For starters, I hope I'm posting this in the correct location.
Second, let me say thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom and experience as I consider purchasing a Tascam 2488 Neo. I'm hoping some of the users here who own and use the unit can answer some specific questions for me.
My current recording setup typically involves recording "basic tracks" on a Tascam 4-track cassette, mixing those down to Cool Edit Pro, and then doing additional overdubs, effects, and mixing in Cool Edit.
Additionally, my bandmate often records vocals at his place using a totally different setup. Then he sends me a wav file, and I can currently seamlessly drop it into the Cool Edit mix (since he has sung along to a backing track derived from that same Cool Edit session).
I'm trying to get away from relying on computer-based recording and mixing and I really like the idea of an all in one unit. But before I plunk down the cash on the NEO, I need to make sure I can do certain things that are integral to my current recording workflow...here goes:
--after a track has been recorded on the NEO, can that individual track be edited and "sculpted" with effects within the NEO interface? For example, can I heavily EQ it, mute parts of it, etc, and then save as a copy or alternate take which will fit in seamlessly with the existing mix? OR, can a single track recorded on the NEO be exported to a PC, edited, and dropped back into the mix on the NEO (as long as the starting point of the track has not been changed)?
--I have read a few things here about only being able to use one effect during mixdown. What I want to be able to do is run at least one, preferably two, external effects units during mixdown on multiple tracks within the mix (for example reverb and delay in different amounts on different instruments). If I can also incorporate the NEOs internal effects at mixdown, that's even better (perhaps to add compression.) What exactly are the NEOs limitations on effects? Can external processors and internal effects be used on the same track during a mixdown?
--Can I mixdown a backing track from the NEO, send that mixdown to my bandmate for him to record vocals over, then import the wav file of his vocal back into the NEO and have it match up with the session I derived the backing track from initially? (this currently works seamlessly in Cool Edit).
--It is fairly easy to pan and change eq and effects "on the fly" or in "real time" during a mixdown? If not, is it relatively easy to hookup a midi controller for controlling these functions? (I'm all about knobs! Wish the NEO had more of 'em).
--About how many 24-track songs can you record before the hard drive gets full? Is backup relatively easy? Can you backup to an external hard drive (like a Seagate USB)?
Boy, this is a monster post. I hope I'm not asking too much, but if you can help out with any of these questions, I would GREATLY appreciate it!! And hopefully the info will be helpful to other members as well.
Thanks again.
Second, let me say thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom and experience as I consider purchasing a Tascam 2488 Neo. I'm hoping some of the users here who own and use the unit can answer some specific questions for me.
My current recording setup typically involves recording "basic tracks" on a Tascam 4-track cassette, mixing those down to Cool Edit Pro, and then doing additional overdubs, effects, and mixing in Cool Edit.
Additionally, my bandmate often records vocals at his place using a totally different setup. Then he sends me a wav file, and I can currently seamlessly drop it into the Cool Edit mix (since he has sung along to a backing track derived from that same Cool Edit session).
I'm trying to get away from relying on computer-based recording and mixing and I really like the idea of an all in one unit. But before I plunk down the cash on the NEO, I need to make sure I can do certain things that are integral to my current recording workflow...here goes:
--after a track has been recorded on the NEO, can that individual track be edited and "sculpted" with effects within the NEO interface? For example, can I heavily EQ it, mute parts of it, etc, and then save as a copy or alternate take which will fit in seamlessly with the existing mix? OR, can a single track recorded on the NEO be exported to a PC, edited, and dropped back into the mix on the NEO (as long as the starting point of the track has not been changed)?
--I have read a few things here about only being able to use one effect during mixdown. What I want to be able to do is run at least one, preferably two, external effects units during mixdown on multiple tracks within the mix (for example reverb and delay in different amounts on different instruments). If I can also incorporate the NEOs internal effects at mixdown, that's even better (perhaps to add compression.) What exactly are the NEOs limitations on effects? Can external processors and internal effects be used on the same track during a mixdown?
--Can I mixdown a backing track from the NEO, send that mixdown to my bandmate for him to record vocals over, then import the wav file of his vocal back into the NEO and have it match up with the session I derived the backing track from initially? (this currently works seamlessly in Cool Edit).
--It is fairly easy to pan and change eq and effects "on the fly" or in "real time" during a mixdown? If not, is it relatively easy to hookup a midi controller for controlling these functions? (I'm all about knobs! Wish the NEO had more of 'em).
--About how many 24-track songs can you record before the hard drive gets full? Is backup relatively easy? Can you backup to an external hard drive (like a Seagate USB)?
Boy, this is a monster post. I hope I'm not asking too much, but if you can help out with any of these questions, I would GREATLY appreciate it!! And hopefully the info will be helpful to other members as well.
Thanks again.
