Recording Multiple Instruments

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quiksilva

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I've seen so many posts and/or FAQs about guys who can't find any other musicians around and need to know how to make recordings via layers.<br>
However, I have other musicians available and I want to know what kind of equipment I need to be able to mic up 2 stacks, drums, and a floor monitor for vocals, all at the same time being the key requirement. I've been shopping around for a multitrack digital recorder(I figured 8 tracks would be plenty so the Boss BR-8 and Fostex VF-08 were tops on my list) but most say they only record 2 tracks simultaneously and have only 2 XLR inputs. I'm assuming I would need at least 4 XLR inputs if I'm to record all 4 instruments at the same time. Any kind of input or equipment suggestions would be much appreciated.
 
You need 4 inputs to record 4 instruments, yes. They don't have to be XLR inputs though, but in any case, the Boss BR-8 and VF-08 only have two inputs so you can't record more than 2 channels at one time, XLR or no XLR.

So in your case, you need to step up one step and find something that can record 4 channels at one time (or 5 if you want the drums in stereo, which is a nice touch).
 
The Boss doesn't even have XLR, so for convenience I would stick with Fostex stuff. The VF-08 only has 2 inputs, so you can either go for the VF-08 and get a separate mixer to run everything simultaneously, or go a step up like Regebro said. I'm not sure, but I figure the Fostex VF-16 should do what you're looking for.
 
I have a tascam 788, which is a 8 track digital standalone deal. It get great quality at 24 bits, and will record six tracks simultaneously. However, all of it's inputs are 1/4", which I haven't heard anything bad about, you just have to have transformer adaptors.
 
i know this doesnt follow suit with what most people say. but those little dinky digital standalones are pretty weak. The old yamaha MD8 is pretty robust. 8 simulatneous tracks, 2XLRs with phantom power, 8 pre amps, a built in ANALOG MIXER. c'mon i think this is much more user friendly then those others. you also get 8 direct outs if you want to dump your tracks over. i think this is an often overlooked tool. its like tascam 488mkII without the tape hiss. and its an excellent recorder.
 
I've heard plenty of bad things about the reliability of minidisc-based systems, although they're supposedly improved now. How much does the Yamaha go for? I'm thinking of getting the Fostex for $569, but am open to other suggestions. Oh, and how are you differentiating between "those little dinky digital standalones" and the MD8?
 
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