Sick of my 4-track after 3 weeks - Help!

[Love & Light]

Ok, as Ive said on other threads, I got me a Tascam MFP-01 for Xmas. I've used it and abused it, done some good recordings and some shit ones. Heres the problem, after 2 weeks I've got peeved off with the limited capabilities of the machine......

I want to upgrade already, so what would be the next machine for me out of these three: Tascam DP-01, Fostex MR8 or the Boss BR864

Thanks for your help....as always!!

 

[Rokket]

What capabilities are you looking for? Built-in drum machines? More than one input? For the less expensive and easiest to use, I'd go with the MR-8. This is from the Tascam website on the DP-01:
The DP-01FX adds XLR microphone inputs with phantom power for connecting professional condenser microphones. It has a multieffects processor for adding effects to an instrument during recording and a reverb processor for adding effects during a mix.

8-track recording at CD quality 44.1kHz/16-bit
2-track simultaneous recording
Dedicated stereo mixdown track
Dedicated controls on each channel for volume, pan, effect send, EQ high and EQ low
Eight 45mm Faders plus a dedicated Master fader
Two-band semi-parametric EQ per track
Two 1/4" TRS mic/line inputs
Two phantom powered XLR microphone inputs (DP-01FX only)
Guitar level input
Built-in reverb processor (DP-01FX only)
Built-in multieffects processor (DP-01FX only)
Effects send and stereo return
RCA line outputs
S/PDIF Digital Optical output
Headphone output with level control
MIDI Timecode and MIDI Clock Output
USB 2.0 port for computer backup
Track editing: copy, paste, move, erase, silence
Built-in 40GB hard drive This could be a good thing, the MR-8 records on a compact flash card, you can only go as high as 2GB

I think the Boss is good, but costs too much. But it has the built-in drum machine.
My 2 cents...
Rokket

 

[Love & Light]

Well, Im not too worried about having a built in drum machine (our drummer wouldn't be too happy!!). Im more interested in the 2 track simultaneous recording which I think all those machines have anyway. The 40 Gb HD with the Tascam is appealing.

 

[Rokket]

Well, Im not too worried about having a built in drum machine (our drummer wouldn't be too happy!!). Im more interested in the 2 track simultaneous recording which I think all those machines have anyway. The 40 Gb HD with the Tascam is appealing.

I thought so too. It's priced pretty good now. I got the MR-8 for free, but it's only about $300.00 US. It doesn't have the hard drive, but the interface with the pc is excellent. I mix everything on my pc now. If you wanted to go that route, it's available on the Tascam too.
Good luck with whatever you decide to go with!



By the way, you lasted longer than I did with the MF-P01!

 

[Love & Light]

Thanks Rokket!

Anyone else any opinions on which one I should go for out of the three?

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

If you outgrew a 4 track in a few weeks, how long do you think it will take to outgrow an 8 track recorder? A few months?

Maybe look into 16 or 24 track machines.

 

[Love & Light]

Well, its not that I outgrew the 4-tracks as such, it was the actual unit itself I outgrew. Its capabilities were very limited. I would have no problems with a digital 4-track if its specifications and features were good.

Any recommendations?

 

[punkin]

If you outgrew a 4 track in a few weeks, how long do you think it will take to outgrow an 8 track recorder? A few months?

Maybe look into 16 or 24 track machines.

I have to agree with Cloneboy. I had the MR8 and I quickly found myself looking at medium/large mixers and PC interfaces. Not a bad box but, I found myself better understanding what I needed to have to do what I really wanted to accomplish. I'm thinking you should have a long look at your "needs" then your "wants" and find a balance somewhere in between.