Need advice on buying recording equipment

[Irygirl]

I am a singer/songwriter looking to buy a multitrack recorder. I play all my tracks using my Roland XP-30 synthesizer. I need equipment that can record all my tracks along with my voice and then be able to burn this on a CD. What should I buy that will sound fairly professional? I am currently using aTascam414MKII 4 track recorder. It works ok, but I get a lot of background noise and generation loss because of bouncing tracks. Any information on this subject will be helpful. I am just getting familiar with the recording world. Thanks anyone!

 

[Jason Hancock]

I'm somewhat new to this myself. Apparently, any of the current digital recorder models offered by Fostex, Tascam, Korg, Roland, Akai, etc should work. Some manufacturers offer CD burning as an included/built in feature, but, from what I've seen, the CD burner is more often a separate unit. (And can be a bit pricey itself, too.) It will probably boil down to how much you're interested to spend and how many tracks you want.

 

[ola]

If you're into computers, you can check that route as well.

 

[old guy]

What to buy???

Difficult to say, not knowing how much you've budgetted for. There are some good stand alone units out there, both hard disc units, ie. Roland VS series, Korg's D8 & D16(which by the way has a built in burner), Boss, etc. and there are some fairly good computer based systems. A lot depends on what you're comfortable with in regards to actual hands on, or moving a mouse. The Tascam is a good unit, although it's now probably looked upon as old technology. Bouncing on tape can be bitch, because of the loss on your top end. I'm not too familiar with the Tascam 414MKII as to whether it has on board EQ or not. I used to have a Fostex X18, my first intro to multitrack cassette. Had the Akai 3440 prior to that. In any event, the X18 had no EQ'ing on board, I was however able to send out to an EQ (beefing up the high end) and route it back, via the auxilary buss in. It was Mickey Mouse but I was able to retain some of the top end for at least 2 or 3 bounces, after that it reduced significantly.
Again, look at your budget, figure out how much you'd like to spend to achieve a finished product. I must recommend digital as the way to go, just for the clarity and ease of editing alone. Good Luck with whatever you choose..

 

[MrZekeMan]

Irygirl,

Can you give us an idea of how much you want to spend? You can get some really really good prices on the used hard disk all-in-one systems on eBay.

Taylor

 

[psmith66]

I purchased the 414 three or four years ago. Great starter unit and is simple to use and learn the basics on. But if you're into it at all, you will quickly grow frustrated. Bouncing tracks is always a compromise - introduces additional noise (tapes are noisy anyway), loss of mixing control over individual tracks, plus the bounced tracks end up in mono. Enjoy degaussing heads?

Once I got my first taste of PC recording, there was no going back. No-brainer. And it's cheaper, all told. Although I can't remember the last time I tracked anything on the Tascam, I'm going to keep it in case I want to lay down an idea while away from the PC. Grab the unit and a couple of mics and you can record anywhere there's an AC outlet! Take it on vacation! Take it camping!

 

[darrin_h2000]

Since you allready own a computer you should look into a tascam us428 It plugs into your usb port and will do a good job for only 450.00 us.

you can upgrade that cd rom to a cdrw. and Improve that computer to 128mb of ram (I just upgraded to 512Mb) and download a free version of whatever is out there.

warez is a good place to go If you dont mind stealing.(beats paying for it.)

 

[TaxMan88]

Comp recording . . . .

I'm in a very similar situation, and let me tell you I was at one time DEAD SET on a DAW. I was sure that this was the way to go and there was no one who could tell me any differently, I was CONVINCED . . .


. . . I was wrong.


I've gotten into hard disc recording on my computer and I find that it's very well suited to my needs. Editing is very simple, and with a minimal setup, you can get decent to nice results. YMMV of course.

I'd suggest doing some research and finding some software that'll please you and investing in a good soundcard. With a good set of monitors and some experience, you'll be turning out some good tracks.

Just my $.02
--Tax

 

[Irygirl]

Recording Equipment Advice (THANKS EVERYONE)

I just want to say thanks to all the people who responded to my message. By the way, im looking to spend no more than $1000 on a multitrack recorder. I do use my computer to sequence all the tracks I play on my keyboard. After the music is done, I record the music on my Tascam 414MKII (4 track recorder), then I add my vocals. The only problem is with bouncing, I lose a lot of quality. Many people have been telling me to buy a digital recorder and thats what I will do. If anyone can suggest a specific brand that has at least 8 tracks, some effects and not too expensive. Thanks again everyone.

Iry

 

[Royston]

Do yourself a favour and buy N-Track for your PC and forget about the bulky multi-track recorder. Go to www.fasoft.com to download it. As many tracks as your computer can handle, loads of effects and great editing, what more could you ask for at the price of $49?

Also a decent soundcard will be needed and possibly a mixer, depending on how much you want to record at one go.

 

[Jason Hancock]

computer based vs discrete units

Irygirl, before you jump into a computer based system, be sure you'll be happy working that way. I've seen a lot of debate in the fora about which is better. Some folks really prefer having a "real" recording unit in front of them. (That's my preference, too.) But, it appears you're already using a computer for some of your work, so maybe it'll be a natural fit for you.

 

[MrZekeMan]

Iry,

I was faced with the same decision you're making now and I went with the stand alone unit. There's advantages either way.

The computer based system will you give you more expandability, especially in the range your willing to spend. But it tends to be more of a headache, especially when your trying to get set up. At least that's the input I got from other people.

The stand alone deck will you give you more versatility. You can take it anywhere, which is nice. And they sound great. I've heard some incredible stuff recorded on even the little 8 track hard disk recorders. I went with a Roland.

Check out the prices on some of these machines:

http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=Roland+VS

http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...y=Hard+disk+recorder&SortProperty=MetaEndSort

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1442055711

Maybe this will give you an idea of what you could get for a G-note, if you decide to go the hard disk all-in-one route.

If you want to some input on the Roland machines go to:

http://www.vsplanet.com/

Check out the bulletin board. You can get an answer to almost any question about these machines.

I recently bought a Roland VS-2480. I'm very happy with it.

Taylor

 

[schwa]

XP-30 user...

I respect your decision to go with a stand alone recorder, good luck, I would buy used if I were you (maybe a vs-1880), they depreciate faster than computers.

But I wonder about your logic. I use an XP-30 plugged into my Aardvark DirectPro 24/96(which is for sale by the way). and use Cakewalk's SONAR Software. It let me integrate the sequences, with the audio that's being recorded, all on one BIG screen. I can easily audition new sounds for different tracks in real time, and don't need to worry about bogging down the audio system down with MIDI tracks until I want to.

What sequencer are you using now? Many of them have integrated audio these days. The primary downside is one needs a powerfult comuter to do audio, not so much the case with sequencing.

I could see a VS if one was doing audio only, but for a person doing recording and sequencing it would seem that a computer has a number of compelling advantages.

With a good computer in hand, one can get a good card, microphone and sequencer for that $1000.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Go with the portable recorder. You can go any where , get the computer stuff you stay put.. Desisions desisions...

I went for both and now I have awsome portability and editing power.

 

[Yadi]

computer

I haven't bought anything yet so I feel I know where you are coming from....9 months ago I started out looking at the akai dps12 as an upgrade to an old Tascam 246. The Akai was $700....oh wait, I needed a zip disk drive...$900 Then I come to learn that the ZIP drives are bogus for recording and I can only apply cheezy onboard effects that ship with the unit or else purchase my own rack effect$ to use conventionally. I'm glad I didn't waste my money. No scalability.

I also looked at the Tascam 428. Current USB is not yet the right way to do it. It might be nice to have faders sitting in front of you, but what is it like to move them and not having the audio react immediately because of latency issues? Not too mention limited resolution.

I vote, go with the computer solution. Listen to some of the MP3s posted on this forum, by guys with equipment that cost less than $1,000. You'll be amazed/sold. Your money will go much farther and you can replace components as they get dated. Good luck upgrading your effects on the standalone.

Sorry for the dissertation...but I've spent 9 months figuring this much out..

 

[tdukex]

I agree with darrin. If you want portability, a puter just won't do. But if you want power and expandability--and don't need mobility-- the puter is the only way.

 

[MrZekeMan]

Iry,

Let us know what you get. Or better yet. Let us know when you decide what you want, and if you're gonna go the used route. We can help you look.

Taylor

 

[Yadi]

I agree with everyone in here for their reasons stated...but if you're already using the computer for midi sequencing, then you can rule out portability. You just need software and a card. You'll be well within your budget. You can even put the change in the "tip jar".

Yes...let us know which way you go and how you do. I'm always willing to be re-convinced.......

 

[Organ Grinder]

Here's my 2 cents:


If you're already comfortable working on a computer, forget the stand alone unit. These machines usually don't have a great visual interface, and record to zip disc or hard drive, not CD. You'll still be transferring the files to computer to save them.

If you already have mics, pre amps and all that, either get yourself a copy of Cakewalk, or buy a Roland Studio pack. The Roland system comes with its own software and has a small external board which hooks into your computer and wll allow you to mix like a regular board. It also comes with an 8 (count 'em 8) input sound card. It costs under $700

If you go the Cakewalk route, you'll either have to automoate your mixing or buy an outboard mixer which will aloow you to perform this function. I have the software and can tell you its very user fiendly. Its also compatible with may effects and mastering programs...I don;t know whether the Roland is or not.

 

[Jason Hancock]

Puters vs Stand Alones

I'm sure everyone has valid points for both sides of the aisle on this one. Unfortuantely, I'm not a professional recording engineer. So, in my daily drudgery I sit at a computer all day straining my eyes editing unbelievably thick and poorly written documents. By the time I get home and start plunging into my music and recording, the last thing I want to do is fiddle with a mouse. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I had a larger video monitor...it's just a real refreshing change to use stand alone eqpt.

Now, when I do become a professional engineer then I might be converted.