Multitrack recorder suggestions?

[Lunawolf]

Hey,

You may have seen my topic a couple months back on the RIC website. Basically, I'm looking for a Multi-Track Recorder $500 or less that can do good quality recordings. I'm also looking for a good program to mix the individual tracks that I've recorded, together. I realize that it is much more beneficial to get a USB interface for the computer, but I'm doing on-site recording, so that plan wouldn't work.

Thanks.

[tony_carey]

I feel so useless on these questions, as the difference between whats available in the US & what is readily available in the UK, seems to be vast. It also seems that every week, a new piece of kit comes along that promises the world. I would advise you to look for something with plenty of output routing options. That way, if you record something that you want to move to another platform, or take to a better equipped studio for mixing, you will be saving time & money.

[rickenmetal]

The multi-track recorders are exactly the same in Europe and the US: Korg, Yamaha, Vestax, Fostex, Roland/Boss, Akai, Zoom, etc.

USB on a multi-track would be especially useful to store the tracks and burn them on a DVD, CDs are too short for track backup, and for long songs you need several CDs for one song. Although I don't really see the point of remixing on a computer if your multi-track can do it, but whatever. Computers have some latency, it also depends how much real time control you want for your mixes (pan, volume, eq, effects), sometimes multi-tracks are better, sometimes computers are better than some multi-tracks.

I suggest checking out those manufacturers, and also used multi-tracks that are no longer made, you might find one that fits. I don't know your requirements (number of tracks total, number of simultaneous recording tracks, virtual tracks, etc).

[tennis_nick]

I had a ball using the Boss mixers! I used like a 2400 or whatever,

I believe the 900 is right around your price range, and is great to work with.

[bitzerguy]

Have a look at a Zoom H4. Nice little package and set up is minimal. Only 2 tracks at a time, but USB to a PC is there as well. We use both the H4 and the new H2 at practice.

[tennis_nick]

i've been using an H4 for 2 monthes. love it. though i prefer recording all the tracks and using a computer based mixer to do the mixing.

[jdogric12]

I have a Fostex VF80 I bought new about six years ago and it has treated me right. It's great for portability.

[rickenmetal]

Robert, I kind of think a Korg D888 might be right for you, only 8 tracks, but you can record all the tracks at the same time. You can also do the mix on a computer and it has USB. Kind of weak if you need to use external effects, although it could be done with the individual outs I suppose.