What Should I Get?

[KGB024]

Im having a problem on deciding on what i should upgrade to.... Ive been using a Tascam 414 Portastudio for some time now. Im looking for a digital studio now, basically something that's easy to operate,sounds good,has built-in effects,and something i can make a CD quality recording with. Ive narrowed it down to a couple choices... Roland VS840EX, Boss BR-8, Tascam 564 minidisc, or even an AKAI DPS16 16 track. Keep in mind however, i dont have a computer to run any equipment through/with. I need something that's gonna do everything in one unit. If you can help me...Thank You.

 

[getuhgrip]

Do you really require a smaller, portable unit or are you open to building a computer based recording machine? The upgradability and flexibility of the all-in-one units is pretty slim.

If you're interested, I can show you how you can build a DAW for less than the Akai unit you mentioned.

 

[dragonworks]

You get em getugrip. Now tell me.

 

[getuhgrip]

I just priced out a box with an Athalon and mobo, memory, cheapo monitor, mouse, keyboard, video card, floppy, hard drive, CD burner, Windows, and an Omni Studio. Came in at $1170.
Musicians Friend sells that Akai thingie for $1999. Sell priced right now at $1399.

Leaves a few bucks left over for Ntrack and a 12 pak.

 

[baldguy]

I'd stay away from the minidisc option just because it will probably be dead in the not so distant future. As for the Roland, I can say they have a pretty steep learning curve once the internal effects get involved. And last I checked, the price of the burner was extremely inflated. Check out www.vsplanet.com for more info about that. I've never used either of the other 2 options you mentioned. It doesn't sound like you want to go the computer route, but if you're willing to spend the money for the AKAI then I think getuhgrip is right. You should build a DAW.

 

[Dog]

I have a Roland VS840EX and I use a stand alone burner.i.e. A phillips or Teac I 'm using a pioneer single bay. It's easy to use like recording on a tape deck. Just send the signal out the digital out to the digital in on the burner and Bingo! you have a CD. Mine uses the SCMS encoded music CD-Rs but I understan some will burn to regular CD-Rs.

I got my Pioneer for $199 pretty cheap!

my 2cents