Which multitrack recorder is best?

[charlie]

Hello everbody,

I posted a thread many moons ago about this topic and I still have not purchased a multitrack recorder mainly because I can't seem to find a clear cut answer to the question: "Which multitrack recorder is best?" Now, I know that there are as many reasons why people like certain recorders over others as there are recorders out there, but let me explain what I want to do.
First, I want to make a live recording of our duo for demo purposes. My website requires that I post MP3's only, so I will have to convert any recording I make to MP3 format. Secondly, I want to be able to download the captured recording to some software in my computer so that I can edit the recording...add effects...balance out the mix between midi file and vocal...pitch correct vocal if needed....and then burn finished product to disk. Thirdly, I need sound bank capability beyond an external midi sound module just to create sounds and write original tunes. Drums need to be punchy. Ok, that's about it....maybe there's a multitrack recorder out there for me. Oh, and one more thing...tranfer files from recorder to computer has to be quick and painless. LOL...ok...maybe I'm asking too much, but it doesn't hurt to ask, does it?

Charlie

[JohnG]

Hi Charlie,

Well, giving us a budget might have helped a bit.

But if you are looking for something serious then take a look at the Yamaha AW1600. You might be able to pick up one of these cute babies 2nd hand via ebay. They do come up from time to time. If you do, make sure you pick it up and have a good demo before you hand over the dosh. They may be being sold because of an unadvertised fault.Take a look at the sound on sound magazine site there are a whole stack of reviews of just this sort of kit. Of course there's one of the AW1600 there.

www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct05/articles/yamahaaw1600.htm

It has a mixing panel, hard disk recording, CDR/RW, USB interface, probably everything you need built into it.

Or theres the Korg D888 and so on. Try www.soundonsound.com then go to articles, sub section reviews, then scroll down for multitrack recorders.

JohnG.

[charlie]

Hey JohnG,

Thanks so much for your reply. Ironically those are the two top units I was looking at to buy. You must have ESP or something. I have always been a fan of Yamaha stuff. Still using two Yamaha G100 III solid state amps. Great jazz tone and lots of power. Anyway, The Yamaha AW1600 is a unit I won't soon out grow, and most likely would be the first and last purchase of a multitrack recorder. Unless, of course, I stop gigging live and concentrate of writing my own material...then who knows. I have seen them on E-bay for @ $750..but not recently. If I may ask, what multitrack recorder do you use? And, are there any quirks about the AW1600 that I need to be aware of. I will visit Sonic State and see what they have to say. As far as the Korg D888, the major complaint I have read about that unit are the preamps. I do like that the unit comes with Cubase Lite which alleviates the problem having to decide whick recording software to buy. And Korg has got a good reputation for putting out good products also. Decisions...decisions...well...thank you John for your input. I just don't want to buy ill-informed and regret my purchase. I'd rather be happy with my decision knowing I made the best decision with the best information I could gather.

Charlie

[JohnG]

Sadly Charlie I don't own a multitrack recorder. But I do get to borrow one from a friend from time to time and it's the AW1600. Haven't had any experience with any others but I know this one is a good one. It's on my A list.
JohnG.

[charlie]

Thanks JohnG....I am leaning toward the AW1600....it's Yamaha....solid...well built...and hopefully it's on E-bay at a price I can afford...LOL

[Steptoe]

I've recently bought the ZOOM HD8 hard drive recorder, they also make a 16 track version.
It has so many features it's going to take me awhile to get the hang of it and the manual is pretty thick!
It also doubles as a control base so you can operated your on screen DAW, (CUBASE LE is included in the package.)

A review of all the features is Here

[allymax]

I've got a Tascam DP01-FXCD which does pretty much everything I need it to do. HD recording (very quick loads), effects, CDR capability etc etc etc.

I use it to record demos but also, once I finish editing my midis to take out all guitar parts etc, i record them on to the tascam and use that for 'live' stuff. Don't know about our non UK friends, but the DP01 can be found to buy online at pretty reasonable prices, considering what it can do.

Cheers,

Ally M.