multitrack vs computer

[brokenhead]

I am looking to record some demos, and also record jams with my band.
I am hoping to find a decent digital recorder to do this with, as I want to keep my computer from getting bogged down with larger files. (I run a small sign shop and the design files can be massive), the other idea behind this approach is that anyone in the band can take the gear home and do some recording...so portability is key.
I have read many a thread, and understand that I need to do some additional research, but I am curious to see if what I am assuming is the thing I need is in fact a good plan, or if I am instead a total imbecile.
That being said, is a multi-track recorder that can burn CD's a good plan?
Oh yeah, I am on a fairly low budget.
As for gear I do have, I have a few shite mics,(hoping to pick up a Shure58 soon) a great old Garnet PA, and the guitars and amps etc...
Any opinions or info would be greatly appreciated...

 

[johnnymegabyte]

Tip

Either route you take, look for the number of simultaneous recording inputs.
A lot of budget audio interfaces have 2 recording inputs. PCI, Firewire or USB
Standalones like BOSS or Zoom 8 channel recorders ... only 2 at a time. Once you get into 12 or 16 or more, then you'll see 8 channels of simultaneous recording

 

[brokenhead]

that makes total sense-thanks!

 

[Pahtcub]

First off I was taught using all hardware for recording in the old analog days, but I've come around to the fact that for home recording, even starting out it's infinately more flexible to start with computer recording. If you get a firewire i/o card and an external hard drive to save to you won't bog down your computer and your bandmates can take the interface and hard drive home to record.

If you buy a hardware multitrack machine you're stuck with whatever it has.

For example if you want to add a compressor you have to buy a hardware compressor with as many channels as you need, or you could buy a cheaper VST plugin compressor and use it on however many ch you need it for.

Also if you want to add more simultanious tracks as stated before you can buy another i/o card and daisy chain, so you're not throwing things away.

Editing is also much more intuitive on a computer. My vote is computer.

 

[brokenhead]

External hardrive is a good soulution to my problem, as they are cheap like borscht, and I had a look at a few firewire i/o cards, and the cost isn't out of the question...but don't I also need a mixer? One site mentioned needing an ONYX mixer...just wondering if this is a fairly expensive approach-albeit a good investment...

 

[Pahtcub]

No you would mix and automate on the computer with a mouse. If you really want the tactile feel of a fader on a budget I would suggest something along the lines of the presonus faderport, I have one and I love it, but also mixed with only a mouse for YEARS. If you're not also using the mixer for live sound I personal don't think it's a good investment for a small home recording rig, there are many better places to spend your money. IE VST plugins.

 

[cajunflea]

On that note

on the subject, I was wondering how well you guys think a digital recorder used to record everything, and then edit with my computer would work

 

[Trumpspade]

on the subject, I was wondering how well you guys think a digital recorder used to record everything, and then edit with my computer would work

I used that approach for years and it worked for me! My main reason was because I had gotten so accustomed to working with hardware and I knew what every button did for recording purposes. However, I found editing and mixing on the PC much easier and user friendly when it came to adding plug-ins, deleting notes/parts, and monitoring volume levels. I have always been a fan of both, but try it and see if you feel comfortable with it.

 

[brokenhead]

M-Audio Firewire 1814 Audio Interface ???

I have been doing a bit of looking around, and came across a "M-Audio Firewire 1814 Audio Interface" that is used and selling for $300. It appears to be a decent buy, but I am a bit unsure about this being the right peice of equipment, as there are just sooo many options out there.
What did appear to be appealing about this was the numerous imput jacks, as well as the cost, which to my understanding is about $200 less than new.
Any opinons on this??

 

[Pahtcub]

My experince with M-Audio (mind you this is a delta 1010 from like 5 years ago) was that it was crap, half the outputs got noise or stoped working all together. Also remember that this only has two mic pres, so if you wanted to mic say a whole drum kit you'd have to buy more pres, but if two mics will work for right now I say go for it, if it gets you in the game DO IT!

 

[Hygaphunkik]

I am looking to record some demos, and also record jams with my band.
I am hoping to find a decent digital recorder to do this with, as I want to keep my computer from getting bogged down with larger files. (I run a small sign shop and the design files can be massive), the other idea behind this approach is that anyone in the band can take the gear home and do some recording...so portability is key.

I know plenty of people here have recommended a pc which is certainly a good open ended solution but there maybe some portability issues. If you are just starting out you may not need all the bells and whistles at the moment, but having multiple simultaneous recording is an absolute must. I just bought a Tascam 2488 MkII fairly reasonable price and 8 track recording, 24 channels and USB2 so everything is easily transferable to pc if need be.

I have read many a thread, and understand that I need to do some additional research, but I am curious to see if what I am assuming is the thing I need is in fact a good plan, or if I am instead a total imbecile.
That being said, is a multi-track recorder that can burn CD's a good plan?
Oh yeah, I am on a fairly low budget.
As for gear I do have, I have a few shite mics,(hoping to pick up a Shure58 soon) a great old Garnet PA, and the guitars and amps etc...
Any opinions or info would be greatly appreciated...

Not a bad plan, I switched from a pc mainly because I started thinking about recording jams with a band, and there was no way I could do that in my living room. I thought of a laptop and multi input devices but the thought of setting up and taking down gave me the heebies so I went for an all in one solution and it is working quite well.

Hope this helps