Tech: Digital multi track recorders

Subject: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: Hamish
Date: 30 May 03 - 06:15 AM

So, "a friend" is thinking of getting a digital multi track. What features should s/he be considering?

S/he reckons to record "in the studio" but looking for a live sound. Small acoustic band with possibly a couple of guitars and a few voices - minimal overdubbing.

What features are important in your experience? - and I'd prefer experience rather than supposition - although "I don't have xxxx and I really wish I did" is valid.

Some of the less obvious(?) things I guess might be important would be:

• phantom powered XLR inputs for decent condenser mics


• two headphone sockets


• integral CD cutter


• four (or more?)track simultaneous recording


• high quality internal effects

Thanks, in anticipation of the usual erudite Mudlark helpfulness...

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: GUEST,big john
Date: 30 May 03 - 04:58 PM

try pro tools on a pc or mac even a ludite like me can use it i understand it will work on mac power book totaly mobile then it comes with some nice plugins all a folkie needs then is a good set of lugoils thats the real kit needed best of luck

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: Ed.
Date: 30 May 03 - 07:20 PM

What sort of budget are you looking at, Hamish?

There are lots more 'it depends' (such as does it need to be portable?etc.) but that's the first one.

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: Musicman
Date: 30 May 03 - 07:20 PM

try this....

record into an adat.... gives you 8 tracks, digital.. line inputs.....
use a motu2408 to transfer from the adat to your computer (works with pc and mac)....
it will transfer all 8 tracks digitally into your recording program....

edit on the computer...

i recorded my band, Copper Sky, live and edited at home this way....

musicman

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: GUEST,Al
Date: 30 May 03 - 08:04 PM

Quality of sound is the main thing. To get that, you need high quality condenser mics, excellent analog/digital converters, and the ability to record at higher than normal cd resolution. 24 bit at 96 mhz would be best for a home recording outfit. Then the unit or an outboard box must have a good dithering algorithm to get you back to 16/44 resolution so it will play on a normal cd player. Stay away from lower priced units if you plan to produce a commercial cd. The cheapies are only good for demos.

Al

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: Ed.
Date: 30 May 03 - 08:14 PM

I understand where you're coming from, Al. But I'd have to disagree.

For example, Michelle Shocked's highly successful CD The Texas Campfire Tapes was recorded on a cassette walkman...

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 31 May 03 - 09:23 AM

Looking into the same thing myself. Problem I see with most of the affordable ubits is only two xlr inputs. I need three at the same time. One guy I talked to really liked the Fostex ones (forget the #)
It came with a CD burner FX Mastering software, all sorts of stuff. It was about 1200$ Can. I am looking into a breakout box to PC method currently.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital multi track recorders
From: Hamish
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 07:33 AM

Ah: thanks for this...

...first there was a weekend, then the Mudcat site was down, then I had a (very small) tour... ...but I'm back now.

Yes: I guess I should have said that I'm looking at an integrated all-in-one solution, say, Zoom, Fostex, Yamaha...

The problem (as I see it) with a PC/ProTools type solution is that it's all software controlled, whereas an integrated unit with real physical sliders and pots is so much more intuitive. (Yes, I know there's still lots of programming to do, and the screen's smaller; but at least it's all aimed solely at the recording process, and makes lots of intelligent defaults and templates available.)

Budget? Not really an issue. 1000+ pounds sterling (which is getting on for 2000 dollars equivalent purchasing power) to cover some decent mics and headphones.

Having said that, there's no point in spending more than is necessary. If the £250 Zoom does what's needed, then that's what we'll go for.