Using MR-8 to record demo's as a service?

[Rokket]

As a business, I think the MR8 would be too limited with just two tracks. Too many groups would have multiple instruments and mics and that really limits what you can do.

For only a few hundred $ more you can get an 8 track machine that is much more flexible, and a 16 track for around a grand.

Your goal would be to go in, record the various tracks quickly, get out, and then mix down later. Time is $ and having to stay around for multiple takes might quickly turn the business in to a minimal profit effort.

Ed

The MR-8 is an 8 track machine. Well, technically it's got 4 mono tracks and 4 stereo tracks, it's plenty! And you can always throw a mixer in the chain and get all the instruments on there.

 

[kesterdevine]

You guys must be a heck of a lot more "creative" with the MR-8 than I am. And I always considered myself pretty resourceful. Am i missing something?
Ricklh, unless I'm way confused, at the very least, you will need to invest in a significantly larger CF card in order to record anything more than a few tracks on maybe one song, or two if they are super short. And even if you have a mixer with multiple channels, the MR-8 will only allow for two simultaneous/separate tracks at a time. Tricky for drums, but doable. So, just be aware that the mR-8 is very limited without interfacing with a PC and you might be a lot happier paying a little more for a higher model machine. with more storage space and tracks. TASCAM has a new model out the DP-01, that offers a whopping 40 gig hard drive and eight mono tracks. I'm not endorsing it, because I don't own it, yet. As much as I've enjoyed the MR-8, I would never try to use it by itself to record a whole band. Not meaning to dash your hopes. You should definitely dive into recording if you feel drawn to it, just consider all your equipment options carefully. Best of luck!

 

[ch2os7]

Thanks

I admit, using the PC/MR8 combo is almost essential for the kind of flexibility you need to make a good quality demo but I was under the impression that Ricklh already owns an MR8 and was hoping to use it rather than invest in a new recorder. If he hasn't purchased one yet, he might be wise to explore his options. I bought a 1GB CF for $49.99 a while back and it really helps. I got a vocal and piano track for 10 songs on the CF with room to add tracks in the home studio. Since I mix on the PC, I move tracks from the mono channels to 5/6 or 7/8 in order to use all 8 tracks then transfer to PC for mixing, effects, editing, etc. It is possible to make a decent demo with the MR8 but if you have the budget, get a bigger unit and possibly simplify your life. Who knows, maybe you'll recover your investment making demo cd's!!!

You guys must be a heck of a lot more "creative" with the MR-8 than I am. And I always considered myself pretty resourceful. Am i missing something?
Ricklh, unless I'm way confused, at the very least, you will need to invest in a significantly larger CF card in order to record anything more than a few tracks on maybe one song, or two if they are super short. And even if you have a mixer with multiple channels, the MR-8 will only allow for two simultaneous/separate tracks at a time. Tricky for drums, but doable. So, just be aware that the mR-8 is very limited without interfacing with a PC and you might be a lot happier paying a little more for a higher model machine. with more storage space and tracks. TASCAM has a new model out the DP-01, that offers a whopping 40 gig hard drive and eight mono tracks. I'm not endorsing it, because I don't own it, yet. As much as I've enjoyed the MR-8, I would never try to use it by itself to record a whole band. Not meaning to dash your hopes. You should definitely dive into recording if you feel drawn to it, just consider all your equipment options carefully. Best of luck!

 

[dave in toledo]

mixing down tracks to 5/6 7/8

Now stop that hahahahah no really dont mix those tracks down on the mr8, import them one at a time so you get the mix on the computer, not through the mr8, once that is done, you cant change the mix when you hear it on a cd boom box and go , wow that bass is too loud, (or what ever)

import thracks 1-4, mix on pc eq and effects save song, on the pc mix down to the mono .wav file the mr8 needs, and import back to mr8 as a go by, record three more traacks and import them into the pc and repeat as needed...

 

[Ricklh]

I appreciate the helpful responses and advice, guys. Anyone here using Powertracks for mixing down tracks recorded on your MR-8?

 

[ch2os7]

power tracks

I appreciate the helpful responses and advice, guys. Anyone here using Powertracks for mixing down tracks recorded on your MR-8?

I've been looking at the Power Tracks demo. The demo won't let you use any of the good stuff...but it sure sounds impressive.

 

[Ed Dixon]

I've been looking at the Power Tracks demo. The demo won't let you use any of the good stuff...but it sure sounds impressive.

Power Tracks is what I use. It works well for me.

Ed

 

[ch2os7]

harmonizer / pitch correcter

Power Tracks is what I use. It works well for me.

Ed

do you use v.9.0 with the harmonizer? how does it work?

 

[dave in toledo]

power tracks

i thought someone used that program but couldnt remember who... listen to ed, if he likes it its good, he knows his stuff....you already have a program you in business man

 

[Ed Dixon]

The version I have is 8.0 and that works well for me. I expect 9.0 would be as good or better.

Not sure what you want to do with the harmonizer.

Ed