting really about the Roland 840, but from looking at the specs it looks like a better choice, except from the Zip-disk thing and no(?) XLR inputs. With all the virtual tracks and everything a 5- minute song easily runs up to 600MB on the VF08. Never used Zip-disks for recording music, you might wanna make sure you'll have enough rec time on those Zips.

micmac

 

[busboy]

thanks for your input...
I read the product info at Roland's website, and the machine has 4 different recording formats. Depending on which format you use, it claims that a single 250 Meg zip disk can record more than an hour. But that can't possibly be .wav format.

I'm not so concerned about the lack of XLR ports. I'll probably be running the sound from my mixer anyway. So, that shouldn't be much of a problem. But, I wasn't aware that the Fostex box would only allow 1 effect at a time. Seems kind of limited.

I think I'm begining to come to a decision.

 

[micmac]

busboy, i forgot one thing: the VF's manual sucks beyond belief. "Japanlish", and it's not even funny... They're so bad they're not even available for downloading...

 

[done211]

I HAD THE SAME QUESTION AND OPTED FOR THE FOSTEX.ITS SIMPLE MAN, THE FOSTEX HAS 5 GIGS OF UN COMPRESSED SPACE,I USE CAKE WALK AND SOUND FORGE EFFECTS FOR MASTERING.AND WHAT I FIND WORKS BEST AND EASIEST IS TO USE COOL EDIT PRO.YOU CAN ACESS ALL DIRECT X,SOUND FORGE AND CAKE WALK EFFECTS FROM COOL EDIT PRO.SOUND EXPENSIVE?I GOT ALL THE SOFTWARE ON WAREZ SITES.YOU CAN FIND SEARL #S TO UN LOCK ANY FREE TRIAL SOFTWARE AT ASTA LA VISTA .COM.
HEY ANY ONE USE PRO TOOLS OR CUBASE? WOULD I BENIFIT FROM LOADING THESE?

 

[Capokid]

Be aware that the Roland unit only allows 1 effect at a time as well. Both of those units are considered as "Digital Audio Workstations" with built in effects and proccessing. Pretty limiting all around. But unless you have around $4,000 of cash to get you started, you're out of luck. They are portable, which is nice.

"How portable" is the question? I own a Roland VS-840 (earlier version) and always felt uneasy carrying that unit around. It always felt very delicate to me.

It is also not truly an 8 track - track 5/6 & 7/8 have to be recorded as stereo tracks, limiting you to 6 tracks.

My unit also only has the 100mb (that and software are the only difference) zip drive which limits me to approximately 32 mins (for all tracks). That means just over five minutes of record time (5 mins 20secs per track) - that includes virtual tracks as well. Now, with the 250mb zip you should be able to get about 13mins per track at CD quality (much nicer).

4 inputs at a time - none are balanced (no XLR's)

Roland's manuals are no picnic either. The language is ok but it can be slightly technical at times. If you understand a lot about recording - no problem. 80 page quick start manual and a 200 page regular manual.

Unit has RCA composite out and Digital Optical audio which makes it easy to mix down. I don't know if the zip discs can be used as is on a PC. I don't have a zip drive on my PC. You do have to format the discs for the machine so I am guessing that it is a different format than the PC format.

It is pretty easy to use (can get complicated on more advanced features) and it sounds great. I was pretty happy with it when I first got it in late 97. The zip drive recently took a crap on me and I am having difficulties replacing it without upgrading and spending over $300. I may be looking to upgrade my equipment and actually I was looking at the Fostex VF-16.

Sorry this post was long but it should give you some insight to what the Roland unit can do.