so, my boyfriend wants an 8-track

  • Thread starter Thread starter peacetrader
  • Start date Start date
P

peacetrader

New member
OK, so my I'm hoping to get some advice. My boyfriends birthday is coming up, and we've got some money saved up($2,000-$3,000) He's not in to the computer thing (doesn't understand it, doesn't want to) and I'm barely understanding word processing programs and email so computer recording and sound cards and zip this zap that RAM,ROM, upgrade,etc. are not really in my vocabulary. He has an ancient teac 4-track adio tape recorder that he plays around with but 4 tracks are pretty limiting, and the sound quality is not great. We've looked into 8-track digital recorders (Yamaha MD8s) and this seems to be pretty interesting but the recording time is so short (15min.) He plays mostly acoustic guitar and we're really into the folk music scene but of course we want to be flexible enough to go from blues to rockto jazz. Most of the work he's going to do will probably be by himself but we also want to be able to jam with friends. Also, we want to easily be able to record original material and be able to create a good sounding CD- either with our own CD burner or through a studio(?) I don't know what any of this technical mumbo jumbo means so please let me know in english. One last thing- can I buy this stuff online and have it shipped to his moms house as a surprise for his b-day? If so, where? Thanks
 
What is an ADAT LX20? How many tracks at once? Does it record onto mini-discs or tape or ?... thanks for your help
 
peacetrader,
I hope you realize that you're making our girlfriends look bad. :)
But seriously, for the money you have, I agree with Dom Franco. You can't go wrong with ADAT.
To answer your questions, it does 8 tracks at a time and uses Super VHS tape, which is just high quality VCR tape, but buy the ADAT tapes that you find at music stores, you'll have fewer problems. You'll get over 40 minutes per tape.
 
As far as better is concerned, a computer with a program like Cakewalk would be what to get (My humble opinion). Don’t be fooled by the hype saying how easy it is to use a stand alone unit. No matter which you choose, there will be a learning curve, so why not learn about computers and the various recording programs? You will have much more flexibility for editing and future upgrades, etc. Once you learn something like Cakewalk, you will wonder why you bothered with the other stuff. I have a Roland VS880EX and it sits idle. Some people love their VS880EX’s. Some people love their VS1680’s. Maybe you would love a Yamaha MD8? Korg has a D16 for around $2000. Maybe that would be something to your liking. Another thing to consider is what sort of analog to digital and digital to analog converters you will want. I think the first adat that was mentioned here has 20 bit converters. With a computer you can choose what sort of resolution you want with your choice of soundcards. Storage is another thing to consider. Disk, tape, how much space, etc. You are asking us to make up your mind. We don’t know how much editing you may want to do. Will you be doing this to create mp3’s? The stand alones are more portable. Maybe that’s what you want. You may have to take the time to learn the “mumbo jumbo”. There are some good tutorials on the homepage for newbies. Check it out.
 
Thanks guys.. no, I don't have a sister- sorry. Can any of you guys tell me why it would be better to have an ADAT vs. the Yamaha MD8 or something similar? I've looking around in these chat rooms and everyone seems to be talking about ADATs and computers like you need to know how to record or mix on the computer before you can get the most use from your ADAT. Maybe I'm just not reading it right? Also- for a few dollars more, I can get an ADAT XT20(I think that's what it's called) instead of the ADAT LX20. What's the difference-if any? You have all been a great help- thanks
 
peacetrader,
First question: Why an ADAT?
Well, the MD-8 is certainly a good unit, but you mentioned using a studio. ADATs are an industry standard. You can take your ADAT tape to virtually any recording studio and they'll be able to work with it. Also, if you outgrow 8 tracks (and you probably will) you can just add another ADAT and have 16 tracks. You can go up to 128 tracks that way. The ADAT is just a lot more flexible.
As for the computer thing, no, you don't have to have a computer in the picture at all. But, if you want to, you can. It will increase your editing capabilities greatly. Once again, flexibility...
The biggest difference between those two models(I'm sure sonusman will correct me on this if I'm wrong) is that the XT-20 has an ELCO connector. Without getting real technical, this allows you to handle hotter signal levels which can give you slightly richer sound. Whether or not it's worth it is a subject of some debate. If you want to do "Pro" level tracking then it probably is.
When you get this guy set up, whatever you buy, make sure you send him over here. He'll have lots of questions.
 
I saw a magazine at the local music store called 'Make Music Now' put out by 'Keyboard' which looks like it has a lot of info for people trying to decide which route to take. There were lots of various units, hardware, software, etc. all with prices and some specs included to make for easy comparison. Published by Miller Freeman in San Francisco. Phone # 415-905-2200. maybe you could order the March issue with the mentioned articles. Then on the other hand the Tascam 488 MK11 can still be found for around $800. Easy to use and very cheap storage.
 
I forgot to mention, the Tascam 488 MK11 is an 8 track cassette recorder with built in mixer. They are supposed to be coming out with the next incarnation soon, so I really don't know what to tell you.
 
Here's a nice set-up....
Korg D8
Phillips CDR 880
Sony MDR7506 Headphones
AKG C3000 (condenser mic)
Shure SM57 (dynamic mic)
Yamaha MSP5 monitors (bi-amped)
6 feet of digital/fiber optic cable

This set-up would give him everything he needs (minus the guitars!) and should still be less than $2,000.
He would be able to churn out digital quality CD's with relative ease... providing he has a decent understanding of recording music. Anything else he needs to know, just refer him to this website... we'll take care of the lad.
 
Musicians Friend is offering a $100 rebate on the ADATs in question right now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top