the truth on vf160ex?

[rockabilly1955]

alright guys........i've seen alot of reviews on this machine and i see a few complaints of hard drive crashing, freezing, etc....... and also problems when trying to transfer each individual track as a wav file to pc for editing. Now i am seriously considering retiring my MR8 and buying one of these vf160ex machines. The 8 simultaneous recording is plenty for my type of music (rockabilly: electric guitar, acoustic, upright bass, vocals) so thats not an issue for me there, as i see for some it is, and also the effects/eq complaints that i see would also not be an issue for me, as i like to transfer individual tracks to pc for editing/mixing/burning, so thats not a problem either for me. The only thing i am worried about is the the posts i see about problems transferring individual tracks as wav files to pc. Then that would be a problem. Now really.........how common are these problems?? my other choices would be the Tascam 2488 or the Yamaha aw1600. Please help a guy out. thanks

 

[BentRabbit]

alright guys........i've seen alot of reviews on this machine and i see a few complaints of hard drive crashing, freezing, etc....... and also problems when trying to transfer each individual track as a wav file to pc for editing. Now i am seriously considering retiring my MR8 and buying one of these vf160ex machines. The 8 simultaneous recording is plenty for my type of music (rockabilly: electric guitar, acoustic, upright bass, vocals) so thats not an issue for me there, as i see for some it is, and also the effects/eq complaints that i see would also not be an issue for me, as i like to transfer individual tracks to pc for editing/mixing/burning, so thats not a problem either for me. The only thing i am worried about is the the posts i see about problems transferring individual tracks as wav files to pc. Then that would be a problem. Now really.........how common are these problems?? my other choices would be the Tascam 2488 or the Yamaha aw1600. Please help a guy out. thanks

I have 2 VF 16's but there shouldn't be much difference with results on a 160... The only time I had any problems with Wav transfers to my PC was when I was using the 'required' Plextor SCSI CDR/W... So I went back to using Iomega Zip and/or Jaz drives and the transfers work for me every time! I have a 1 gig Jaz drive connected to each VF 16, and one connected to my laptop (via the Iomega PCMCIA SCSI adapter) and about 5 1 gig cartridges... 8 tracks will probably be 300-500 megs so the 1 gigs should be fine for your needs... If not, there's always the 2 gig boxes... Compared to what they were asking for these a few years ago, they're practically GIVING them away on ebay any more...

Works like a charm for me every time!

 

[timboZ]

I have 2 VF160's with the built in CD Drives.
I never had any issues with transferring files to my PC. (With CDR's or CDRW's)

The lockup think is not an issue if you know how to use the machine.
Just don't hit any buttons when the the HD light is flashing.


BTW the VF160ex has no SCSI. So you can't use a JAZZ or ZIP drive.

 

[mharr552000]

My VF160 is running the 2.0 firmware, which I think is the same as the VF160ex. The only difference is the color and the "ex" doesn't have a SCSI port.
The only time I had trouble burning WAV files to CD on my VF160 was when I tried to use SONY CDRs. Some of them worked, some didn't. The ones that burned loaded on the PC just fine.
I've had 2 or 3 lockups in the 27 months I've had my VF160. It would happen if I got anxious and started pushing the buttons too fast while it was busy with a previous record function.

 

[rockabilly1955]

thanks for all the info.......looks like i will be getting a vf160ex.I dont think they make the vf16 anymore. Hopefully all goes well with the wav transfer process, since it is only through burning the files to cd, then loading them to pc

 

[Alex H]

Can I ask a stupid question too?

I'm looking at getting one of these...I'm trying to decide whether to get the integrated CD drive or not. If I have a computer, are there any compelling reasons (other than convenience) for doing so?

Also - this is where my ignorance really starts to show - in what form does the data record to the CD? Is it possible to send data from the machine to someone for mastering or pressing, should I ever want to do this?

And finally (please say if this question is in the wrong forum) - are there any condenser mics in particular which are suited to this machine?

Thanks (and forgive a fool...)

Alex

 

[carelessorc]

Alex - no question is stupid, here!
1. Get the CD drive. Any hard disc based recorder, including the VF, is going to suffer eventually from HD failure of a temporary or permanent kind. So if you value your music, you will want to back it up regularly. CD is (IMHO) the quickest way to do this. (although you can do it via ADAT to, say, a PC - but I'm not convinced about efficiency, and you need an ADAT input on the PC).
2. You can make three types of discs:
(i) Fostex format backup which saves music tracks and setup information - cannot be read by PC (well sort of).
(ii) Ordinary CD rom format, saving each track as a separate WAV (useful for transfer to PC)
(iii) Audio CD format like a standard music CD.

3. Any condenser will work. I think mic choice is more about matching it to what you'll be recording most.

Orc

 

[timboZ]

I dont think you can ger the 160ex without a CD drive.

 

[billisa]

In general, getting the built-in CDR is very wise, for backups, and for quality Master burns that are error free.

Never push buttons when the HD light is flashing. However, in the very few times I've cause my VF160 to freeze, I have NEVER lost data.

I've read all the reviews on various forums and I don't think there's a more stable machine out there.

The only thing left for Fostex to do on this is to issue a 24bit version.

I use Studio Projects B1's. They're wonderful. Quiet, accurate, and inexpensive. Remember to turn on Phantom Power via the SETUP menu AFTER the mics are plugged in.

Have fun!

 

[Alex H]

Thanks a lot for this advice - very reassuring! I'm just eager to start recording some things - nice gigs when they come along(!), as well as more regular studio type things from time to time. I trust my ears to a large extent, but am really feeling my way when it comes to the technological side - so this all really helps - thank you.

Am I right in thinking that WAV files are the format that I can use to give to someone either to master on a different desk, or to press CDs?

Thanks also for the tip on the mic. I play almost exclusively acoustically, FWIW, as well as almost always with a piano...I don't know whether that implies a certain mic? People have mentioned those Studio Projects mics - as well as Rote NT5 and AKG c1000s. Does that sound sensible?

 

[billisa]

Thanks a lot for this advice - very reassuring! I'm just eager to start recording some things - nice gigs when they come along(!), as well as more regular studio type things from time to time. I trust my ears to a large extent, but am really feeling my way when it comes to the technological side - so this all really helps - thank you.

Am I right in thinking that WAV files are the format that I can use to give to someone either to master on a different desk, or to press CDs?

Thanks also for the tip on the mic. I play almost exclusively acoustically, FWIW, as well as almost always with a piano...I don't know whether that implies a certain mic? People have mentioned those Studio Projects mics - as well as Rote NT5 and AKG c1000s. Does that sound sensible?

Saving as a BKUP, then as a WAV is what you want if you move files to a PC or hand over a mix for someone else to Master...

The Rode NT5 might be excellent on the piano. The NT1a would be good on the vocals. Also, CAD M177 or 179 on vocals. Or Studio Projects C1 on vocals, or B1 for piano and vocals. The VF160 only has phantom power for 2 mics at once, so if you're using 3 or more condensors at once you'll need a separate preamp with phantom. I use a pair of Studio Projects VTB1's (1 channel each). Some like the M-Audio DMP3 (2-channels).

These suggestions are in the budget line of good stuff.

 

[Alex H]

Saving as a BKUP, then as a WAV is what you want if you move files to a PC or hand over a mix for someone else to Master...

The Rode NT5 might be excellent on the piano. The NT1a would be good on the vocals. Also, CAD M177 or 179 on vocals. Or Studio Projects C1 on vocals, or B1 for piano and vocals. The VF160 only has phantom power for 2 mics at once, so if you're using 3 or more condensors at once you'll need a separate preamp with phantom. I use a pair of Studio Projects VTB1's (1 channel each). Some like the M-Audio DMP3 (2-channels).

These suggestions are in the budget line of good stuff.

Thank you!

 

[Alex H]

One other question - I get the impression (from reading around) that, as well as being marginally cheaper, that this machine is overall better than the Tascam 2488. Does that seem fair?

 

[billisa]

One other question - I get the impression (from reading around) that, as well as being marginally cheaper, that this machine is overall better than the Tascam 2488. Does that seem fair?

On paper, the 2488 should beat the VF160 by a mile. But it seems to have had a lot of teething issues. The 2488 can now be had for $999.

If I was to go with another brand of all-in-one studio it would be Korg.

But I wouldn't be able to pay $799.

 

[Alex H]

On paper, the 2488 should beat the VF160 by a mile. But it seems to have had a lot of teething issues. The 2488 can now be had for $999.

If I was to go with another brand of all-in-one studio it would be Korg.

But I wouldn't be able to pay $799.

Is that to say that you would still go with Fostex over Tascam (I believe the price differential - translated from £ to $ - would be around $90)? As you hint, I'm a bit concerned about customer service issues etc. that I've read about Tascam, and heard good things about Fostex. Also build quality etc. - I have a tour coming up, and would like to take the machine on the road!

Thanks in advance -

Alex

 

[billisa]

Is that to say that you would still go with Fostex over Tascam (I believe the price differential - translated from £ to $ - would be around $90)? As you hint, I'm a bit concerned about customer service issues etc. that I've read about Tascam, and heard good things about Fostex. Also build quality etc. - I have a tour coming up, and would like to take the machine on the road!

Thanks in advance -

Alex

The TASCAMS have had a problem when placed on vibrating tables -- such as you might have in a live setting. The TASCAM forums site has shut down, and that was a great place to get help with this machine.

If it was me, I would probably not get the TASCAM under any circumstances.

Fostex customer support is OK, but not great. They only do it via email. BUT I've never needed it for any real issues. KORG customer service was great (last time I called, about a year ago). And there is a great site (Korgstudios.com, I believe) to get help from other users.

Personally, if I had more than a $1,000. to spend, I'd seriously consider the Korg (16XD?). But I've used my VF160 for 4 years now and have never regretted getting one -- it's great. The manual isn't well written, but you can figure it out. Mine was a bargain at $899. and at $799. it's an even better bargain.

I use mine to make radio commercials, and do all recording, editing and burning on the VF160. It's great. It's QUIET. It's been a very dependable workhorse, it's very well thought out, and it's been around for so long that it's not likely you're going to have teething issues.

Check out the KORGSTUDIOS site and get a sense of what people are saying there... Maybe go and look at one, and see if the price differential is worth it.
BTW, if the Korg has a fan (the VF160 doesn't need one) then it will be audible in a quiet recording -- something to consider.

 

[Alex H]

Thanks again for taking the time to help out - this is all really useful.

 

[Alex H]

I'm beginning to think, the more I get into this, that - given also I'm on a tight budget - the mr80HD might be the way to go. From the experience I've had, the stereo pair is the sound I like (I do almost exclusively classical/jazz), so the only time in the foreseeable future I can see needing more than two inputs will be if I have a vocalist, and want to give vocals something extra (I imagine it's very hard to capture vocals with just a pair?)...

If this is the case, it (the mr80HD) doesn't have the internal CD burner. Are there any hidden costs in needing to transfer the wav files to my (run of the mill, couple of years old) PC to burn them onto a CD? I assume it's simply a case of taking a USB from the recorder to the PC, and then opening them via some free download manager from the Fostex site...or will I need to pay for some software?

If it is the case that I can transfer files automatically to my bog-standard PC, then so long as I am prepared to take the time to do these transfers, is there then any advantage in the VF160EX with the internal cd writer?

Thanks again, and thank you for your patience with my questions!

 

[timboZ]

You can pick up a used VF160 on ebay for $300 to $350

 

[Alex H]

Unfortunately I'm in the UK, so it'll set me back a little more than that - which is why I'm now seriously thinking about the MR8-HD. Just trying to understand how to get data onto a PC...do I need to buy anything extra for my PC?