Removable Digital Media Multi-Tracks?

[AL01412]

Hey, Whats up everyone? Im new to this site, And it seems like a pretty cool place. Ok here is my stupid quistion...

Does anyone know of any Removable Digital Media Multi-Tracks (preferably a 4-track)that i can purchase around $150-175? I just really need one because i am so sick of useing tape for everything, it gets kind of confusing for me sometimes, And right now im on a pretty tight budget. If anyone could help me out on which 4-track to get, or some advice, I'd much apreciate it.
thanks.

 

[lbanks]

The Zoom PS-04 is going for $200. That's the cheapest I've seen.

 

[A Reel Person]

I think you're looking at, or describing,...

either the Tascam 564 MD Portastudio, or
the Yamaha MD-4 (MD 4-track porta-),
the Yamaha MD-8 (MD 8-track porta-),
Sony MDM-4 (MD 4-track porta-).

No offense, but the Zoom PS-04 is a Smart-Media memory recorder, and although the Smart Media card is indeed a removable component, I think the label of "removable media" recorder is somewhat of a misnomer. After all, are you going to have a 10- or 20-pack of those 128MB Smart Media cards? Are you going to archive 100 or 200 of those Smart Media cards in a media rack? Is the Smart Media card considered a consummable media item, like tape? I don't think so. Anyway, the Zoom PS-04 palmtop 4-track recorder is there, if you want it. I don't think it fits the bill, as "removable media" recorder, in the true sense, but that's M/O. If you are considering the Zoom, don't forget to include the comparable memory recorders, such as the Tascam Pocketstudio 5.

All the Minidisc multitracks I mentioned above may be purchased USED for $150-$175, more or less, depending on the day, 'cept the Tascam 564 and Yamaha MD-8 often go for higher amounts, on a regular basis,... and they're worth a premium, as the more technically superior units, of those I listed.

 

[AL01412]

either the Tascam 564 MD Portastudio, or
the Yamaha MD-4 (MD 4-track porta-),
the Yamaha MD-8 (MD 8-track porta-),
Sony MDM-4 (MD 4-track porta-).

Yea..I probably wouldent be able to find one of those used aroung here, I was looking for something more along the lines of a Boss BR-532 4-track, but only a little cheaper. Are the mini-disc 4-tracks cheaper than the smart media memory recorders?

But Thanks for your suggestions, i appreciate it.

 

[A Reel Person]

Sure,... but where is "here"?

The Boss BR-532 is another solid state memory recorder, be it CF or Smart Media, or whatever, it's still the same game. Calling these "removable media" recorders is a bit of a misnomer, but I'll give you the point, that the CF/Smart Media card is indeed removable. Just not a "consummable" type of removable media, like MD or cassette was. I'm not arguing semantics with'ya on that point.

The MD multitracks are all "Ebay" type items, no longer in production, and only found as "used". Ebay is "everywhere", so it makes me wonder, where is "here", that you speak of, that Ebay's not available?

A CF/Smart Media card recorder is indeed removable media, but not in the classic sense. There's a short turnaround time, that although you can "remove" the media from the unit, the solid state memory card must be transferred or "dumped" to computer, in order to erase and continue.

I'm coming from a "consummable/removable" media standpoint, where cassette, REEL TAPE, or minidisc was removable,... you'd purchase this media in lots of 10's, 20's or 100's, and although they were eraseable and reusable, they'd often spend life as "archived" media, in racks. I doubt, very much, that you'd find your average home recording consumer buying CF/SM memory cards in 10's, 20's, or 100-count lots, and archiving them in the same way as the "tape-days" of old.

M/O.

Good luck, finding your removable solid state memory recorder. There are many. Hit the catalogs, and online music-catalog outlets. I'm not a user, or fan of solid state "card" recorders, and so, this discussion has already progressed beyond my field of interest or expertise. /DA