Author Topic: 4 track digital recorder (Read 269 times)

rklisme · « **on:** January 30, 2006, 08:54:26 AM »

Hey Guys

Can anyone recommend a easy to use inexpensive 4 track digital recorder. Not looking for anything to fancy just want to be able to record ideas mainly!

Rory

studiorecluse · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2006, 10:40:20 AM »

Does it have to be stand-alone, or would you consider using your existing computer?

Bradley Young · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2006, 10:54:58 AM »

Rory,

Have you considered using your computer? Even an okay sound card should do the job pretty well.

The main thing, then, is getting software-- there is a fair amount of free software out there. I do most of my sound stuff on Linux, so that is where my familiarity is, but I could try to point you in the right direction.

If you have a Macintosh, then I've heard that Garage Band is pretty decent.

Brad

bsee · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2006, 11:01:56 AM »

Hi Rory-

There are a few shopping parameters here, but I have been looking at the recent Fostex MR8-HD as a potential choice. For $400, you get an 8-track system with four mic preamps and a 40GB drive. If the sound quality is good, four simultaneous recording tracks in a portable HD unit will make it convenient for recording live shows as well as noodling. I don't think it has all the modelling and effects in some unit, but it sounds like you wouldn't need that.

Of course, if noodling is the whole picture for you, you can probably get something for more like $200 that will do the job. I just haven't looked into those items.

-bob

rklisme · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:05:46 PM »

Hey Guys

Thanks for the info, I know for sure I want a stand alone unit something that is easly portable. I will check into the Fostex that Bob mentioned and see if it meets my needs. In the mean time if anybody else has had any luck with a unit please chime in.

Rory

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2006, 11:37:18 PM »

I am on the fence about the Fostex because of some of the reviews I have read. Something about introduced noise, maybe from the spinning hard drive? Other than that, I keep thinking about the Yamaha AW1600. It just seems a little large to be conveniently portable and has more channels than I require. The Fostex is supposedly a pretty hot seller, so maybe Boss or Yamaha will come out with a similar unit that will make me pull the trigger. If I can play around with the Fostex for a bit or hear a reliable first-hand review, I may yet grab one.

For me, a PC solution wouldn't be awful. I always have a notebook around, but I haven't seen the right unit with four mic preamps to feed it. Rory, notebooks are becoming relatively inexpensive, so it has become much more reasonable to use them as the basis of a stand-alone recording unit. Certainly a notebook plus software and firewire mic preamp is likely to be more than $400, but it's an interesting alternative if you already have the notebook.

One other thought for you is that many of the current line of amps and multi-effects units have a way to diretcly feed the PC over USB. If you're just looking to record riffs without vocals, something like a Pod XT plugged into the PC works pretty well.

gare · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2006, 06:27:19 AM »

Rory..you may also want to checkout the Tascam gear. Their DP-01 units run 300/600$, but you can only record 2 tracks at a time. I would also think in a stand alone unit that a CD-RW drive would be a must, at least you could walk away with a 2 track master.
Guess it all depends on your budget and how fancy you want to get. But, at todays prices I'd go with at least 8 tracks.
Just my .02
Gary

keavin · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2006, 07:07:48 AM »

http://www.kellyindustries.com/recorders/tascam.html

gare · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2006, 07:58:47 AM »

Rory
Just curious..any update on this ?
Whaddja get ?

G

rklisme · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2006, 08:16:21 AM »

Gary

I have not taken the plunge yet. I am very undecided bassed on the non to popular reviews that I have read on the different units I have researched. I think I will dive in soon just no sure the direction I will be taking. Do you have any more suggestions?

Rory

dejan · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2006, 09:37:18 AM »

Hi Rory,I use a Yamaha AW16G and it's fantastic.You can record 8 track simultaneusly(very important,4 track is not sufficient if you want to record a demo with your band!),digital mixer with 16 channels,hard disk with 20 gigabyte,two 32 bit mulieffects,two channels with phantom power(if you want to record condenser microphones),a touch pad to create rithm bases,monitor out,and lot of possibilities to edit your songs.Incorporated CD burner to masterize your CD without your computer.If you want a indipendent workstation simple and with high quality(24 bit),this is your choice.The new model AW1600 features a 40 gigabyte and usb to connect it to your PC.BYE

(Message edited by dejan on February 14, 2006)

wideload · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2006, 03:38:13 PM »

I'm waiting on the Lexicon Lambda, which is a two-channel USB interface with software for recording on my Powerbook. I'm just going to take the pass-thrus from the IEMs for a quick and dirty copy of how we sound. For $200 I don't expect perfection (of course, bad note correction is included, isn't it?!).

Larry

gare · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2006, 06:48:56 AM »

Hi Rory
Don't really have any more suggestions, but I'm interested in the suggestions coming up here.
I'm also interested in a small, portable, self contained recorder ,with a cd drive.
Thought I'd move into the late 20th century, I still have tape.
But for a small simple recorder for a relatively low price, I like the Fostex and Tascam units. And unfortunately in that catagory some compromises will need to be made.
The desk top/laptop setups are nice, and flexible, but not that portable.
Will keep an eye out for more ideas, good luck in the quest.
Gary