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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ricklh
  • Start date Start date
Ed Dixon said:
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.
 
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!
 
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!!!
kesterdevine said:
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!
 
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...
 
I appreciate the helpful responses and advice, guys. Anyone here using Powertracks for mixing down tracks recorded on your MR-8?
 
power tracks

Ricklh said:
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.
 
ch2os7 said:
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
 
harmonizer / pitch correcter

Ed Dixon said:
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?
 
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
 
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
 
Back
Top