VS-1880... Somebody talk me out of it! I beg of you!!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter KingNothing
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But, if you purchase a Korg D-16, you won't "lose" anything, and you won't have to "work around" anything. The D-16 will work with ANY cd burner, no problem. And you don't need a $30 video to learn how to use it.
 
Hey Suntag, have you bought one yet?
I also considered buying one (but didn't)
Another option; Save $1,000.00 and pick up a Fostex VF-16.
 
You came to the right place, every time I mention a stand alone DAW, everyone tries to get me to buy a computer...they don't ever ask is portability is a factor (or whatever reason it is you want one). I think there are certain advantages to computers and certain advantages to stand alone machines depending on who you are and what you want to do. Regarding the VS two points: 1) it is 24 bit all the way through the processing, I havn't used one but folks "in the know" tell me that if you add effects, mix down etc several times, it is like losing bits, so your "really" don't have 24 bits when you are done. (hopefully someone more experienced than I could respond to that or even report whether it is a problem or not) 2) There are a number of other cool machines coming out right about now, specifically the Akai DR-16 and the Yamaha AW4416. You may want to wait to hear them before making up your mind. I have heard the Fostex and it sounded bad...but that may have just been the quality of the pre-recorded demo. Good luck with your choice.
 
You know, I usually abstain from shit-bagging home-recordists on this forum for ridiculous posts; but the posts following 'suntag's' original take the cake. 'Monty' proceeds to hassle 'suntag' about having his mind made up "about every other issue on this website" but coming hear to have his/her mind made up. Then 'KingNothing'(probably so) makes some stupid comment about recording drunk friends. Finally, our esteemed big shit senior member 'Brad' makes some lame comment about dumb americans.

Geez, I hate to be asshole, but did I miss something here or do these guys need to get out of their rad, killer "DAWs" a little more often. Nice show fellas! You guys must really know your shit.

Buck62 offers wisdom on the D16 and digital debate:

"That's not what the reviews say"
"Digital is digital"

a. Congratulations on reading reviews. They "sound" great.
b. Digital is Digital? Yep, that's why every single soundcard sounds different, people complain about pro-tools interfaces, and converters range in price from $150 to a $trillion fucking dollars. Are you joking Buck?

Monty's back: "steep learning curve".

WHAT? Using the EZ routing on a VS is ridiculously easy and el Monte should know that - he's owned fucking two of them. EZ routing takes care of all aux/patching/bus-ing while you're learning the intricacies, then you can do it yourself.

Then old Buck62 brings it back to whine about a $30 video to operate a $1500-$2000 machine. Ladies and gentleman.

Sorry for bitching so much. Suntag:

vs pros: easy, practicle, portable, and the 24bit models sound truly great. I've been recording on analog for years and the 880's and 1680's sound truly amazing. Also, if you play the guitar, you'll enjoy messing around with the amp simulators. You may not want them on your records, but thet're fun anyway. Oh, btw, the VS "planeteers" may not be terribly helpful (they're self-professed recording gurus like the people in this post), but that site is a tremendous resource, and any question you'll have is probably answered there. The portability thing is pretty amazing too. I'd set mine up next to the drum kit and record all night. It's great - no rewinding, clear sound, blah, blah, blah.

VS cons: You're stuck paying for a lot of features you probably don't know if you'll need. And if you do decide you need them, you may very well end up hating Roland's and having to shell out for outboard compressors, delays, preamps, etc.
A stereo pair of preamps - if you want to record drums - will cost you a least a couple hundred bucks. Compressors too - that was my only real gripe, I thought the Roland's comperssor sounded the opposite of "transparent" - it really colored the sound. But who knows, you might like it.
Lastly, if you decide you really like recording, you'll eventually get a nice analog machine or do it on a computer. It's kind of inevitable, and I know that sounds weird. That's what happened with me anyway. I was drawn to things like nice soundcards from traditionally respected companies, unlimited tracks, and I don't hate computers. By the way, you can absolutely work with regular apps/web stuff as well as record on a single pc, and don't let anyone tell you any different. If you have a mac, create a specific extensions set and restart before and after recording. Sorry, no info on pc. But, ultimately (and it took me a long time to realize this) I'll end up spending less on computer stuff than a standalone recorder. And the problem is that standalones are changing so quickly, resale value on a VS, D16, or whatever sucks ass. You'll be lucky to get half what you spent even six months later.

I don't know, that's just my two cents.

Good Luck!
 
Suntag, I forgot.

If your actually worried about matching components to do it on a computer, I'd really suggest some of the all-in-one pc solutions - bundles that include all the hardware and software you need to get rolling. Even effects. Even preamps on some.

Digidesign (pro tools) "Digi 001" seems real popular. Comes with Pro Tools LE software and an 8 channel analog interace (1/4" and Mic plugs), and even has two preamps.

See: www.bayviewproaudio.com www.digidesign.com

MOTU's 2408 MkII.
Some love it, some hate it, but it also comes with everything. It's about the same price, but no mic preamps.


See: www.soundchaser.com


Ya know...just go to soundchaser.com and each of the products links directly back to the manufaturer's page for specs/features.

Again, good luck!
 
I stand by my statement...

"digital is digital"... IN THAT PRICE RANGE!!.. and comparatively between the Roland and Korg units, which were the ONLY units being compared here.
Of course there are better converters/interfaces at much higher prices in the million-dollar studios, but who the hell has that kind of money to spend?
Maybe you misunderstood the inference.

Akai now offers a sweet unit (DPS-16) that has better digital capabilities than both the Korg and Roland units for around the same price of $2,000.00. But, it has less effects. (You can't get it all, I guess)

Oh, and as far as the $30 instructional video goes:
Look at it this way...
Up until 10 years ago, when you bought a new car, carpeted floor mats and ash trays were included for no extra charge.
Now you have to pay $100 bucks for mats and $25 for a "smokers convenience group" (ash tray).
It's a rip-off anyway you look at it.

Roland does the same thing.






[This message has been edited by Buck62 (edited 07-08-2000).]
 
"Smokers Convenience Group"?

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Ho! I love it! I love it! I love it!

Is that option available on a DAW?

If not I'll go with the "Drinkers Spill Prevention Array" (cupholders)

Oh, by the way, does this gut busting reaction count as a post?

[This message has been edited by hixmix (edited 07-08-2000).]
 
Hey Buck62, sorry for coming on so strong. Still, there's big variation in sonic reputation even in the price ranges we're talking about. And considering we both hate the idea of getting nickel 'n' dimed (i.e. Roland video), we'd probably want to know the difference between a $250 and $349 soundcard.

People should know that the value of pro-tools interfaces is being eclipsed by smaller, more hungry outfits like Gadget Labs, Ego-sys, and m audio.

It seems like that's what you're trying to do here - provide information. I've looked to user groups and bbs with questions about sound, only to get answers like "that's not what the reviews say"; and it's really disheartening when you're talking about expensive, highly subjective stuff like recording equipment, computers, cars, etc. I'd rather not get a response, to be honest. You were there once. And, ultimately, this was a chance to tell somebody what they could do with $2000 on a computer instead of getting another giant check off to Roland.

Anyway, my response was harsh and I apologize. Best of luck to you and all your recording. d
 
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