PC vs. digital 8 track

  • Thread starter Thread starter cwalken
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cwalken

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Would I be better off going with an 8 track recorder (something like Fostex MR-8 or a roland one both around $200) over setting up my PC for home recording? I think my soundcard is bad (it came with Dell machine) so i'd have to get a new one plus whatever other USB hookup.
I just thought it'd be easier with the digital 8 track, since I could also listen to the other tracks while recording.

I'm looking for the easiest way to record guitar, bass, and maybe a keyboard.


thanks
 
The computer setup would be a bit pricier, with software and all, but probably quite a bit more flexible. Personally, I like the ease of editing on computer as opposed to a standalone unit.

I guess it depends on your needs. Portability is a big one. How many simultaneous tracks do you need? How many altogether? What equipment do you already have? etc..
 
Software is not a problem. My friend has a lot of it already. I also have cakewalk and some other tools.

I'm more interested in the hardware aspect.

Portability is not a pro for me since I won't be moving around and recording. Just in my house.

The # of tracks would be at least 4. I'd like to record while listening to other tracks. I couldn't get that to work with cool edit...guessing cakewalk can do that.

I have electric guitar, bass, electric acoustic. I have a 1/4 to 1/8 extension. Free USB ports on the computer. A fender deluxe amp.

If its easier to do it on the computer, could you point me out to some hardware? Maybe a USB input device?

I don't need to record vocals. No midi. just guitars :)
 
Okay,

If software isn't the issue, then it's basically a no brainer to go computer style. I think your best bet is to look at the M-audio Delta 44...

http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/delta44.php

You can get 'em on ebay for a little under $200 I believe. 4 ins and 4 outs, all 1/4" so you can get rid of that crappy 1/4 to 1/8" adaptor :-). M-audio makes kickass stuff too...I just upgraded from the Delta 1010 which is similar, but with 8 i/o, spdif midi and wordclock and I loved it.

You may not have been able to listen and record at the same time before because you were using your PC stock sound card. The drivers on pro stuff are MUCH better...almost no latency and much more responsive.

The only thing with this card is that you would need preamps for your microphones. I don't know if you have a mixer or not, but something like the behringer mx1604a would match up perfectly. I got mine on ebay for a little over $100.

http://www.behringer.com/02_products/prodindex.cfm?id=MX1604A&lang=eng

hope that helps!
 
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