Multitrack Recording Set Up for under $400?

[wdinc01]

Hey guys, I got pointed to here from another forum I go to. I've done a lot of reading and research, and I feel like I'm back where I started, just with a little more knowledge.

I'd like to get a digital multitrack recorder. I know that a computer set up would be better in many ways, but I plan on taking this thing to band practices. I have about $400 to spend, although I don't really want to spend that much.

Basically, I'm looking for a MTR, and then maybe a mic or two to use. I don't know if I need to be able to record everyone at once, or one by one. If I could get more than two simultaneous tracks then that'd be good, but I'd rather have a more flexible device.

I'm currently looking at the Tascam DP-02. I tried one out at the store, and it was a little confusing but I got the hang of it alright.

So what advice can you give me? I'm very much willing to buy used, and was actually planning on doing just that. I've seen a Tascam for $180 somewhere.

I also need to figure out what mics to get. I was thinking of just getting a Shure SM-57 to cover just about everything besides drums. Is there anything else I should look at?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tmj]

advice

I would avoid those little all in one units...... when everything is in the same box, thats just more things that can (and will) go wrong.


If you have a desktop computer already, but cant afford a laptop, just work on making your PC more mobile (streamline all the cables basically, so it can move and set up quickly). Then buy a Presonus Firepod (I just so happen to be selling 2 of them right now for $240 each). With a Firepod, a computer, a firewire cable, and the software that comes with it, you can record 8 microphones simultaneously and separately..... meaning you can have separate tracks for every instrument recorded, and then go back later and edit each track and mix them together to have much more control over your mix. you can also plug guitars, basses, keyboards, etc straight in if you don't have alot of mics yet.


I'm not just pitching this because I'm selling some, but it really is a great way to get started. The Firepods sound great, they are simple to use, and Presonus has great tech support if you need it. I learned home recording by just buying one of these things, hooking it up, and then experimenting and figuring it out until my band got a whole album successfully recorded (www.myspace.com/captaingallagher)


As far as mics go, SM57s are great. If you must own 1 mic, own a 57. If you must own 2, own 2 SM57s. Now, when you get to your third one, considering adding a better kick drum mic, like an audix d6, akg d112, or shure beta 52 (there are also cheaper versions of all of these if you are on a tight budget and are willing to sacrifice some quality). You might also considering adding a large diaphragm condenser and a small diaphragm condenser to your mics. An LDC may work well on vocals or guitars, and SDCs are usually good drum overhead mics, for picking up hi end cymbals, hi hats, acoustic guitars, percussion, etc. MXL and CAD make decent entry level condensers for a great price. I'll even sell you a MXL 990 for $40 with a cool shockmount and case.


This really isnt a sales pitch, I'm just offering advice because I was exactly where you are about 4 years ago. I bought 2 Firepods, SM57s, MXLs, CADs, Shures, and some other stuff and started working with it and trying things out........ it taught me more about home recording than any class or any amount of reading could have ever taught. I'm selling some of my stuff off right now because I need the money and because my band broke up and I don't really need as many channels to record right now, so I'm sort of upgrading and downgrading at the same time as I reorganize the studio.....

 

[KineticSound]

I might offer a counterpoint... Let me preface this with the fact that tmj makes some quality points and recommends some good products for which to shop. I've also owned everything from Tascam portastudios (when there were no DAW's), Roland V-Studios, standalone DMT's, and now computer-based DAW's.

While it is true that all-in-one boxes have their drawbacks, there are times when they may be very useful. A "portable" computer-based setup is very flexible and easy to upgrade over time, but if your M.O. is to simply walk into your practice space, plug into the board, and "go", then an all-in-one box might be a very practical solution. Perhaps an all-in-one box that can interface with a computer for editing, such as a Fostex MR-8HD or similar (with a USB hub), would be a decent choice. Essentially, you would be using the all-in-one box to do your tracking, then transfer the files over to your PC/Mac later to edit and mix them. The do-all boxes can edit and mix by themselves, but typically not with the speed and ease of the computer. Understand, however, that if you choose an all-in-one box, you are subject to its limitations - inputs, preamps, etc. It is here that the concept of computer recording has to be reconsidered.

Also, what types of instruments do you plan to record, and in what genre of music? The community here can make some general microphone recommendations, but to make it useful it helps to know what you need to capture.

 

[RAMI]

I've owned a TASCAM 788, and now own a TASCAM 2488. I've never had a problem with either of them. I love me my all-in-one box.