I can't choose...

  • Thread starter Thread starter dvern
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dvern

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I'm trying to choose between 2 8 track hard drive recorders and can't decide which. Can anyone help on this?

Its the Fostex mr8 hd and the Tascam DP01-FX. Both are the same sort of price and spec but the fostex is a lot newer.

I'm not a noob, I'm just after a simple "sketch pad" machine for the living room, and obviously would rather purchase the better of the 2.

Any thoughts or other options would be greatly appreciated.

Vern. :D
 
It's a tough choice,...

The MR-8HD's best feature may be that it records up to 4-tracks & 4-inputs simultaneously. That's a feature that's well ahead of the "pack".

The Tascam's best feature is the "knob-section", effects loop and onboard EQ, which the MR-8HD does not have.

Admittedly, it's a tough choice. IMO,... I'm more in favor of a device that records up to 4-simul,... but I'm also one who prefers a good mixer surface and EQ. So,... even I cannot decide which one I'd like better.

It strikes me,... that I'd probably prefer the MR-8HD, but then I'd also prefer to use a better (fully equipped) analog 8x4 mixer as the MR-8HD's "front end". Unfortunately,... that's not really a one-piece solution,... that both the DP-01 and MR-8HD are "supposed" to be.

/DA
 
As Reel said, they both have different features. The best one fostex has IMO is the 4 track simultaneous recording, and the best one the DP01FX has it's is knob per function full 8 fader mixer. I had your same concern, and decided to check both manuals to see which one was going to be best for me. I went with the DP01. Extremely user friendly, and besides, my old porta was a 414, so I'm kind of a Tascam guy.
This is a very personal decision, so read thouroughly before buying. Here are the links to both of them. Click on owners manual to check it out.
Good luck.

http://www.tascam.com/Products/dp01fx.html

http://www.fostex.com/index.php?file=products/digital/mr8hd

Cheers!
 
The MR8HD was my second choice... I bought the Tascam. You wouldn't go wrong with either one, in my opinion. What convinced me on the Tascam was its' online community (forums), user transparency, and price (I bought it on ebay for $325). You're looking at two good machines. If recording 4 tracks simultaneously is important to you, go with the Fostex. If you're like me and find following 2 tracks challenging enough, go with the Tascam.

Good luck.
 
Thanks so much for your input.

Before I read your responses, I got a bit impulsive this weekend and went to my local Digital Village and ended up buying the Fostex as they had one there and did a really good deal on it for me.

Although I haven't had a chance to plug it in yet I've been dipping into the manual as and when I can to get my head around what it does/how to do etc. but to my amazement as A Reel Person pointed out, theres no EQ...wtf?!?

How are you supposed to have any level of control over what you're recording or mixing if you can't adjust the eq. Like you said earlier as a stand alone unit I find it staggering there isn't basic treble or bass controls ANYWHERE.

Should I lick my wounds, truck back to Digi Village and get a refund to buy the Tascam elsewhere or is it worth persevering sans eq?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
 
Time to think about a nice front end (4-buss) mixer!

Congrats!............;)
 
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