Multitrack Digital Recorder

[deltahotel]

Initially I was attracted to the entry level Tascam 8 track DP01 which can be had for about $300. But then I became interested in its big brother, the $450 Tascam DP01FX with built in effects and phantom powered XLR inputs. But THEN, I saw the Korg D1200mkII with 96 virutal tracks (12 simultaneous playback), 4 simultaneous inputs, built in drum machine, 24 bit recording, and built in CD drive, all for just $50 more.

If I'm going to make the price jump from the DP01 to the DP01FX, it seems like a no-brainer to go the extra $$ for the Korg.

Anybody have any opinions on any of these products, or other recommendations?

[themd21]

hi Deltahotel
Here's two items from Zoom which caught my attention lately.
The first one for the price £99, about $190US.
The second cause it records directly to wav or MP3.

www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=EG00344&mxmroi=3316458/495094/false

www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=ST00582&mxmroi=3316458/510891/false

[deltahotel]

Thanks for the links. I clicked through and read the descriptions. Both seem to be packed with a lot of features for the size and price. They're both 4 track though, and I think I want the additional freedom of at least 8 tracks. I did a search on the product name, and found they have an 8 track product in my price range with features comparable to the products I've been considering. I'll be sure to take a look at their line when I go out shopping again.

[deltahotel]

While I'm thinking of it, I also would appreciate recommendations for a good condenser mic suitable for recording acoustic guitar and vocals. I've seen some advertised for as low as around $50, but I'm suspicious of the quality. How much should I expect to pay for a decent mic for home recording purposes?

[gibbo]

Behringer make good value for money condensers. The B2-Pro doesn't sound like a Neumann or anything you'd find in a top-end studio (then again, it costs about 90% less of course) but it's pretty clean and has a brightness that's good for recording vocals (depends on the voice) and acoustic guitar.

[deltahotel]

Thanks for the B2 Pro recommendation. I read a couple of reviews and it sounds like it's a great value. And it's right at the pricepoint I'd be comfortable with ($149).

[bri]

I know I keep going on about it in various posts, but b4 you spend a penny, have a look at kristal audio engine; a free 16 track (which equates to 32 tracks when you consider they're stereo tracks) multitracker from the internet. I use it all the time. It doesn't record midi - I don't know if you want it to. You can also add vst fx plugins.
Bri

[ironbaden]

do you have a link for this bri?

[deltahotel]

Thanks for the Kristal Audio Engine suggestion, Bri.

I've heard of these software studios, and can see how they might be really useful for the editing and mixing stages. In fact, some of the products I've been looking at allow you to export your raw track data to a computer expressly for that purpose.

However, I think I prefer a dedicated hardware multitrack for a number of reasons:
1. Human Interface: I prefer the ability to manipulate 2 or more faders with my fingers as opposed to dragging them with a mouse or automating them with envelope points.
2. Audio Input: Maybe I just don't understand the technology, but how do I connect a phantom powered condenser mic or otherwise record vocals and instruments with my computer? Am I limited to the ADC capabilities of my sound card?
3. Portability: I don't want to be tied to my computer room for recording. A computer based 8 track recorder wont work for capturing rehearsals in my buddy's basement, or for recording my granddaughter's piano recital.

[bri]

ironbaden...here's the link (I think). I'll give it a try when it's posted. If I don't get back, it's ok.
Just click on download and follow the destructions.
www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Bri

[deltahotel]

I went shopping this weekend and bought:
Korg D1200mkII digital MTR $499
M-Audio BX5a monitors $299/pr
Sterling ST55 condenser mic $199
(I actually got the ST55 for $149 cuz they didn't have the $149 Behringer B2Pro I asked for)

Now if I can just figure out how to use the multitrack...
I joined a D1200 forum at StudioTrax.net, hopefully I'll get some help there.

I also need to shop for some kind of workstation desk, before my wife gets upset about the gear all over the kitchen table

[charlie]

Hi Delta Hotel,

I was, and still am in the same situation you were in before you took the leap and purchased your MDR. After reviewing what seemed like hundreds of them, I finally have settled on the Korg D888. It is laid out like an analog mixer, something I am familiar with as far as controls are concerned. It is able to record 8 tracks simultaneously. Very good prepamps, converters, and effects. No CD drive though, but I dont really think I would use it that much anyway, as I prefer to master on a computer based editing software. Problem is, what software? The D888 is very good at capturing live performances for editing and mastering later. Since I dont have the computer software package, I was wondering what software most of you guys use. Also, I keep hearing about latency problems with computer based editing software. Is that really a problem? Oh well, I think the D888 is the way I'm going, unless I hear something here that would change my mind and save me from myself....LOL...

[rosetchfie]

Hi
I just recently bought a Boss BR1200 12 track Digital Recording Studio and can say that so far I am very happy with it and it is relatively easy to use straight out of the box - had to read the manual here and there but not a major requirement
I have been doing recording on PC software for the last 3-4 years and I must say I only wish I had bought something like this earlier - it is just so much easier, quicker and better quality with lots more options and much less frustration.
I have just recorded a nostalgia CD on this for a local singer who has already three albums out and I will put a track on"members stage"" in near future to give some idea of what it siunds like
After I had bought the BR1200 I read some reviews on the net that were pretty encouraging
I don't know whether or not it is a model being phased out but I got it at a price reduced twice from the original RRP
I have always had Roland gear ( mainly keyborads) all my musical career and it is always good quality even if some of the earlier stuff was difficult to find your way around - they seemed to have learned something over the years and the BR1200 is one of the easiest Roland things I have ever used
regards
Roy Setchfield
Waiuku,NZ

[rogerch]

Charlie,

Roy

I have a D888 and like it alot. I record and then USB it to the puter. I use calkwalk 9.0 for the mixing and then re-record the master back on the D888. I have no problems with latency and have used 15 tracks so far. What I do is record each midi track by it's self, then insert each into cakewalk that way I have full controll of the mix in the end.

Hope that helps

charlie said:

Hi Delta Hotel,

I was, and still am in the same situation you were in before you took the leap and purchased your MDR. After reviewing what seemed like hundreds of them, I finally have settled on the Korg D888. It is laid out like an analog mixer, something I am familiar with as far as controls are concerned. It is able to record 8 tracks simultaneously. Very good prepamps, converters, and effects. No CD drive though, but I dont really think I would use it that much anyway, as I prefer to master on a computer based editing software. Problem is, what software? The D888 is very good at capturing live performances for editing and mastering later. Since I dont have the computer software package, I was wondering what software most of you guys use. Also, I keep hearing about latency problems with computer based editing software. Is that really a problem? Oh well, I think the D888 is the way I'm going, unless I hear something here that would change my mind and save me from myself....LOL...