Getting drum tracks onto a standalone digital recorder?

[mellotron]

I'm thinking of getting a Fostex MR8 HD, but don't know how I'll get drum tracks. Could I somehow do drum sampling with software like Ableton Live and my Axiom 61 and get the track onto the recorder, then record electric guitar over that? Or can I connect a drum machine like an Alexis SR into the actual recorder, and do it that way too?

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Mellowtronic:

You can connect a drum machine to most recorders. I'd forget the Alesis though--Look at and listen to, if possible, the Boss 880. The Boss 880 has a gaggle of patches, you can write your own drum beats if you want to, and all of the patches come with a bass line that you can use or shut off.

You can also change the key of the bass line if need be.

Many nice Funk beats to toy with/jam.

I run my 880 through an ART mic pre to give it a tad more kick AND it KICKS fine.

Green Hornet

 

[mellotron]

Thanks a lot, Hornet.

What kind of cable do I need to run a drum machine like the 880 into the Art Tube Pre? Do you use this preamp?

Also, which drum machine, SR-16 or 880, do you think would be easier for a newb like me to learn on?

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Mellotronic:

You can use a regular 1/4 phone plug out from the Boss 880. [I suggest you look into the Boss 880 as it will give you enough presets to keep you busy for a long time.] And, the manual for the 880 is pretty clear.

I have a two channel ART MPA and it will take XLR or 1/4 inch. Using the XLR, if possible, is usually preferred--it's up to you.

Again, the 880 Boss has very good patches; I had used an SR-16 prior and the Boss blows it away as far as sound quality and features. You can also plug in a guitar or electric bass direct to the 880 and run it to your recorder. Amazing little box and its price has remained constant for a couple of years. This kind of tells you that it is a popular drum machine.

Ciao, PS: The out on the Boss is 1/4 inch phone plug; however, you can use a TRS plug which has the XLR input on the other end of the phone plug.
Green Hornet