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Digital 4 Track Recorders?
leftist writes "I'm looking for an entry level digital 4 or 8 track digital recorder to experiment with in the $500 range. Any product recommendations or warnings out there in the geek crowd? Something that uses mp2/mp3 natively a plus!" Krow: What, you wanted content with your story?
the /. editors are just seeing how many lame comments people will make as opposed to actual answers. So far, I've seen two or three actuall (aka serious) answers to the topic (there is no question since there is no post).
Otherwise I think they've jumped April Fools Day by a month and some-odd days.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)
If, by "better", you mean "better than Windows sound recorder", I agree. However, if you mean "better than Pro Tools, Cubase or even Cooledit", then you are delusional or high.
Of course, the article is completely blank, but I'll take a guess at what you were asking..
:)
Simply: Don't buy one. Why: Too expensive, very inflexible and not expandable (unless you pay even more through the nose.)
Instead, go for what the pros use: Protools. I've mixed extensively in the Protools environment, and I am constantly blown away by its power.
Protools: Tracks limited only by the computer's power
4 Track: 4 tracks, often 'virtual tracks', but at a great loss of flexibility
Protools: Amazing expandability, FX, Midi, virtual instruments
4 Track: Expandable only by FX units you can plug in
Protools: Brilliant UI, ease of use blah blah, takes a while to learn, but the skys the limit
4 Track: Simple, basic, not powerful
I could go on and on, but I'm tired and busy at work.
Protools can be expanded at your own rate, as you need it, and as you can afford it. Because it doesnt get 'damaged' or worn out (just out of date), it'll have a higher resale value too, if you ever decide to part with it.
The only advantage a four track digital recorder would have is that its more portable. Easier to chuck into a car boot and jam at a mates place with it. You could also use it for the most basic live sound, but thats probably not a consideration.
If you can afford it, get Protools, and remember that it will pay for itself in the long term. While you're at it, get a decent computer for it too.
Hope this helped
Rock or Doof on
People will hate me for saying this, but:
ADAT.
There's several real advantages over anything consisting of just the simple PCI audio card that many others have suggested:
The converters are outboard, you get an automatic backup of your work for the cost of a VHS tape, the converters are outboard, it can operate independantly of a PC, the converters are outboard, and it's easy to use while intoxicated.
Did I mention that the converters are outboard?
Oh. You also get complete electrical isolation from the RFI monster that is a PC, which will help prevent your mic preamps from picking up seti@home via the temporary wiring disaster that comes along with any recording project.
Just plug it in with toslink. RME cards are supposed to have good support under ALSA. I've used a Lexicon Core2 (under...another OS) with good results.
You also need a bunch of mics, and mic preamps of some variety. I used to use a 24x8 Tascam console before dropping the studio. It served mostly as a big pile of mic preamps with handy signal routing, though I do admit to mixing some things to 2-channel DAT, sans PC, and having a great deal of fun in the process.
Mixer, mic, and preamp selection is a topic of endless debate, so I'll leave it at that, except for one final note:
Ebay is the poor musician's friend. Just because most of this gear is usually fairly expensive, doesn't mean that it must be so.
Kid-proof tablet..