Multi-Track Recorder or Software???

[Just-JU]

Hey, I'd really appreciate it if everybody would give me their input. I've already ordered the Tascam 2488neo, but am second guessing my decision. I'll primarily be recording hip hop/r&b music and am unsure what would be best suited for my needs and budget. I've got $1K to spend, and am trying to figure out if it would be best to upgrade my crappy computer, and go with software, or to go with my original plan for the Tascam 2488neo (or something similar if anyone has suggestions). Thanks in advance for everybody's help!

 

[jasonbmerrill]

nothing comes close to a software solution when it comes to home recording. I suggest www.reaper.fm

You can easily see many tracks at once, editing is a snap, effects can be easily viewed in chains, and so much more. Power is limited only to your computer setup, which can be cheap to get a decent pc nowadays, and also a decent interface which for hip hop you would likely only need a few channels.

i would only suggest a multitrack portable recorder if you are recording live or field gigs.

 

[Mr. Antrobus]

I pretty much agree.

I'm a mac user, and you could get a white macbook for $845 as a refurb unit.

You could run osx or windows on such a box, it would be portable, you could run reaper, logic, live, whatever.

And you'd have a full array of plug ins at your disposal.

Reaper is a good tool.

The pros of the 2488neo is immediacy, user interface.

But the cons are is that it will never be as flexible or upgradable as a computer set up.

 

[jasonbmerrill]

a pro of the tascam is the user interface?

how so?

i would rather have it all in front of me on the screen

 

[Mr. Antrobus]

Sorry if I was imprecise,

I was thinking about the fact that it is an all in one unit. It doesn't need a mixer or an interface. The bad thing is that its an all in one unit.