MTR with KEYBOARD (not guitar) - question

[rjmatthews]

I am a singer/songwriter that's KEYBOARD based and am thinking about getting a multi-track recorder since I've had issues getting good sound direct to my PC - rather than spending $3-5K on a new computer, etc., thought I could spend $500-600 on a decent multi-track. BUT I would be recording using a digital piano - it has MIDI in/out but no on-board sequencer. Can I go direct to the MTR with line outs? Or is this not clean? I'm a bit confused by the whole MIDI sequencer thing - it sounds like I need a "box" between the piano and the MTR? I do have a Tascam US-122 which I was using for direct to computer recording - can that serve as the MIDI sequencer? Basically, I was hoping to have: 1) 8 track MTR with phantom power, 2) condenser mic (already have), 3) my digital piano.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[fraserhutch]

I replied to this in the keyboard section - crossposting is frowned upon on this bbs.

 

[beezelbubba]

I am a singer/songwriter that's KEYBOARD based and am thinking about getting a multi-track recorder since I've had issues getting good sound direct to my PC - rather than spending $3-5K on a new computer, etc., thought I could spend $500-600 on a decent multi-track. BUT I would be recording using a digital piano - it has MIDI in/out but no on-board sequencer. Can I go direct to the MTR with line outs? Or is this not clean? I'm a bit confused by the whole MIDI sequencer thing - it sounds like I need a "box" between the piano and the MTR? I do have a Tascam US-122 which I was using for direct to computer recording - can that serve as the MIDI sequencer? Basically, I was hoping to have: 1) 8 track MTR with phantom power, 2) condenser mic (already have), 3) my digital piano.

Any help is appreciated!

I recommend that you do a bit more homework and use your computer!
There is no reason that you need to spend 3 to 5 K to get a good sound on a pc.If you already have a half decent pc,your $500-600 will get you a fine audio interface/software package!You won't get a decent modular multitrack for that price!I use an Audiophile 24/96 with Ntrack(less than $200 worth of Hardware/Software) and tons of great freeware from http://www.kvraudio.com/
Seriously,this isn't rocket science!Don't be affraid of pc recording.It is the way to go,IMO!
BTW,the Tascam Us-122 is probably a really cool way to go,but it's a piece of computer hardware!Seems cheap enough,and looks to have a cool software bundle.I'd give it a try,if you have a decent computer.

 

[blazingstrings]

Not to contradict the last statement but,
Not everyone likes recording to a PC...........

I have been there. But I would recomend if looking to get a MTR in your price range, I would look at a Zoom MRS-802B-CD .
Its around $600 it has Phantom power.
And a M-audio nova or MXL mic would be a nice inexpensive mic.

ANd yes you could use your 122 as a interface for MIDI Sequencing.
As far as that goes a question int the keyboard section would be the place to ask.

Later

-Blaze

 

[rjmatthews]

Thanks

Good info and things to consider - thanks!