Multitrack recorder suggestions

[carte]

I am in the market for a multitrack recorder, but I want to make sure I'm getting the right model. Maybe there's something I'm missing.

Right now I'm considering the Zoom R20 or the Zoom Livetrak L6. I also looked at the Tascam 24SD, but I figured it was too big for my needs.

My (loose) requirements are:
- A long recording time
- 8 or more inputs (preferably not all xlr)
- A compact size
- Not **too** expensive
- Basic editing features (copy paste cut etc)
- Audio interface and Daw control ((ableton live))
- Midi clock (unlikely)

None of these are really necessary, though. I could go without the editing. It doesn't even necessarily have to be a multitrack recorder. I just want something to record synths with.

 

[rob aylestone]

If you fancy ableton - what is your idea with a freestanding multitrack? Ableton and an interface could be more useful?

 

[TalismanRich]

There is no "too big for my needs". Once you limit yourself to 8 tracks, you'll wish you had that 9th track. It's like horsepower in a car. You don't need those 50 extra HP until you're merging on the highway and that semi is coming up on your rear, and you can't get up to speed. 16-24 tracks is the sweet spot.

Years ago I got a Zoom H4n thinking it would be great for a portable recorder. An R24 was ordered a short time later. 4 channels wasn't enough. If I was doing more remote recording, I would probably have a Tascam Model 24, just to have the 16 mic inputs vs the 8 that I have. I don't record synths, the only direct inputs used are either guitar or bass. Otherwise it's a microphone. And my recorders are for remote use. At home, I've got my 16x08 interface into Reaper.

As for somthing that can do DAW control, the Tascam Model 12 can be used for DAW control like the R20. I don't know about the Livetrak. My R24 can do Mackie control, but I've never used it. Once in my DAW, I just use mouse control.

The R20 will record USB Midi. My R24 doesn't support it, except for DAW control, but then I've only ever used MIDI twice for a drum machine.

Long recording times..... I use a 16GB SD card in my R24, recording 8 tracks for 6 hours at 44/16. That is long enough.

 

[carte]

If you fancy ableton - what is your idea with a freestanding multitrack? Ableton and an interface could be more useful?

Just so I dont always have to set up my computer. It's a bit of a process I'd generally like to avoid especially when compared to just plugging in a couple of cables. I can have a computer-less setup when I'd like to. For the record, though, I do plan to export to Ableton after the fact to edit further.

 

[carte]

There is no "too big for my needs". Once you limit yourself to 8 tracks, you'll wish you had that 9th track. It's like horsepower in a car. You don't need those 50 extra HP until you're merging on the highway and that semi is coming up on your rear, and you can't get up to speed. 16-24 tracks is the sweet spot.

Years ago I got a Zoom H4n thinking it would be great for a portable recorder. An R24 was ordered a short time later. 4 channels wasn't enough. If I was doing more remote recording, I would probably have a Tascam Model 24, just to have the 16 mic inputs vs the 8 that I have. I don't record synths, the only direct inputs used are either guitar or bass. Otherwise it's a microphone. And my recorders are for remote use. At home, I've got my 16x08 interface into Reaper.

As for somthing that can do DAW control, the Tascam Model 12 can be used for DAW control like the R20. I don't know about the Livetrak. My R24 can do Mackie control, but I've never used it. Once in my DAW, I just use mouse control.

The R20 will record USB Midi. My R24 doesn't support it, except for DAW control, but then I've only ever used MIDI twice for a drum machine.

Long recording times..... I use a 16GB SD card in my R24, recording 8 tracks for 6 hours at 44/16. That is long enough.

I mostly meant "too big for my needs" as in I have limited space and the 24SD is giant (relatively). If there was anything as capable as it, but smaller, I would get that in a heartbeat. As for the R24, I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

It can be a pain in the ass to do any editing in an all-in-one box, on a tiny screen.
If you do go with a box, get one that also works as an interface, and at least do your editing on a laptop.

 

[rob aylestone]

I've got a zoom F4 I use for mainly live recordings - it records 4 (or 6) channels perfectly, but it's a faff to get the files into cubase. Not complicated, but just go off and have a coffee and come back, and I hate waiting.

 

[TalismanRich]

I just yank the SD card, slip it in the computer and copy everything to the SSD while I make lunch. 16Gb takes maybe 5-7 minutes. Then I log the SD card in an envelope, as a backup. It's a bit like using a reel of tape, and sitting it in a box on the shelf, except that it takes up much less room! A small plastic tool box holds at least this many recordings.