Recording, Workstation or Controller?

[LITLTigr]

So im looking into purchasing a recorder, I play the guitar, and do vocals, and often record with friends. I think 12 channels is the Max I could possibly need, so ive been looking into the korg D-12 or the Tascam 788. What I need some help on is the deicision of choosing between a controller or a workstation, like the korg D12, or something like the MOTU 828. I want to spend under a grand on this, so I still have money for mics and what nots.

 

[PeteHalo]

Why not take the best of both worlds and get a Fostex Vf160? Together with a soundcard /w Adat i/o you can use it as an analog front end and track directly to computer or use it independently for tracking away from your computer. I can't think of any reason why somebody would choose the 788 or D12 instead of VF160.

 

[cat]

fostex? boooooooooooo...boooooooooooooo

I wouldn't dare pick a fostex workstation over a Tascam or Korg. The Fostex is a 16-bit unit. Converters aren't that hot either.

The Tascam is 24-bit, but 8 tracks. Sounds good though.

I don't really know about the D-12, but I've heard the 1600. Its sweet.

 

[PeteHalo]

Looks like you're blinded by just one number, 24 bits. Goes to show that at least the Tascam marketing hype is working. But take a look at the other numbers too. To me there's other numbers that matter also, like the number of simultaneously recordable track 4 vs. 8 + 8 thru Adat i/o, number of digital input channels 2 out/ 0 in vs 8 out /8 in, dynamic range >82 dB vs >88 dB . BTW If in theory 24 bit resolution should give 144dB of dynamic range then where is the missing 62dB, or 10 bits? You're paying for 24 bit but getting 14 bit worth of performance and you can't even use a better external mic preamps or AD/DA converters because there's NO DIGITAL INPUTS what so ever. To me the Tascam looks like a seriously limited little sandbox with very little or no room for expansion. Maybe you're happy playing by yourself in your little sand box but I sure like to be able to connect to the outside world if I want to.

 

[Treeline]

I'm getting this feeling of deja vu.

How about using the search function for the terms VF160, DPS16, DPS24, D12, D1200, D1600, AW16g, Korg, AKAI, and Yamaha? We've got about a mile of threads on the " $1000 barrier meets capable multitracker" idea, and most of them are timely.

I was pulling money together to spring for an AKAI DPS24 and then my home heating system blew up. So now we have a brand new boiler and lots of shiny copper pipe everywhere.

Still looking, though - particularly at the DPS16 - 16 & 24 bit, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 mHz, extremely stable OS, open architecure, good user groups, great support from AKAI, and recently discontinued. Watch for it at about a grand. You would need to get a SCSI burner, which could add a couple hundred.