Tech: Alesis 2Track

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 12:28 PM

Mind you, saying that I bought a pair of Behinger C2s and wasn't impressed at all; in fact, they're pretty duff for low-level acoustic work. I can well sympathise with the cash-flow problem - I recently had to put off upgrading the Kaossilator on account of some rather urgent dentistry...

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: Tootler
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 12:19 PM

Thanks Suibhne.

I was considering two Behringer C1s plus a Behringer Xenyx 802 mixer (it has phantom) Total cost about 120 GBP which seemed pretty reasonable but, as I said 2 new domestic appliances and 3 new car tyres somewhat put paid to it. I was also considering replacing my rather nice keyless tenor recorder with a keyed one as my fingers are not as supple as they once were, but that will have to go on hold too.

To cap it all the toaster went yesterday. Not very expensive, but just the way things are, just now :-(

I have heard mixed views about Behringer gear but user reviews mostly seem pretty positive. I'll investigate the B1. In the meantime, All I can do is hope I get a bit more work from an external source as I am otherwise on a pension. Perfectly adequate but new toys need budgeting for.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 07:17 AM

For good cheap condensers you can't get better than the Behringer B1. Sure, the shock-mount is a bit of a put-on, and you'll have to be rigged for phantom, but we run four of these and wouldn't hesitate to buy more. Behringer mixers are splendid too for the price; most seem equipped with phantom - we use a Eurorack UB802.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: Tootler
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 07:03 AM

I have an Edirol R09. More expensive than the Zoom H2 but excellent quality and easy to use. I've had mine for about five years now and no regrets on the money I paid for it (Much more than the current price)

Records mp3 up to 320 kB/s and Wav up to 24-bit/48kHz. I have it set at Wav 16-bit/44.1kHz.

Has a built in stereo condenser mic, which seems to be well rated by the pros in the user reviews.

I use it for my You Tube videos. It is independent of the PC so I can record with it switched off, then transfer the recordings to the PC for editing. Also small enough to be portable. I keep mine in a camera pouch with a pair of earbud headphones for monitoring purposes.

I had been considering getting a couple of reasonable quality condenser mics and a small mixer but a failed washer and tumble drier and three new tyres for the car since New Year have somewhat knocked that on the head :-(

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 07:47 AM

.. just adding that the more I read and consider about Zoom R8 the more genuine regular uses I'd find for it..

Beside my main intentions for recording acoustic instruments and vocals
in isolation from noisy PC fans,
and linking to long-time retired hardware midi sequencer & synths..

I've never owned a reliable enough PC for any extended recording sessions;
so the prospect of having a simple to use portable recording device
capable of directly digitising Cassettes and LPs at conversion rates up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution
[24-bit/96kHz - if used as an interface for a stable dependable computer]

...brilliant !!!


Deciding I'll definitely hammer my credit card and get one asap.

http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/r8

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 12:45 AM

Just spent a week or so researching pocket recorders of various brands
and deliberating whether to save a few quid on a discounted end of line H2
or the cheapest online deal for the new updated version..

In the end I've decided on educated risk -

£191.65 for a Zoom R8 [ + free Sennheiser HD 201 headphones ]

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/zoom-r8/44713

R8 obviously wont be much practical use as a handheld field recorder,
but the inbuilt stereo mics could be a bonus feature if the device
is set-up on a firm flat surface;
or best used in a backpack with various high quality budget priced mics plugged into the XLR sockets.

I require it mostly for recording acoustic instruments and vocals
well away from noisy computer fans,
so I can then import the tracks into my PC DAW.

But still digesting the operating manual at the moment,
and googling online expert user tips and advice
regarding practicable workarounds for utilising SMTP timecode
to integrate with my old hardware midi sequencer and synth modules...

Zoom R8 is probably the best and most potentially useful item of affordable 'semi pro / prosumer' music kit
I've discovered since the 1990s...???

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From:
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 09:44 PM

I use either the Edirol R09 newest version or the Yamaha Pocketrak CX model I think.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 09:01 PM

*grin*...I use an H1, but no Lapwings near here. It works fine to simply set on a stand and record a live group in a room.
It has a threaded recess where on can creatively attach any sort of stand or holder using the proper thread, (I have about 4-5 ways to hold it, including a 'holster' that hangs on my belt) and it has a setting for either auto-volume control or manually setting... and it will record either .wav or MP3.

Not as fancy as my wife's H2, but easier to use a a moment's notice.

Subject: Tech: Alesis 2Track
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 06:01 PM

The cheaper alternative to the Zoom H1 - similar modelling, but it really is a piece of crap. Best avoided. Don't be tempted. I managed to return one to Dawson's MCR today against company policy. Close shave. Phew!

Having retired the old H4 from active service (I use it for mastering via the XLRs) I'm looking for a suitable replacement for field work. Anyone got an H1? How are they for recording Lapwings on tidal mudflats?