What to buy?

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Mr. C

Mr. C

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I currently have a Tascam 424Mkii and it's been okay, but now I want something a little different. I've been trying to decide if a stand alone recorder with disk drive built in or something you connect to a computer. I have a laptop, nothing special. I'm looking to buy used, no more than $150 tops. I've been looking at the US-144 and a DSP-01 specifically, but I see others out there. So what would one recommend based on my budget. Oh, my laptop has Vista OS. I don't want to buy more software etc. "Plug and play" is basically what I'm looking for. Thanks.
 
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You may want to look at the DP-02cf. Records to a CF memory card and transfers files over USB 2.0. 8-TR playback & 2-TR recording simultaneously. You would be able to boost the utility of the DP-02cf by using the 424mkII mixer as a front end.
:spank::eek:;)
 
Thanks, I was looking at a couple of those DP-02cf's. That does sound like something that might work for me. So when you say I could boost the utility of this with 424 would I be hooking it up to the two recording inputs on the DP? Or were you thinking of something else? Well thanks for your input I've always valued your advice.
 
Yeah, exactly.

The DP-02 (and many other devices like it) has no input mixing. It's input-to-track architecture, as I've decided to call it. Input A and Input B. You may use input A and B simultaneously, assigning each input to any of 2 separate tracks, AND you can assign one single input to 2 tracks in bridged-mono, (it's been a while & I'm pretty sure of that),... BUT you cannot mix input A and B together and simultaneously assign them to one track. After a few edits, I hope that's clear!:facepalm:

I see the 424 being used as an input device mixer, where you can buss inputs together and send the stereo Line Out to Inputs A/B on the DP-02cf, as needed.

I was always accustomed to bussing sounds together and routing them to a single track. This idea may have gone entirely out of fashion, but I'm sticking to my guns on that as a useful technique.
:spank::eek:;)
 
How about the DP-02 witht the disk drive? I've seen some of them for around the same price.
 
Dp-02

The DP-02 gives you the onboard hard drive, onboard CD burner, and a host of guitar and "mastering" effects. The basic Input-to-Track architecture scheme is the same, tho. No bussing of Inputs A and B together and assigning them to one track simultaneously. THAT's one of the biggest limitations of most digital multitrackers, and is why I recommend using a front end mixer. However, it's not for everyone, and YMMV!
:spank::eek:;)
 
Anyway,...

In the real world you do what you have to do to achieve the results you desire.

However, as a 424 guy you'll understand when I say a 2-device solution is no longer a true "Portastudio", which by definition is a self-contained all-in-one solution.
:spank::eek:;)
 
Okay, I think I understand what you mean about the DP-02. So on the 424 you might have a vocal and guitar plugged into two different inputs but record to one track, as for the DP's each input goes to it's own individual track without the ability to assign both inputs to one track. Correct?
 
Hey Reel Person, another question. How does the FW-1082 work? From what I understand it is used to control software recording programs such as Cubase and others. Is that right? If so do the faders on the 1082 control the faders in the recording program? Any idea how many tracks one could record at one time with the 1082? I'm just wondering as I really would like the option of recording more than two tracks at a time, but don't have the cash to buy a $500 machine that could do it.
 
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Someone else would be more qualified than me to answer that question, but on the surface I've seen the FW-1082 get generally good reviews. You may also want to look at the Tascam website under Legacy Gear. You might find full specs, explainations or manuals for that and many other older products.
:spank::eek:;)
 
Well after trying to figure this all out I decided to buy a US-1800. A bit more than I planned on spending, but not too bad. I decided I just couldn't live with only recording two tracks at a time. I've messed around with some recording software (even plugged the 424 into my computer to transfer tracks) so I figure this is the best way to go. I considered the FW models, but since I don't have firewire inputs that blew that idea. So now I'm waiting for the US-1800 to arrive later this week and then I'll give it a try.
 
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