Transitioning from computer-based recording to stand-alone multi-track -- need advice

[Josh83]

Hello,

For various reasons, I have decided to move from my very novice PC-based recoding (Cool Edit Pro 2.0), to a stand-alone unit. First, with graduate school, etc. it is very difficult to keep my hard drive clear for recording, etc.

Also, I want a recorder that has the aesthetics I feel I have missed out on. IE: faders, three band eq, etc.

I know my desire for EQ knobs, etc. rules out many of the digital recorders, however I have considered the following (some analog, some digital). I want to try to buy something on Ebay for 350 or under, if possible.

Here are the units I have considered:

Yamaha MD8
Tascam 564
Tascam 246
Tascam 488

Also, are there any affordable 4 or 8 tracks that use 1/4" tape? Any other machines I should consider (of any format).

Anyhow, which of the above units would you experienced users recommend? How should I factor in the cost of the media needed, sound quality, the ability to mixdown to a WAV on a PC and retain quality, etc...


Thanks,
Josh

 

[Josh83]

Oh, by 488, I mean the 488 MKII

 

[The Green Hornet]

YO Josh:

Well, if you're leaving a PC program to go to a Tascam 488, you're going a bit downhill. The 488 is a nice SIAB; I've had two of them. But, the sound quality and final product is not as good as a digital SIAB.

The SIAB [studio in a box] is, in reality, a miniature PC. The screen is smaller, and you have no mouse for most of the units. So, you have to move the cursor via an arrow button.

I suggest you look over the Yamaha AW16, or is it AG16? You can record 8 tracks at once if you need on that box.

Korg puts out a couple of good units similar to the Yams.

Roland? Well, you can look those over and compare. Whatever unit you buy, check it out at great length; you will need a mic pre and an outboard compressor. The Yams and Korgs and others, have built-in compression and mic pres; but, as usual, the mic pres are moderately good.

Do some search. If you can handle a unit at a vendor's store, that's the best way to decide.

Good luck and have fun because that's what music is=FUN.

Green Hornet