"On the fly" Home recording without a DAW

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musicainbasso

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I'm trying to find an hardware machine to record what I need without a DAW. Something to record without carrying with me PC and Audio Interface. The only solution I found is TASCAM DP-24SD. Do you know some other solution? Obviously after recording I would tranfer every single track to my DAW to refine the mix. Thanks
 
You didn't mention how many tracks you want to record at a time . That said there are many small mixers out there that have the ability to send discrete multiple tracks to a computer, phone or ipad .. I purchased the Behringer Flow 8 mainly as a very slick and easy to use mixer...but it has the ability to send up to 10 tracks to your computer or phone I asked the google and this is what it said... so this is an option if you're looking for 8 tracks or less at a time

Flow 8 multitrack recording on a phone


Yes, you can record up to
10 channels multitrack from the
Behringer Flow 8
to a phone using a USB adapter and a compatible recording app.

What You Need
  • Behringer Flow 8 Mixer
    : Ensure its firmware is updated.
  • Smartphone: Android or iPhone (iOS).
  • USB Cable: To connect the
    Flow 8
    (micro-USB port on the back) to your phone.
  • USB Adapter:
    • For iPhone/iPad: An Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter is recommended (and is powered, which helps maintain a stable connection).
    • For Android: A USB-C to USB adapter or a powered hub, depending on your phone's port and power requirements.
  • Multitrack Recording App: A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) app for your phone, such as:
    • GarageBand for iOS.
    • BandLab or AUM for Android/iOS.
  • Power Source: A sufficiently powerful USB power supply for the
    Flow 8
    , especially if you encounter connectivity issues, though the mixer can be USB powered.

Setup Steps
  1. Configure
    Flow 8
    USB Mode    : Ensure the
    Flow 8
    is set to its multitrack "Recording Mode". This sends 10 individual input channels to your phone via USB.
  2. Connect Hardware:
    • Connect the micro-USB port on the back of the
      Flow 8
      to your USB adapter using a USB cable.
    • Plug the adapter into your phone.
    • For iOS, using the powered adapter will allow you to charge your phone while recording, which is useful for long sessions.
  3. Open DAW App: Launch your chosen multitrack recording application (e.g., GarageBand or BandLab).
  4. Configure App Settings:
    • The app should automatically recognize the
      Flow 8
      as its audio input device.
    • Check the app's settings to ensure the sample rate and buffer size are appropriate for multitrack recording (e.g., 48K hz and a buffer size of 256 or 512).
    • Note that the channel numbering in your DAW app may not align exactly with the physical input labels on the
      Flow 8
      , so you will need to verify the routing.
  5. Assign Tracks and Record: Create multiple tracks within your app and assign each one to a separate input channel from the
    Flow 8
    to begin multitrack recording.
You can also use the separate FLOW Mix app via Bluetooth for wireless remote control of the mixer's settings, such as EQs and effects, while the audio is being sent to your phone via the wired USB connection.
 
I've got a Zoom R-24. You can find them used for $250-350. You might even find a new one. They are great for recording, you've got plenty of tracks and they can be transferred directly as WAV files to massage in a DAW. I've used mine for years as a great 8 track mobile recorder.

If you want new, I would be looking at something like the Tascam Model 12,16 or 24. They are like using an old style mixer/tape deck without the tape. Record right to an SD card. The DP24SD is another good alternative as is the Zoom R20. I don't know if the R-20 files can be read directly from the SD card into a computer. It's something you might want to investigate.

What is best will depend on your needs, simultaneous tracks to be recorded, total number of tracks, how you like to work. I like the use of SD cards. I buy them 10 at a time, like we used to buy reels of tape a case at a time. Make the recording, dump it to the computer, then put the SD in an envelope to file away. I don't bother reusing them when they cost $8 for 4 hours of 8 tracks @ 24bit.

You could buy old hard disk recorders like the Yamaha AW1600, a Tascam Neo 2488, Roland VS 2480, etc. but remember that you are buying limited storage space on an old style hard drive. You can possibly replace it with an SSD but you still have limited space. That means backing up projects and wiping old ones. SDHC cards are SO MUCH nicer to deal with.
 
Yamaha AW4416…scalable, great sounding, powerful mixing section, can be found for $100-200, HDD easily converted to CF. Still one of the best standalone DAW mixing sections.
 
sweetbeats said:
Yamaha AW4416…scalable, great sounding, powerful mixing section, can be found for $100-200, HDD easily converted to CF. Still one of the best standalone DAW mixing sections.
Click to expand...
It's a shame that the Dijonstock forum is gone. It was a wealth of information for the Yamaha recorders.
 
TAE said:
You didn't mention how many tracks you want to record at a time . That said there are many small mixers out there that have the ability to send discrete multiple tracks to a computer, phone or ipad .. I purchased the Behringer Flow 8 mainly as a very slick and easy to use mixer...but it has the ability to send up to 10 tracks to your computer or phone I asked the google and this is what it said... so this is an option if you're looking for 8 tracks or less at a time

Flow 8 multitrack recording on a phone
Click to expand...
I need at least 8 channels simultaneously recording. Thanks anyway
 
sweetbeats said:
Yamaha AW4416…scalable, great sounding, powerful mixing section, can be found for $100-200, HDD easily converted to CF. Still one of the best standalone DAW mixing sections.
Click to expand...
Discontinued. Need something new. Thanks
 
musicainbasso said:
I need at least 8 channels simultaneously recording. Thanks anyway
Click to expand...
Via USB you can record 8 tracks simultaneously with the Flow 8 .... (4) XLR / (4) 1/4" .. or you can stream a stereo track ...It is absolutely the coolest little usb powered mixer out there..what I like is the power of the app that goes with it. You can preset all your levels and eq's prior to the gig..and boom you're set up AND it has sliders and knobs so you can adjust on the fly. @ $200 this is a crazy cool portable multitrack interface and mixer all in one.

 
Last edited:
TAE said:
Guess you didn't read through my post.... it can record up to 10 tracks simultaneously with (4) XLR / (4) 1/4" mono and (1) 1/4" stereo... It is absolutely the coolest little usb powered mixer out there..what I like is the power of the app that goes with it. You can preset all your levels and eq's prior to the gig..and boom you're set up AND it has sliders and knobs so you can adjust on the fly. @ $200 this is a crazy cool portable multitrack interface and mixer all in one.
Click to expand...
Ah.....OK ... Sorry. I read fast. I will investigate about. Thanks
 
I really loved my Zoom R-24 and then the L-12 & L-20. I did a lot of easy on the fly recording on the L-20, especially after the firmware upgrade had the detect recording added. If I was jamming on a live idea in my studio it was already recording.
 
I think I'm the red headed step-child on this forum as I use a Tascam DP-02 for everything.... No computer whatsoever. With the exception of one mic, all my gear is considered pre-historic. In fact with the exception of the Tascam, all my gear is pre-2000 !! I know it sounds masochistic in 2026, but it's just the way I learned to do it years ago. If I want a triple tracked instrument or vocal, I literally record it 3 times ! I even use the built in CD player to burn cd's !! Yeah, I'm an old goat !! Sometimes I feel so lonely on my island !! :O)
 
TascamJimi said:
I think I'm the red headed step-child on this forum as I use a Tascam DP-02 for everything.... No computer whatsoever. With the exception of one mic, all my gear is considered pre-historic. In fact with the exception of the Tascam, all my gear is pre-2000 !! I know it sounds masochistic in 2026, but it's just the way I learned to do it years ago. If I want a triple tracked instrument or vocal, I literally record it 3 times ! I even use the built in CD player to burn cd's !! Yeah, I'm an old goat !! Sometimes I feel so lonely on my island !! :O)
Click to expand...
I drove cars with manual transmissions until my job changed and they gave me a company car with an automatic. I kept my little Acura for weekends, taught my son how to drive a stick and he used it for years. That was then... now its automatic all the way. Its more relaxing, and the bigger car is more comfortable for long trips.

Same with recording... I have the AW16G, AW1600 and R-24 which does mobile recording. When I'm at home recording, or mixing anything, it's in the computer. I find it easier, faster and gives me better results.
 
flyingace said:
I really loved my Zoom R-24 and then the L-12 & L-20. I did a lot of easy on the fly recording on the L-20, especially after the firmware upgrade had the detect recording added. If I was jamming on a live idea in my studio it was already recording.
Click to expand...
Actually I'm looking for the L-20... it has a price just a little higher (75€) thal L12next....
 
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