Multitrack Recorders

[JimTidmarsh]

The other thing I wasn't keen on about my 8 track was the loss of quality when bouncing tracks (maybe that was feature of mine!). Also, once you'd bounced several tracks together, you can't alter the balance between those tracks if you want to at a later stage.
I have a dedicated laptop for recording in my music room/studio so don't have a problem with other programmes - the only other ones I run on it are Audacity and Mozart score notation/MIDI production.

[dave robinson]

I fully understand where Brian is coming from here. For a couple of years or more I moved onto Logic on the Mac, but recently re-discovered the magic of my Roland 2480 system and the Fostex D-80 as well. I was flogging them but have changed my mind. That said I still use the Logic & Mac. The more, the merrier.

[Uncleboko]

I wish my Teac 3340 reel to reel was still in working order, only 4 track but could record at up to +10db on the best Ampex tape !!

[rogera]

I've always favoured a stand-alone recorder and after starting with a Roland 8 track VS840 I upgraded to an 18 track unit.

Recording on the computer has indeed come a long way but I find as some people have said that it can get quite confusing - maybe it's just the fact
that I grew up with tape recorders and the modern stand-alone recorder mimics that concept in most respects.

[Uncleboko]

I've always favoured a stand-alone recorder and after starting with a Roland 8 track VS840 I upgraded to an 18 track unit.

Recording on the computer has indeed come a long way but I find as some people have said that it can get quite confusing - maybe it's just the fact
that I grew up with tape recorders and the modern stand-alone recorder mimics that concept in most respects.

It doesn't have 10" reels spinning though!

[roger bayliss]

Ive tried a few multitrack recorders and Ive noticed that theres no issues recording acoustic guitars, keyboards,drums or vocals.The lead guitar track (if were talking Hank sound) always suffers and I think its to do with input impedance,Whether its straight in or with a microphone, the sound is usually thin and glassy, Ok so theyre really designed for clarity and functionality and unless you hit a sweet spot at the input stage its a good idea to maybe preamp the mic,or boost some eq before it hits the input on the multitrack.(Onboard eq doesnt rectify this). I know some users are happy with their sound and fair play to them, I just happened to notice this and thought Id mention it. regards Gary

The mic pre amps on some cheaper / mid range recorders are often not great quality and some say to use a separate mic pre amp to improve things and warm it up a bit. I have a tube mic pre amp and it does improve and warm up the sound so maybe that would help matters.

[mojolomjl]

Hi Brian,
Like you I had a lot of problems with the DAW on my PC so After some research I bought a Boss BR900CD and have not looked back.
This unit is an 8 track with 8 virtual tracks on each, it also has a dedicated guitar or bass input so the quality is good. It also has all
the effects and adjustments you need for mixing and laying down your tracks and burning to a CD. The best thing about this unit is
that I found it quite easy to use so as the saying goes, if I can use it anybody can

[Didier]

When he was still with us, Jean-Claude has a Zoom R16 and was quite satisfied with it.

Didier

[BrianD]

Thanks for the variety of suggestions. I have now placed an order for the Tascam DP-32SD Digital Portastudio. Originally I was looking at the 8 track unit but decided that the extra tracks and facilities this unit offers are worth the extra. As various people of said, at the end of the day Zoom, Boss, Tascam etc all make good products as it is a competitive market. Anyway, I have made a choice, paid my money and look forward to it turning up early next week so I can start to play with it. Thanks again.

[roger bayliss]

DP32 should be a very good unit Brian