Stand-alone recorder

[Shout It Out]

I've been recording on a Zoom MRS-4 for the past 3 years, and I really need an upgrade. Some of you may be thinking...Zoom recorders?? They can't be very good...Actually, I've had good luck with my 4 track recorder. I'm wondering if I should stick with Zoom or just save up for the New 32 track Korg that came out.
I like to work with stand-alone recorders and I don't want to go to computer based recording just yet. The main thing I am looking for is 8 tracks recording at the same time. I can only make a 1 track drum mix with my 4 track becuase it onyl record 2 tracks at a time. I want to be able to individually mix each of my drum mics. Drums are the main problem...
I have been expirimenting on my MRS-4 for a logn time and I have gotten some pretty decent vocals, guitars, and bass sounds out of it. I just don't know if should stick with Zoom. The 16 track offers many more effects, more memory, and a CD burner.
To add one last thing....I need to find a pair of monitors that are decent for mixing. I'm looking for something around 200-400$ in the monitor department.

Here are the Links for the 2 recorders....Feedback please!!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=327532

http://korg.com/gear/info.asp?A_PROD_NO=D3200

 

[valverec]

I guess it depends on your cash situation. If you want a stand alone box, you might want to check out the Roland VS1680 VS2480, or even a VS880. You can get them dirt cheap now, and they have tons of onboard effects etc. I can't speak to the zoom or the Korg, as I've never used them.

If you want to get crazy and rock your own world up a bit, and really dig in a little deeper, get a digi001 (again cheap, but you need a computer).

Going with a Digi001 and going into a computer will give you more options, and is really not hard at all to learn. Spend a full day with it, recording and mixing stuff and you'll know how to use it quite well. I think it's actually a lot easier than doing one of those all in one boxes. The visual display puts more of the software at your fingertips, and allows you to use the functions with much greater speed.

 

[Shout It Out]

Thanks for the reply, I'll def look in to it. Right now Im in the process of an upgrade and i'm open to a lot.

 

[Sloan]

Check out the options from Yamaha. I've got one of the older AW16G's and it's really good. The biggest complaint I have about it is that it's a hassle to use outboard gear (FX) with.

 

[misscc803]

Roland VS track recorders. They have some killer ass effects. And with the New vs u can get 3rd party plug ins.

 

[ssscientist]

I've got one of the older AW16G's and it's really good.

Same here.

From what I've read about the new AW1600 you'd be foolish to buy something else without giving it some serious consideration.

In fact, I wish I had an AW1600 right now...


.

 

[honedawg]

I have a 1266 and am very happy with it. I took a recent project to a local studio for mastering and the engineer couldn't believe the sound I got from a portable unit. He said he has mastered projects from lower end Yamaha and Roland units and liked the zoom better (he even downloaded the manual to check out the specs) He is also a drummer and he was very impressed with the sounds from the built in drum kit although he did say he was gonna try to humanize it a little. I have heard the 1608 is even better and only $800.

 

[CoolCat]

If you want to get crazy and rock your own world up a bit, and really dig in a little deeper, get a digi001 (again cheap, but you need a computer).

Going with a Digi001 and going into a computer will give you more options, and is really not hard at all to learn. Spend a full day with it, recording and mixing stuff and you'll know how to use it quite well. I think it's actually a lot easier than doing one of those all in one boxes. The visual display puts more of the software at your fingertips, and allows you to use the functions with much greater speed.

I have the Tascam 2488. Its great, but seeing a small pc Friday my friend had going and it was dead easy to use.

and the pc has the lead when mastering as you can have dedicated software in addition to the larger screens...the 19" LCD flat panel was sweet!

he didn't do shit, loaded the Cakewalk...select R for record, P for playback or M for mute. Magnify waveforms, pretty slick.

Its obvious the pc has the edge on capablilties and ability for mastering software (which is why most stand-alones offer the USB). let alone the burner, storage, cover artwork, post online...
So I'd say the PC is truly the real STAND ALONE.

and you'd still keep the wonderful analog stuff, but its your instruments, amplifiers, mic and positions, pre-amps going in etc. The source and performance part.

of course I'm full of shit, because I've never even done the pc recording! doh!
grass looks greener over there though...?

 

[MK-Ultra]

I think Roland is selling their VS2000CDs for about $1,500.00 right now. I was gonna get the Korg D3200, but decided against it for a few reasons, the credit card-sized screen not the least of them. The Yamaha AW1600 is also a good option, but the last 8 tracks are linked, and can't be unlinked. It very much depends on how deep your pockets are, and if you are willing to wait a little longer if you don't have the scratch for a decent recorder. If I were in your position, I'd think carefully about when next you might feel the need to upgrade, and then try anticipate that upgrade with this one.

I think, though, that the best bang for the buck these days is the VS2000CD. You can hook a monitor and mouse up to it, and add 3rd party plugin FX that are pretty damn good (not that the stock Roland FX aren't decent, but their reverbs can't compare to the TC3000, nor their compressors to the UA bundle LA2A and the 1176LN).