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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: Tomservo on 23 Nov 2005, 07:41

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Tomservo on 23 Nov 2005, 07:41

I was looking to buy a digital 8-track recorder, and I know nothing about them.  Does anyone know, which ones are better or where I can get reliable information on them?

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Mark7 on 23 Nov 2005, 15:45

How many instruments are you hoping to record at a time?

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: trashmatic on 23 Nov 2005, 17:32

Do you own a laptop?  Even if you don't yet, a used laptop and an external audio interface might end up costing about the same and be much more flexible.  You'd lose the immediacy of working with knobs and sliders, but gain a much larger screen and more recording space.

Not to mention software effects and mastering tools.

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Tomservo on 23 Nov 2005, 19:48

Probably around 3 instruments recorded at a time, and I think I want to stick with the knobs and sliders.

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Mark7 on 24 Nov 2005, 03:46

If you want to record more than two tracks at once all the digital 8 track portastudios on the market today are pretty useless.

You might want to look at a discontinued model like the Tascam 788, which does offer more than two mic inputs.   Assuming you'll be using mics, that is.

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Mark7 on 24 Nov 2005, 08:14

Sorry, I should have asked a few more questions before I jumped in with any kind of recommendation.

So...

What kind of material do you think you'll be recording?

Do you need portability or are you happy to have the system sitting in one room?

What's your budget?

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Tomservo on 24 Nov 2005, 10:37

I want it to be portable and I want to spend around $450. I think I'll be recording guitar, bass, vocals, my keyboard, maybe a drum machine, and maybe a piano.

Title: Digital Recorder
Post by: Mark7 on 24 Nov 2005, 11:20

In that case the 788 is probably your best bet.