Fostex vs. Tascam...Which recorder?

  • Thread starter Thread starter spacklebum
  • Start date Start date
S

spacklebum

New member
I am considering buying an entry level recorder and was wondering, should I get the Fostex FD-4 (Or even wait for the FD-8) or should I get the Tascam 424mkIII? One thing I am concerned about is that the Fostex machine only allows 2 tracks of simul recording while the Tascam model has 4 simultaneous recording tracks, allowing me to plug it later into a 4-bus mixer... I was wondering if I should sacrifice the quality for more simul tracks, allowing possible future live recording. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
The Tascam machine is an analog 4-track, and I don't have a DAT or a CD-R (yet...) so the recordings would be pretty low-quality as third-generation tape. I think in the spec sheets the FD-8 allows 8-track "live" recording when sending to DAT. However, the "8 tracks plus 16" is simply 8 tracks playback with 16 virtual tracks. 2 simultaneous recordable channels. However, the reason for this is that hard disk recording at such sampling rates (CD quality) is too much to write to disk for anything more than two tracks, which makes me think that the Fostex machines would be best used only as studio applications. I am no longer concerned about the built-in mic pres as I would have to get transformers or pres anyway. I guess the crux of the issue is live recording vs. studio recording.
 
Well I seem to think that the Fostex units are repitable. They are digital ( is the Tascam) and the sound produced is of quality. How many simul recording does the FD8 have at once-I always think that buying an 8 track is worth while, 8 tracks are usually sufficient for just about all musicians. You have to ask yourself the question of how long you want to keep this for. If you are going to get into recording and also use it for live recording I would suggest the 8 track. If you get the 4 track you may soon want access to more tracks and end up wasting money by having to buy an 8 track a year or so down the line. As I always say you can save money by spending more.

On terms of quality this is also true-if you sacrifice the sound you will again have to look at updating the unit the more involved with recording you get. The sacrifice in quality will be portrayed on your recordings as they will not sound as good. I wouldn't like to know that what I just recorded could have been better had I opted for the Fostex.

Wait there a minute-I'll be back in a minute.
I'm back-on the FD8 it says it can record 8 tracks simul.(check this) It is also says-8 tracks plus an additional 16 tracks=24 live tracks in toatl-any 8 tracks can be played and mixed at any time. The fostex is also good as you can easily link your tracks up to say a studio later for refinement-allowing you to download track data from an ADAT for editing, or for transferring your recordings to an ADAT for enhanced production.

Good luck.
 
In that case I will pose my dilema that I faced. I wanted initilally to enter recording as I had many lyrics and much music to process. I went into the shop primeraly to get a 4 track I had sought after-the fostex FD4. My friend convinced me that I should opt for the 8 track for more diversity and capability. I went in and tried many units out. The problem with the Fostex is that they will only produce what is inputted into them. I got talking and before I knew it the salesman had me trying out the Korg D16. Proportionally this was better priced (as the FD4 was £400 (£100 a track), The FD8 £700 and the D16 at £1250) and once I tried it I could not get anything below it. Though I spent more I should not need to buy another unit unless I get heavily involved in the industry (I would like the chance). With the D16 I have an inbuilt effects system, so many options I will not go into and 8 track simul recording. I can't tell you how happy I am with this touh screen all inclusive unit that I prefered over the more expensive Roalnd (I will not say the model-it's obvious but the comments will flood in).

I can only say try this and see all it's features and you will want one-I know it's a long way from an origianl thought of a 4 track but once you get to grips with the digital age of recording and all that comes with it you would be pleased with your choice. You would have all at your fingertips as well as effects (built in which furhtur saves you money-you can also record tracks dry and alter them adding effects and adjusting them afterwards etc).

By the way I am not a rep. for Korg.

It is a big step-but so is recording-don't just dive in at the deep end-If you want detail on the D-16's potential just ask, this forum has helped me in my purchases of mic's and other equiptment-giving feedback is what it's about. In terms of recording you are gaining so much (eight tracks plus 8 virtual tracks per track etc)

-tell us of your choice if any.

Krystof
 
Well I think the D-16 is an awesome unit, but is a bit out of my price range right now. If I were to go that route I would probably just get a digital recorder and mixer separate. However, since I am only a highschool student, my budget is limited to the likes of the FD-4... I think since it is upgradeable through SCSI-2 it is a better, more lasting buy than a Tascam analog. So that is what I have decided to buy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top