getting tired of the MR8? Wanna go direct to PC?

[junplugged]

Why wouldn't it be good for editing?

well, it probably is, but only b/c the crap I'm using now isn't. It chokes on playback, I might be able to tune it up a bit, but it's been so long since I got some new pc hardware, i figure it's time to upgrade anyway. But I'm not sure what the minimum specs are, i just got what i could afford right now.

I'm pretty confident that a few years newer technology should do it.

BTW, I found a cd at cdbaby by a group called celldeweller, I posted the link in the cave, maybe you're not there much, good call if so....

 

[Rokket]

well, it probably is, but only b/c the crap I'm using now isn't. It chokes on playback, I might be able to tune it up a bit, but it's been so long since I got some new pc hardware, i figure it's time to upgrade anyway. But I'm not sure what the minimum specs are, i just got what i could afford right now.

You probably just need a RAM update and larger harddrives....

I am running a 2.14 processor, 512 RAM and 60GB right now, and since I don't record to my PC, only transfer tracks from the MR-8, it works great. My track counts are between 20 and 30, and no hickups, stalls or choking on playback.

 

[cellardweller]

Hmmm, now you have me curious Rokket. What is the limiting factor in your case if you were to want to record directly to PC? I have a 2.19 athalon, and 1024 of PC2100 ram, not a blazing machine by any means, but I've been kicking around the idea of the Delta 1010... Do you think these specs would be adequate?

Yea, I've heard of "celldweller". Pretty decent stuff (IMO) if I remember correctly.

 

[junplugged]

well, my cpu is a celeron, and shared vid ram, so in my case, i'm just gettting another pc since it's not worth trying to save any of it

 

[Metal Marc]

I use both the MR8 and my PC (Soundblaster Platinum soundcard with Cakewalk Pro Studio 9.0). Since I don't have any sort of digital/audio interface I use the MR8 for drums, vocs, and anything else that requires miking. Everything else I do with a direct input into the PC.

The MR8 is not the "be all, end all" for recording but it is great for the price and is really cool for portability. I've recorded 5 bands, 2 choirs, and various outdoor sounds that I wouldn't have been able to record with a PC (note: I did not record them all at the same time, but at separate events).

By the end of 2006 I will be relying fully on the PC and the MR8 will be put away.

 

[Rokket]

Hmmm, now you have me curious Rokket. What is the limiting factor in your case if you were to want to record directly to PC? I have a 2.19 athalon, and 1024 of PC2100 ram, not a blazing machine by any means, but I've been kicking around the idea of the Delta 1010... Do you think these specs would be adequate?

Yea, I've heard of "celldweller". Pretty decent stuff (IMO) if I remember correctly.

I think that your machine should do the trick. The secret I guess is in the RAM, which you have more than a gig, so it should be OK. There is a program out there that Manning1 gave me when he was still here that will benchmark your pc and let you know its track limitations. I had it on my old pc, so I can't remember what it was. I think you may be able to google something. Or just give it a whirl and see what happens. IMHO, you should be OK.

 

[cellardweller]

There is a program out there that Manning1 gave me when he was still here that will benchmark your pc and let you know its track limitations...

I forgot about that!!! I think it's called "benchmark". I think I may still have that on my computer, or maybe backed up somewhere...

Thanx for the reminder Rokket!

 

[Rokket]

I forgot about that!!! I think it's called "benchmark". I think I may still have that on my computer, or maybe backed up somewhere...

Thanx for the reminder Rokket!

Sure! Let me know how it turns out?

 

[borinqueno]

An MR-8 + PC software is a good combo to produce recordings one track at a time. For many home musicians with guitar and vocals, this is a very low cost way to produce very good recordings.

I have had no problems with my MR-8 and the USB interface works fine for me.

Ed

Indeed, it very nice. I use the MR8, PC, and Sony MiniDisc for recording our groups practice. I can transfer tracks to PC for processing and back to MR8 for further recording. Portability is the key issue. I just take it with me and record with other musicians out of town and bring back for remix at computer. Keep doing it until I get all recorded. I can dump the MR8 out to the Sony MiniDisc through the optical output. No degradation!! I also have a sound card with optical I/O which I use to transfer stereo mixes from
the MR8 optically. Not bad at all.

I would be nice to have the same with an eight record at one track recorder but we will have to wait for that...I mean at the same price range...$400!!

b

 

[Rokket]

Indeed, it very nice. I use the MR8, PC, and Sony MiniDisc for recording our groups practice. I can transfer tracks to PC for processing and back to MR8 for further recording. Portability is the key issue. I just take it with me and record with other musicians out of town and bring back for remix at computer. Keep doing it until I get all recorded. I can dump the MR8 out to the Sony MiniDisc through the optical output. No degradation!! I also have a sound card with optical I/O which I use to transfer stereo mixes from
the MR8 optically. Not bad at all.

I would be nice to have the same with an eight record at one track recorder but we will have to wait for that...I mean at the same price range...$400!!

b

If I do ever have the need to record more than 2 tracks at a time, I will probably buy a higher priced recorder. I like to edit and mix my tracks individually, with the exception of my drum tracks, since it's a drum machine. If I get into recording live drums, I want as many inputs to separate tracks as I can...

 

[Quantagee]

I am going to stick with the little red monster until it dies, then it's going to be a massive upgrade: Fully functioning studio with an analog console, into an HD24, and all its bells, whistles and knobs and buttons and a pretty girl to bring me coffee (and nothing else, I don't want to wake up minus Mr. Winky)....

This is a very good plan. The HD recorders are great for a direct replacement for tape machines and an outboard analog mixer gives you a "hands on" feeling of having control of all channels. You also get plenty of pre-amps and mix busses (if you get a great board). DAWs are very tricky to setup right 9meaning selecting hardware/software) and limits you to mixing on a small screen. Some love it, I can't concentrate on the mix like that.

 

[joethebaddog]

The MR8 could have been designed better and made to look cooler, but for the price you can't beat "little red". I've had mine for 3 1/2 years and the only reason I'm thinking about an upgrade is I'm out growing 8 tracks. But I will definately hold onto the MR8 when I go to something bigger. I don't like that I can only put down 4 tracks initially before I have to bounce. Makes me extra careful about mixing and levels for those four. I guess that's a good thing but I would feel better if I had 6 or 8 sources to mix before bouncing. I could ballpark the overall headroom better.
The knobs and faders felt kinda weak right out of the box but after 3 1/2 years they're still going strong with never a problem. And I've never had any trouble with USB or getting my stuff to computer. Always works smooth.
And that sums up my MR8 in a word - "smooth". It has always done everything it said it could do and done it flawlessly. To me that's the definition of a great product. For that I give the MR8 a 9 1/2 out of 10 ( looks accounting for the 1/2 less than perfect ! ).
jtbd

 

[illustriousday]

mr-8 was great for a rookie like myself

For a rookie like me , the mr-8 was a great learning tool and was great for pre production on my bands cd. But I am getting close to the next step up.

jim
illustriousday.com

 

[Niimo]

Can i use my mr8 to record a singer, guitarist, bassist and drummer at the same time? if so what do i need?

 

[Hawkinnc45]

I lived in Baltimore for around ten years. Lived up in the Hampden area. Got an old girl friend from there who has tracked me down since I got this house in my name, (so I guess scrapple will soon be served again:-( ). New to the group and really getting a kick out of the advice and learning I'm collecting just from reading the past posts. Maybe someday when I am better at utilizing the MR-8 I'll come back and hop up on the stage at the Full Moon Saloon, just like the good ol days.