multitrack vs computer

[FloydLongwell]

Digital Audio Worlstation- fancy name for recording on a Computer with software (Like Reaper, Logic, Cubase etc..) - how is the jack wonky? Is the connector failing or something?

crackles, blinks off and on. clearly a short, just hesitant to do the surgery

 

[FloydLongwell]

IF nothing is wwong with unit - why not? I’d be concerned about only being able to write CD’s - other than that for what you are doing - and your work flow with which you do it - it’s fine - SM81s are good mics BTW - they might be old - but are certainly useful - I will say this - with recording to a DAW. - you get a multitude of effects - better control of your audio - and more output formats than you can shake a stick at - and easier and greater amounts of storage.

Thanks, is there a decent free DAW? How would I get my SM-81's into the laptop? The korg has phantom power.

 

[FloydLongwell]

I am a naysayer. I have 4 analogue reel to reel recorders, i have mixers and lots of old rack gear. NONE of it is up to the quality and convenience of an interface and computer. There is something very nice about recording with the old stuff, but the advantages are swamped by disadvantages. Cost, reliability, repeatability, convenience, speed, versatility and in my opinion, quality. I have two analogue mixer and two digital ones. The most expensive costing a lot of money. Since covid it has been used 6 times. I do not need a mixer with knobs. My computers allow as many tracks as I need, and for me, automation is everything. I do like the old gear and collect it, but using it? All those restrictions? Not for me.

Thanks are you referring to the korg d1600mkII as the old stuff? My only other gear is a lenovo ideapad 3. Would that be better? How would I connect the SM-81's? What software would I need?

 

[FloydLongwell]

I prefer multitrack because it’s not a graphical show and I can focus on the music.
My DAW is so awesome that I sometimes spend hours tweaking effects for things that don’t add to the music.
Plus multitrack has better latency.

Thanks. When you say multitrack, are you referring to a computer with DAW software? I have a Lenovo ideapad 3 . Would that be better than the Korg? Which DAW software should I use? How would I connect the SM-81's?

 

[FloydLongwell]

It’s graphical - just small and limited - but I know what you mean about the lack of distraction - I do that in Logic - you just set it up that way.

Please explain the difference between "multitrack" and DAW

 

[Manslick]

Thanks. When you say multitrack, are you referring to a computer with DAW software? I have a Lenovo ideapad 3 . Would that be better than the Korg? Which DAW software should I use? How would I connect the SM-81's?

Multitrack is a Tascam DP 24SD or similar device. A stand alone x number track recorder.
A DAW is Reaper or Pro Tools etc. software that runs on a computer.
To me the multitrack is better because it’s practically zero latency.
If you go the DAW route you’ll need an interface to get your audio into your computer.

 

[PorterhouseMusic]

Keep in mind Floyd that if you can export your track data as wav files from the Korg D1600 mkii - and, as I recall, I think you can - then you have the option of doing all your tracking with your current recorder and microphone setup. And then moving the wave files into a DAW (computer based) of your choosing after the tracking phase is completed. This is how I work using the Tascam dp32sd. Sometimes.

 

[Papanate]

Thanks, is there a decent free DAW? How would I get my SM-81's into the laptop? The korg has phantom power.

Reaper is sort of Free - 2 month demo than it ask you to pay at Startup - $60 which is really nothing - Cubase LE is a lite version of full boat DAW - but is impressive with what you can accomplish - Cakewalk by Bandlab is a on line cloud based DAW - Cakewalk used to be okay I don’t know what this version is like - and Tracktion Waveform Free which has a lot of Pro Features - all of those would run on your laptop without issues.

 

[Papanate]

Please explain the difference between "multitrack" and DAW

As @Manslick said - A DAW is software that you run on computer - you will need an Audio Interface - and Speakers - a Multitrack can be a DAW or Standalone recorder - like the aforementioned DP-24SD - it is much more difficult to manipulate or edit tracks - it limited to hardware devices (Compressor , Reverb…etc) - so unless you have 10 compressors you have to commit on each track you record - limited to a set a mount of tracks - 8 -16- 24- and difficult to export etc...