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If you want to record bands, then you're best to stay away from
the Tascam MF-P01 and the Fostex X-12, because these units have only one input and record one track at a time. Actually, I've discovered that the MF-P01 will record 2-tracks simultaneously, but unfortunately they'll be the same identical mono track, so it's really no help.
The Korg CR-4 is a unique offering in cassette multitrackers. The CR-4 will record up to 4-tracks simultaneously, and has (4) 1/4" input jacks, plus it has an array of built in guitar effects and some sort of proprietary noise reduction, that's neither Dolby nor Dbx, to the best of my knowledge. To top it all off, the CR-4 has built-in SPEAKERS,... much along the lines of a midline BOOMBOX. It's a strange combination of features, but it would suffice if you wanted to record a band. I've not touched or heard the CR-4 in person, but I've seen the demo (online) and have read all the specs at online retailers such as Zzounds. Although it has (4) inputs, there's not any front-end mixer to speak of,... just input-to-track architecture, so it rules out any sort of moderately sophisticated pre-mixing. However, the 4-track playback mixing is to stereo, as you might expect. The Korg CR-4 is indeed a unique beast, but I'd not get one or recommend getting one, as there are other better and more capable 4-track cassette recorders out there.
The Fostex MR-8 is attractive at that low blowout price, but it lacks some features and capabilities that make it a prime choice for recording bands. To start, the MR-8 will only record 2-tracks simultaneously, which is limiting when you want to record the whole band. Also, the CF cards have such a short record time, that you're obliged to run & dump data to your 'puter at almost every turn. It's not very suitable for recording bands or longer sessions, at all. As a sketchpad and solo recording, it's just okay.
Before popping for the MR-8 at discounted prices, you may want to consider
the MR-8HD, which brings 4-simul and hard-disc recording capability, at not much more money than the MR-8. The "standard" MR-8 was often known as "the red devil", and I think for good reason. Reviews I've heard of the MR-8HD have been much more favorable, overall.
The Tascam DP-01/fx/cd is another HD 8-tracker only has 2-inputs and only records 2-tracks simultaneously/max, which (again) is limiting when you want to record the whole band at once.
The MR-8, MR-8HD and DP-01/fx/cd recorders each do not have any front-end mixer to speak of, but simple input-to-track architecture. This (IMO) is a limiting factor on your productions. Playback mixing is from 8-tracks to stereo, and each of these recorders offers USB to aid in moving data to/from your recorder and 'puter. I don't think I'd recommend either the MR-8 or DP-01/fx/cd if your intention is to record bands. However, the MR-8HD would be a pretty decent choice for recording bands, if you're inclined to go that way.
Two other mainstream units, the Tascam 424mkIII and 414mkII, are 4-track cassette Portastudios that offer 4-simul recording and fairly good mixer sections, that are in a whole other class than any of the units mentioned above. The mixer on these units may be used for pre-mixing in the recording stage, as well as the obvious playback mixing for final mixdown. The mixer on the 424mkIII sports 6-full mixer strips, nice EQ and AUX/Effect routing to accommodate live band recordings very nicely. The 414mkII has 4-full mixer strips, and is slightly more stripped than the 424mkIII. The 424mkIII just went obsolete and cannot be purchased new at retailers any more, but they may be had off of Ebay in good condition and for reasonable prices. The 414mkII may still be purchased brand new from retailers.
There are other more highly capable cassette Portastudios that would be fine in my book, such as the Tascam 244, 246, 644 and 424mkII. The 244 & 246 are vintage 80's Portastudios, which have good features and capability,... especially the 246 which is topline vintage gear. The 644 is about a 1992 vintage design, and it's pretty sophisticated, with an awesome 8-channel mixer, electronic routing and switching, and built in midi-sync (which is something that most people won't use). The 424mkII is a vintage '97 design, which is quite nice, and is just 2-channels less than the 424mkIII, but is otherwise comparable to the 424mkIII. These units would obviously be used/Ebay items, but they may often be found in excellent working order and in like-new condition.
Of the cassette units I've mentioned, besides what I've already said, I wanted to point out that something along the lines of the Tascam 424mkIII, 424mkII, 414mkII, 644, 246 & 244 are all double-speed recorders, which brings a noticeable boost to the fidelity you could expect from these units, as well as each sporting dbx noise reduction, which virtually eliminates residual tape hiss. F/I, the MF-P01 is a single-speed/no-noise reduction unit, as is the Fostex X-12. The Korg CR-4 is a single speed cassette unit, with some sort of proprietary noise reduction. A double-speed/dbx type of multitrack recording will sound substantially better than a single-speed/No-NR recording.
Any 4-track recording from the likes of a 4-track Portastudio may be mixed onboard and recorded in stereo onto the 'puter, and a cd produced of the mix as a final result. That part's relatively easy.
That would probably cover it, for now. Sorry for the long post.
