HD Recorders v. Computer-based

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AlinMV

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I need some input on whether to purchase a stand alone HD recorder or a computer based system. I would want to buy the most powerful yet user friendly system within my price range of about $3,000 including back up and CD burners. I am an amateur keyboard player (and not a techie) but sound quality matters greatly to me. I would like at least 16 tracks, 18 or 24 would be better and on board effects.

I would record sequenced drums, Guitars, Bass, keyboard parts, maybe some vocals, and that's about it.

I looked at the Roland gear, (the 1680 and 1880) and listened to a CD that had been cut using several 1680's. I was not impressed with the sound quality- awfully thin!@! But that could (and most probably was) a mixing issue. I also have hear horror stories about the Roland Gear learning curve. I have an xp-50 and it's a bear to get into to do any detail work.

I also looked into the Akai DSP16 and like the AKAI better. The Mackie and Tascam systems seem out of range for me price wise, and Yamaha is also coming out with one later this year, the AW4416 that looks really good on paper.

Assuming I buy a computer-based system, should I go with a PC or with a Mac? What specs should I be getting and what should I be most concerned about? What software should I use to record?

I can use all the input I can get.

Thank you.
 
I currently own a fostex fd-8 and have been happy with it. It is great for getting music ideas down quickly with good sound quality. However, I am in the midst of shopping for a computer based system for a few reasons. The biggest is that I recently got a new computer at a very good price (my company subsidized it!). I think your decision really depends on a few things:
1)Would you use the computer for other tasks like the interet or other applications (word, excel etc.)?
2) How much editing would you like to do? Working on a big monitor with graphics is something I look forward to. Also, there is just so manu more options available. If you are into cutting, pasting, looping etc., the computer is great.
3) In general you have the ability to use a greater number of tracks with a fast computer. This isn't that much of an issue with me.
4) I will be doing more film work so I need the computer to do this in any easy way.
5) Portability - HD recorders win here
6) Cost, $3k can go quick when $1-2k is the computer only. Expect to spend another $750-1200 on soundcard/break-out box/software, another few hundred for monitors and other misc equipment.
 
I faced the same dilema about a month ago. Since my computer is upstairs in the office and my studio is in the basement, I assumed that I was starting from scratch with a $3000.00 budget. One thing I've found is that 3K goes really quick.

This is a great BBS and you're sure to get a myriad of varying responses, all of which will be worthy of consideration.

I ended up getting a Fostex VF-16 ($1,199) (16 real & 8 virtual tracks), a pair of M-1 reference monitors ($499), and a dual CD recorder ($339). Total investment so far $2,160 with tax.

I'm very happy with my setup, just depends on what your objectives are I guess. Gotta run, off to buy more gear...it never really ends...

Mark
 
Thanks for the info.

I am leaning toward a HD stand alone only because I am not very well versed in the technical aspects of software interfacing, etc. Don't want the headaches of making sure that everything that I buy (software and hardware) fit together. The flip side is (as you said Adam) the computer based system is so versatile and is easier to use.

Adam, I am curious! Do you have a PC or a MAC? And why one or the other?

Markr: Which dual CD recorder did you get?

Thanks
 
I've been down the same road. I started with racks of stand along equipment, went to a PC based system, and then to a Roland VS1680. For me the Roland was the best choice in sound quality vs cost. I don't believe that you will come anywhere close for the same investment in any other format. I have songs recorded in my apartment which blow away recordings done with ADAT's and similar equipment in various so called studios.
 
AlinMV - I use a PC - primarily b/c I have used them for years and the business world I work in is all PC. I have used macs in the past and thought they were great, if not expensive. Today, most applications and hardware are PC compatible and are great. Even Digidesign (a division of Avid) has just come out with a PC version of its DigiDesign001 hardware/software (Pro tools LE) product. However, specific to that product the Mac version is much better as it has a history and no compatability issues.
I tell you, I loved using the FD-8 and I learned alot about the recording process - buying a DAW a year and a half ago would have been a waste for me b/c I didn't know the basics of digital recording. If there was a way to use a monitor-sized graphic interface with these recorders I think it would increase their usability tremendously (some might disagree, but I use computers all day, others grew up with mixing boards and feel more comfortable with them). Not sure what your experience level is, but I reccommend this 2 phase approach - learning on a more inexpensive standalone (a more inexpensive than the top end roland's- maybe a VF-16 by fostex, or the Korg profucts, of even those new Alesis Mastering ADATs/HD). Then once you feel comfortable and wanting to do more you could invest upwards in a computer-based system.
 
Adam

Thanks for the advice. I am really leaning toward a stand alone recorder, just to get some practice. And you're right, someday, after I get some dirt under my fingernails, maybe I'll upgrade to a computer system.
 
Here's Phil's $.05 opinion: if you plan to continue recording for some time and are serious at all about it, PC and software plug-ins is the only route to go. Period. It's the digital frontier, and it can be tough going at times. There is a lot to learn, even for someone fairly well versed in recording. Not to mention an occasional healthy dose of frustration and lost hair. But it is hands-down the most powerful way to go, and most of the major shortcomings should be completely resolved in less than 5 years at the current rate of technology growth. By that time, I hope to have learned enough to be able to take full advantage of what the technology can offer.

If your goals don't extend farther than 5 years in the future, then it might not be worth the potential hassle to go with a PC. But mark my word: dedicated units are a complete dead-end for all but a handful of applications. And I'll add that for $3000, you can probably get a helluva DAW preconfigured and pretested.
 
pglewis: Thanks for the $.05 opinion. I do appreciate your points. What set up would you suggest at that price? I am wide open to suggestions. I hope to continue recording well beyond five years from now. I know what you're saying about stand alone HD recorders being a dead end, but, I suppose one can argue that my PC will be obsolete in 5 years also!@! I don't know? Can you give me some set up that you think would be equivalent or better than a Roland 1680 or the new Yamaha DW 4416? And that would be upgradeable?

Thanks again for your input.
 
Really if you get a standalone HD recorder
now, like a Fostex FD-8, you can always use the mixer on it if/when you upgrade to a computerbased system. So if you have a lot of outboard gear, a mixer will be pretty useful anyway. So for starters a HD recorder with a decent mixer on will be a great investment because you can easily integrate it with a computerbased system later on.
 
That's the problem with putting in my $.05: I have a year and a half of experimentation with a computer setup under my belt. It's easy to make the suggestion because it is working very well for me. But suggesting a specific setup is tough. It's like being asked "what do you think I should have for lunch today?". The choices are staggering in most areas, and it's hard to predict what you'll need down the road. The local motto is "YMMV" (your milage may vary). What works great for me might be a pain for you to use.

The CPU will be obsolete in 5 years, and maybe the drives... but not necessarily all components. It's not just the PC doing the audio and draining the wallet. Much of the software I have now should be fine in 5 years. Also, after making initial purchases of software products, upgrades are usually very reasonable. My multi I/O soundcard should be fine for 5 years. The PC setup is modular, the stand-alone is a fixed-rig. That means you can start small with a PC setup and replace and/or add components to improve it as the cash flow allows.

All I can ever suggest is to really do your homework. Read a lot, check what others are coming up with in the MP3 clinic, and above all: test stuff yourself. If you rush into your purchases, I can almost guarantee you'll waste money. If you're in a hurry, go to a cheap studio to record, instead.
 
pglewis: Thanks for the advice. You're right! I need to do a lot of research which I have been doing for about 1.5 years now. I am still about 3-6 months away from making any purchase. I do appreciate your input especially since it's clear you've been around the block a few times.

Thanks again.
 
Stand Alone <-----BAD
DAW PC or Mac <------GOOD

;-) I agree with pglewis
 
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