Author Topic: Advice wanted on recorders (Read 572 times)

David Houck · « **on:** June 03, 2015, 11:34:05 AM »

I currently have a Zoom H4. This has been working well for my needs. I run two mic cables from the direct outs in my rig into the Zoom, cut it on, and record. I transfer the resulting WAV file via USB to my laptop, where I use other software (Audacity) to make any edits to the recording.

Recently, on behalf of and for the use of others, I've been making field recordings, direct from a mixer, of talks, where the speakers are using mics. I'm not doing anything fancy here, just a line out from the mixer into the Zoom. The Zoom is inadequate for this for two reasons. First, there are no volume knobs; to fine tune the levels, you have to go into the menu and adjust the input levels. Second, the display is too small for me to read, and the light doesn't stay on while recording.

So, for both my personal needs of recording my solo instrumental pieces, and for these field recordings of talks, I need something that has a continuously lighted display that I can read easily, and knobs with which I can control the input levels.

Further, because I'm not getting paid for the field recordings, and because I don't expect to make any money with my own recordings, and because I have a limited household budget, I don't want to spend a lot of money.

I went to the musiciansfriend web site, and this looks to me like it would meet my needs. Tascam DP-008EX. It's $180 with the power supply. (I would also need to purchase an SDHC card.)

I don't do much in the way of recording, and my knowledge and skill level are low. So I'm asking you all for your input. Is this a reasonably good recorder for my needs? (I still hope to eventually self-record a CD of my solo pieces.) Are there considerations that I am overlooking? Are there other recorders that I should consider? Etc.

keith_h · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2015, 12:47:22 PM »

I use a PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL to record directly to my laptop via a USB port. It also has individual input gain controls. I then use PreSonus Studio One or Audacity for my mixing/capturing software on the laptop.

Keith

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2015, 07:23:08 PM »

Thanks Keith; reading up on it now.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2015, 09:48:27 PM »

Dave, What is the maximum amount of discrete channels that you can uses simultaneously ?
The beauty of at least 8 simultaneous tracks is mixing down after the performance and if you had decent isolation during the initial performance then creating your masterpiece for playback . There are different schools of thought on that . I tend to like the method of Mr. Stephen Barncard and Mr.Rudy Van Gelder and my teacher the great Mr.Leo De Gar Kulka . I originally studied audio during the mid 1970s and the foot print of a 2 inch tape AMPEX , MCI or STUDER was quite large. Even the 2 track mix down machines from that era were large( of which I still own several) . The golden years of analog recording required the accommodations for large equipment.

As far a digital recording goes I have checked out a few different formats over the years and I still like Protools . ( the plug ins keep getting better and better )The advantage of the current versions starting with 9 is that you do not have to necessarily use their interfaces anymore. They call that concept Protools Native . I still have own an older TDM version call MIX24 from before the Native versions. I also use a JL Cooper CS10 control surfaces with it so I do not have to mix with a mouse.

I think that it might end up being fun for you to have a digital interface that can accommodate at least 8 simultaneous tracks.

Wolf

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 03, 2015, 11:41:06 PM »

New AVID /Protools multitrack interfaces will be pricy.

Metric-Halo make nice multitrack digital interfaces and software,but are not inexpensive.

The PreSonus 1818VSL might be ok and is less expensive.

MOTU/Mark of the Unicorn stuff is also OK .

Wolf

flpete1uw · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2015, 04:40:06 AM »

Hi Dave,
This may be above the price comfort zone but I have seen them for less and your already familiar with Zoom? This is the top model there is a 16 channel as well. If I start recording this is a contender just for the remote recording aspect of it and full mixing abilities afterwards.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--ZOMR24?siid=94091&gclid=CMvBn4769cUCFQEdaQodrGAAKA
Best of Luck!!
Pete

flpete1uw · « **Reply #6 on:** June 04, 2015, 04:53:58 AM »

Yep, even on the link I just sent there is a Blemished one for $399 and I've seen them less than that.

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** June 04, 2015, 06:11:53 AM »

The unit that Pete points to is quite interesting,and might very well be suitable for what you are doing. I have seen it around on the internet and quite honestly I am interested in giving this unit a spin around the block my self . It might very well be surprising from a bang for your buck standpoint and surprising in performance as well !

Wolf

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** June 04, 2015, 02:05:31 PM »

Thanks guys. I'm a bit woozy at the moment with health issues; but I'll reread your suggestions when I'm feeling a little better, and follow up.

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** June 04, 2015, 02:18:51 PM »

Hi Dave, I hope that you feel better soon .

peoplechipper · « **Reply #10 on:** June 04, 2015, 11:21:28 PM »

I have the zoom r16; 8 xlr inputs, but doesn't have the drum machine of the r24...very easy to use if you're doing basic things; I don't know half of what it can do but the things I want it to do are very easy; just buy one, you'll be glad you did...Tony

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** June 05, 2015, 01:13:05 AM »

I am impressed by the sonic results of even just the ZOOM H2 that a friend of mine gets with his. My hands on curiosity is really ripe regarding a ZOOM R16 or R24 ! MUCHO bang for the buck it seems .

edwin · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2015, 01:50:50 AM »

Metric Halo is on sale through the end of the month. Just sayin'!

I love their interfaces.

But I've discovered that my MBox 3 is surprisingly good. Leaps and bounds beyond the previous versions. I bet they could be found used fairly inexpensively. It sounds better to me than Apogee's lower end boxes, it doesn't have that weird artificial sheen that Apogee has. Also, RME makes some good stuff.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2015, 01:51:07 AM »

I have an H2 also, pretty cool for it's size.
I've tried using it for shows and I'll echo Dave's
observations and fustrations.
Sunshiny and Healthy thoughts for ya Dave

tomhug · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2015, 08:04:50 PM »

One thing I noticed about the Tascam DP-008EX you linked is that it's still only 2 tracks of simultaneous recording.

I've used my laptop and a Tascam USB-144 to record my band off of the board, and used Audacity for monitoring in real time. It's a less portable setup than a single device, but it worked well for my purposes.

The Tascam DP-008EX does come with a small card for storage, so I don't think you'd need to buy another one.

My take: you could probably do better for the same $$$, but the Tascam DP-008EX is not a terrible choice - as long as you don't let the 8 columns of knobs deceive you into thinking that the device supports more than 2 channels simultaneously.

Were it me, I'd be looking at something like the Tascam 144 which for the same money provide more input option and has some decent bundled software for things like mixing and music production.

I've also been amazed at what you can do with iPad or iPhone interfaces, but I don't know if that option would apply to you, Dave.

Hope you're feeling better, too.