Which Digital 8 track?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jondanger
  • Start date Start date
J

jondanger

New member
Hey everybody,

My Tascam 488 MKII just bit the dust, and I am looking to replace it with something *shudder* digital. I really like a lot of things about this machine, but I have had too many cassette based portastudios conk out on me, and would like something smaller and more reliable. The best thing about the 488 and 424 and other portastudios from this generation is the sweepable mids. Does anybody know which digital 8 tracks have this feature? It seems like the DP-02 is the natural replacement for the 488, but it doesn't appear to have a mid eq at all. Also, which have the best preamps? I like the Tascam pres in the cassette machines for the most part. Any advice/ideas/suggestions? Thanks in advance.

-jonathan
 
why not get a digital interface? perhaps the tascam us 1641?
 
I only have a desktop and need to take my recorder elsewhere to record drum tracks (small house, small baby). I also just kind of prefer the console type interface.
 
zoom r16?

have you looked at the zoom r16?
8 inputs, 16 tracks, two phantom power, built in mics, tons of effects, $400 new and you can probably find locally (Or at least on ebay) used.

you can connect to your computer via usb and control from that and record up to 96 khz. you can link two together and get 16 inputs at one time.

its worth looking into.
 
8 Track Digital recorder / Interface / Control Surface / Effects / All in one

Hi,
I have seen the new Roland Boss BR800 :cool:
* 4-track simultaneous recording, 8-track simultaneous playback plus dedicated stereo rhythm track playback
* EZ Recording function interactively guides you through the recording process
* Powerful guitar, bass, and vocal effects derived from BOSS’s flagship processors
* Song Sketch recording for quick stereo capture in WAV format
* Built-in advanced drum machine with editor software
* Functions as a USB audio interface and DAW controller
* Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 LE recording software with full audio loops and backing tracks included
* Built-in stereo condenser microphone for instant recording
* Sleek new interface with sensor touch
* 1GB SD included (supports up to 32GB SDHC card)
* Runs on six AA batteries/USB bus power/AC adaptor (included)

Worth a look.
It can be used out of your home to record and playback into a PA or it can be used at home to connect to your home studio PC.
You can use it to control your DAW software, inc. play stop record etc.

http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1068
 
The Boss BR800 sounds like a nice (short) step up from the BR600, which I have. It may not have phantom power, though, and probvalby doers not have mid EQ, either.
 
BR800 Phantom Power

It does have Phantom Power, but I reckon you would need to have the Mains PSU connected to use it though.

It sounds like the type of kit that JONDANGER might be happy with if a simple small device is required with reasonable quality.

I have been considering one myself for simialr reasons.
You could take it to a rehearsal to record or to play backing tracks etc.

The Zoom can record more tracks at once.
 
Thanks very much for the help and suggestions. Looks like the BR800 comes with Cakewalk, and the R16 comes with Cubase. Does that mean that I can dump the tracks onto my desktop computer and mix there? I'm sure that the EQ etc. of either of those programs is pretty extensive, so the machine itself wouldn't need as many features. Does anybody work like this now?
 
Yes thats right.
I use Sonar myself and you can do any amount of mixing and signal processing within it.
So all you would need to do is record a neutral take on the recorder, with EQ flat etc.
Try to record as high a level signal as poss, but make sure it does not clip (don't go into the red).
Then load it onto your desktop (by plugging it into the PC with the USB cable), and edit the recorded tracks to your hearts content.
 
jondanger said:
Does that mean that I can dump the tracks onto my desktop computer and mix there? I'm sure that the EQ etc. of either of those programs is pretty extensive, so the machine itself wouldn't need as many features. Does anybody work like this now?
Click to expand...

That is my SOP. I frequently use the eight inputs and insert processing of a BR1600 for the initial tracking and send those tracks into Cubase on my desktop for mixing/overdubbing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top