S
Shana
New member
I have a Boss br8 digital recorder. SOMEONE tell me why i would use that if i could record on the computer with n track? m Im new to this and i havent a clue what the difference would be?
Jon X
New member
The same reasons apply to just about any standalone digital recording solution, such as the BR-8, vs computer recording. Here's some of the major differences.
Computer recording gives you easier expansion/upgradability, usually easier editing, it can be easier to master tracks and burn CDs, and there are lots of options for backing up, effects plugins, etc. It can also be cheaper if you already own a good computer, but depends on what you buy. It is harder to transport if you record at several different places. It might be more difficult to use a PC or Mac for recording if you don't know much about how they operate and how to maintain it. Even a properly maintained PC will crash now and then and really mess things up. Just know this is going to eventually happen, make good backups, and try not to throw it out the window when it happens at the most inopportune time.
Recording with a separate unit mainly gives you portability, and tends to be more stable in terms of crashing (most of the time.) It's more of a self contained solution where you can get several features in a single box, but you are also stuck with that unit's features and limitations. It's a device that is setup only for a few related purposes, and the good ones do those things very well. That's all they can do however, where a computer can be used for lots of things. Can be hard and/or expensive to upgrade, if not downright impossible.
I have used a computer for recording, and a VS880. I prefer the computer by far for editing and burning CDs. I prefer the 880 when I have to go to a different location to record something on short notice. There's several threads that cover this topic, so you will probably find much more info by doing a search. If you aren't going to different locations to record on a regular basis, and don't mind some growing pains while you research the many options and build your computer into a solid recording unit, then the PC is a great solution.
Computer recording gives you easier expansion/upgradability, usually easier editing, it can be easier to master tracks and burn CDs, and there are lots of options for backing up, effects plugins, etc. It can also be cheaper if you already own a good computer, but depends on what you buy. It is harder to transport if you record at several different places. It might be more difficult to use a PC or Mac for recording if you don't know much about how they operate and how to maintain it. Even a properly maintained PC will crash now and then and really mess things up. Just know this is going to eventually happen, make good backups, and try not to throw it out the window when it happens at the most inopportune time.
Recording with a separate unit mainly gives you portability, and tends to be more stable in terms of crashing (most of the time.) It's more of a self contained solution where you can get several features in a single box, but you are also stuck with that unit's features and limitations. It's a device that is setup only for a few related purposes, and the good ones do those things very well. That's all they can do however, where a computer can be used for lots of things. Can be hard and/or expensive to upgrade, if not downright impossible.
I have used a computer for recording, and a VS880. I prefer the computer by far for editing and burning CDs. I prefer the 880 when I have to go to a different location to record something on short notice. There's several threads that cover this topic, so you will probably find much more info by doing a search. If you aren't going to different locations to record on a regular basis, and don't mind some growing pains while you research the many options and build your computer into a solid recording unit, then the PC is a great solution.
dragonworks
Banned
Shana
I am recording with an alesis adat and then downloading into the pc for editing,
cd burning, conversion to mp3, etc. If you
can add whatever it takes to get the sound
from the boss to the pc you could go that route. Keep reading through the forums and
you will glean a wealth of information. I am
pretty new to this myself and cant really give you and educated answer to your question
but just letting you know there is another
alternative?
I am recording with an alesis adat and then downloading into the pc for editing,
cd burning, conversion to mp3, etc. If you
can add whatever it takes to get the sound
from the boss to the pc you could go that route. Keep reading through the forums and
you will glean a wealth of information. I am
pretty new to this myself and cant really give you and educated answer to your question
but just letting you know there is another
alternative?
Jon X
New member
dragonworks is right. I wasn't very clear in my post now that I look at it again. Currently I am using the 880 to record with and then transferring the individual tracks to my PC for editing and such. That way you can kinda have the best of both worlds. The two can combine together and work very well.
Something as simple as an SB Live can work for connecting a PC to the BR-8. Especially if the BR-8 has a digital out. Makes for an inexpensive solution if you use n-track on the PC and a freeware or shareware wav editor. Being able to look at a nice size monitor instead of those little Roland windows when editing is a huge bonus of incorporating the PC into your setup.
Something as simple as an SB Live can work for connecting a PC to the BR-8. Especially if the BR-8 has a digital out. Makes for an inexpensive solution if you use n-track on the PC and a freeware or shareware wav editor. Being able to look at a nice size monitor instead of those little Roland windows when editing is a huge bonus of incorporating the PC into your setup.