The Debate on 16 Track Digital Recorders

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Indecisive

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All,

I have been pounding the net and the pavement trying to collect as much info as possible for the purchase of a new digital recorder for the band I'm in. We play an alternative style of music and we have been producing tapes off a 4-track Tascam for over 10 years. It's worked great for it's purpose. We have made it into the studio twice to record CD's and we are now hoping to make the transition into recording demo CD's on our own.

We believe we have it narrowed down to a few machines. But before I bring those up, I'd like to know if anyone can give us a overwhelming reason why we should go PC over stand alone unit? A little breakdown on our expectations.... Live show recordings wanted, 5 piece band, all stage quality mic's, rehersal atmosphere is a garage. Let me know.

As for the main debate we are having is to which model is going to be the one. Our budget is under $2000 and we want the most bang for the buck with a good recording. Our choices have now narrowed to the following (no particular order): Tascam 2488, Yamaha AW2816 or AW4416, Korg D-1600 mkII, Boss BR-1600CD.

We look forward to any and all help that this forum can interject. I have seen some super good information on this site and it sounds like there are a ton of people that know what they are talking about. If you have any other ideas or questions please feel free to ask and tell.

Thanks in advance!
 
I use both. I have a fostex vf-16 that I can use to do 'remote' recording.
I can go on site and record drums anywhere, horn sections, etc

then I load em into the PC with all the bells and whistles.

all my 16 track is for is exactly that - tracking.

in my opinion, since you asked, is that a stand alone unit isnt as good as a PC for the rest of the 'fine tuning' I hate looking at tiny little screens. I want to edit on a big screen

you can't get the editing or tweaking capabilities on a stand alone that you can on a PC.

So, I track dry into the vf-16, then I load em into my computer. So, I bought a good stand alone unit, the fostex is a great one for recording dry tracks and cheaper than the rest.

even using the Yamaha become s apain in the ass because you spend afortune to do an entire project on a 4 inch wide screen?

Its much easier to take a stand alone unit to a session than the computer too, so its the best of both worlds.
 
Much appreciated

GhettoWayz,

Thanks for the input. We looked at the Fostex unit but it didn't seem to be quite as sophisticated as the others in my listing. But we are open to any and all input. I think the PC aspect will come. But I believe for right now we are really looking for the best, most versatile and most user friendly portable that we can get our hands on. I appreciate the knowledge on the "user" ease on the Yamaha.

Thanks!
 
If you're really into the all-in-ones...

Akai DPS 24 has a screen that's a fair amount larger than the others. I think you can find one within or really close to your budget. Editing ain't bad on it either.


fd
 
Yo Indecisive:

As I look at the Tascam in the latest issue of EM, the first thing that struck me was the "screen." Looks small.

I use the 2816 and the screen is not as large as the Korg's but it is much larger, as I look, than the Tascam's new model.

There are some great deals for the 4416 as I heard it will be going out of production.

Editing on the the 2816 is not as good as some other models and, of course, best editing comes from a PC based set up.

With your budget, I'd narrow it down to one of the Yam units or a Korg unit. Since you are making a substantial investment, you might want to take a trip to a vendor -- should be many in CA., and get your hands on a unit as well as use your ears. [If it stops raining there you can get out.]

Green Hornet:p :p :D :D
 
Alrighty

Green Hornet..... much thanks for the input! Now I have a couple questions for you if you don't mind. That TASCAM model does 24 tracks (in playback) at one time. The Korg's and the Yamaha's only do 16. Is that a concern we should have?

As for the user interface and such... we will need to go play with all these models before we make the purchase to see what we like personaly. So, thanks for the advice on what to look for.

If you have any other input feel free to share.

Indecisive
 
Yo Indecisive:

I have read on this site that one can always use "more" tracks. I guess it depends on your needs.

I have yet to use 16 tracks on my 2816; however, I'm not doing film or other venues that may require 16 plus tracks.

If you ever have watched a symphony band on television, it looks like everyone in the emsemble is miced -- haven't figured that one out yet. Like 33 mics? Lots of engineering in that set up.

But, if you dig the Tascam and like its sound, I'd go for it just "in case" you may need all those tracks.

I'm sure Tex and Blue Bear and others might have a word to offer about having "many" tracks.

Have a good one.

Green Hornet





:D :cool: :cool:
 
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