Yo MJB! Consider a
Zoom H4n:
[url=https://en.audiofanzine.com/pocket-recorder-multitrack/zoom/H4/user_reviews/]Zoom H4n | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders![/url]
It is a handheld, 4-track digital recorder that is *also* a computer interface. It comes with Cubase software, but is compatible with Reason, Audacity, Reaper, etc. (almost everything but Pro Tools). It has 2 combi-jacks which can accept XLR mics , or 1/4" line inputs, and can be configured for high-z (guitar, bass, etc. direct). It has a bunch of available effects, including amp modeling, or you can use the software in the computer. It runs off a wall wart or batteries. At the flip of a switch, it becomes a USB powered computer interface, using the computer's processing and memory. It provides phantom power for condenser mics, and records onto SD cards in standalone mode, up to 32 gigs. That's about 22 track hours (11 hours in stereo) per card, at 24bit/96kHz. You can dump the finished tracks into the computer and then record more tracks, up to the limits of the software. In standalone mode, it records up to 4 tracks, and you can mix and edit in the recorder, or dump it to the computer as WAV. files and do it there. It also has a built-in pair of stereo mics, a 1/8" stereo input for an external stereo mic, and a 1/8" input for computer mics that require "plug in power". Here are the major limitations (and they're not that bad):
It can record 2 tracks at a time in any bit depth and resolution, from wicked stupid MP3 (good for lectures, etc.) up to 24 bit/96khz, but- If you want to record 3 or 4 simultaneous tracks, it can only be done in 16bit/44.1kHz (same as a CD), and you can only use the onboard effects and modeling in 4 track mode. And- when you plug in a stereo mic, it disables the onboard mics, so if you want to record 4 tracks at once, 2 of them have to be the onboard mics, or an external stereo mic. So- for example, you could do a drum kit with it on 4 tracks. Using the included mic stand adapter and the available (not included) remote control card, which is very handy, BTW, you can put the H4n on a mic stand and use the onboard stereo mics as the overheads. You plug the kick drum and snare mics into the XLR inputs, and record all 4 tracks, and pan and EQ them with the H4n, or in the computer, but *only* in 16bit/44.1kHz. Of course, you could also use an outboard stereo mic for the overheads. I use this discontinued bad boy, which is a bit of a step up from the onboard mics, which are actually pretty good:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/150435-REG/Sony_ECMMS957_ECM_MS957_Stereo_Condenser.html
For what you are talking about, you could just record your 2 tracks at a time in any resolution you want as WAV. files, play them back by the H4n's USB, and add tracks up to the limits of the software (in Cubase, I think that's 16). What's not to love? It is a idea scratch pad for a recording artist, you can use it to learn the basics of computer recording, and it fits in a guitar case. I've been using mine for nearly 2 years, and it has proven itself to be damned useful. Aside from that, when you graduate to a big-ass computer system, it will still be useful as a remote stereo recorder, headphone amp, and notepad.
Just my .02 cents.-Richie
P.S.- If you want more tracks, the H4n has some big brothers, the netbook-sized R16, and the laptop sized R24, which do all the same stuff, but with more tracks, more inputs, and faders:
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=60335&Category=Recorders
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=45481&Category=Recorders
