Recording a demo

[mynameismike]

ok, i have a few questions. i'm sure they've been answered already, but i couldn't find them.
1. Does anyone know of a recorder (analog or digital) that can record maybe 6 tracks at a time. I'm thinking of something small, nothing really expensive (maybe $500 max)
2. Would it be possible to mic all guitars, drums, vox, and everything, run it through a powered mixer, and send the output straight to a tape deck. I have a little tape recorder and was wondering if it peak and distort the sound like crazy.
That's all the questions I have for now, thanks.
-mike-

 

[imalion]

I would suggest browsing the Musicians Friend website for equipment. You can choose for yourself based on your needs/Money. Pick a few models YOU like/can afford. Then come back here and do a search on those models. Read up on all the specs.

As far as recording something onto a tape deck from your mixer. It should only distort if the signal from the mixer is too Hot. If you are looking for a halfway decent sound you should record the tracks seperately though.


Steven

 

[mynameismike]

thanks. i know that we should record everything on a seperate track, but I couldn't find a multi-track that lets you record all six at once, and a mixer seemed to let you do that. but, i'll take your advice and try it all the different ways
-mike-

 

[TexRoadkill]

A mixer lets you mix but it doesn't record everything to discreet tracks. You will have to look for something used. Recorders that can handle more than 2 tracks at a time usually cost a bit more.

 

[imalion]

Here is another thought too. Your title of this thread mentioned a "Demo"

If you are really recording a Demo. Make it a good one and Track seperately. I know it might be out of your comfort zone. But trust me, Its much better than recording everybody at once. I think you will find that you have much more control over the quality of sound. And if this is a Demo, lets face it; You want it to sound Good. You can get away with Mixing the drums down to 1 stereo track if you are limited on tracks.

Thats my 2 cents about recording everybody at once for a Demo.


Steven

 

[Adam P]

Yamaha MD8 is a decent MiniDisc-based multitracker that allows 8 tracks simultaneous recording. You can usually find them used on eBay in your price range. It would probably work for your purposes. You would need an external mixer with insert points or direct outs, however, because the MD8 only has mic preamps on the first two channels. I recorded a few mess-around demos with one a few years ago and, while there is some inherent compression going on due to the file format it uses, the sound quality is quite good. It also has SPDIF for recording your final tracks direct to a computer with having to go through AD/DA converters. Plus, the learning curve is terribly easy. I was recording multiple tracks simultaneously, and bouncing tracks about an hour after I started working with it, including a quick run-through of the entire user manual.