Digital Multitrack Recorder vs PC recording - Guitars101

macman01 · 07-29-2006, 06:28 PM

you all have heard some of my material on here. I have used a GNX3000 hooked up to ibook and recorded using Garageband on my ibook.

Well I find it takes me while to get going and it feels I cannot record on the fly. I love playing over backing tracks etc and recording.

Here is my question. Would I benefit and find it more productive to purchase a digital multitrack recorder. Is it easy using a flash card to load a backing track onto it as a track and record over it etc etc. I like the look of the Boss BR600 a lot . the drum pads look nice and I can still hook my mic up and sing & record. I am not looking to replace my gnx3000 nor computer recording setup just get something for more off the fly recording.

What other recorders do you recommend , tascam, fostex etc.

any feedback on the ease of use etc would be great.

thx mark

**stingx** · 07-30-2006, 06:17 AM

Zoom MRS-8. Although no standalone can match the performance and versatility of a PC Daw, this little baby is unbelievable. A perfect, portable companion for inspiration that can make a complete, professional sounding demo for you.

macman01 · 07-30-2006, 02:35 PM

thx Stingx my buddy got one recently and sent me a demo song to solo over, i liked his track quality, may be well worth me getting one i think

thx

**mcnach** · 07-30-2006, 05:04 PM

A computer set up is a lot more versatile. A LOT more. But a standalone machine is probably simpler to use, just plug in and play, plus it's more portable (unless you use a laptop).
Personally, I prefer a PC. I have been using standalone machiones since 1994, and in the past few months I switched to PC-based recording. Not going back.
If you want my 12-track Akai machine, let me know ;-)

Rythameen · 07-31-2006, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingx

Zoom MRS-8. Although no standalone can match the performance and versatility of a PC Daw, this little baby is unbelievable. A perfect, portable companion for inspiration that can make a complete, professional sounding demo for you.

I use the MRS-8 exclusively for tracking, and then bring the individual tracks into Cubase for mixing and processing. I love it, mainly because I can record with absolutely no background noise, and it's a lot easier to just turn it on and hit record when the mood strikes.

**supercharged 350** · 07-31-2006, 08:23 AM

I've used a Roland VS1680 for about 8 years now. I use it alot like Rhythameen does in conjuction w/ my PC. I just recently got Cubase and am trying to learn it. I know my Roland pretty well by now so it's much easier for me to record with. It does everything I need to record and even mix, then it goes to the PC for final mixing/editing and mastering. Plus it's portable.

macman01 · 07-31-2006, 09:02 AM

gr8 advice guys, has anyone checked out the Boss BR600...like the look of that or the Zoom MRS8

P.J. · 07-31-2006, 09:12 AM

I use a boss BR-864

It's an 8 track digital recorder.

Works fine for me.

**T.A.Z** · 07-31-2006, 09:54 AM

For recording over BTs check out the Korg D4. i Have one and have just been recording on it myself. All you need to do is connect a portable Cd player to the input and record the BT on to the D4 then play it back and play your guitar over it.

The D4 also has the REMS technology on it and produces some great sounds!

**stingx** · 07-31-2006, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macman01

gr8 advice guys, has anyone checked out the Boss BR600...like the look of that or the Zoom MRS8

Very similar. The Zoom has the built in bass progressions in addition to the drums. It's cheaper than than Boss BR-600 too. Can't go wrong with either unit.

jams · 07-31-2006, 11:32 PM

i would say zoom or korg.i just put a korg d16 on the buy forum you could save a lot.the zoom is a great value i really like the korg effects also you can record 24bits with the d16 and record a whole band.with a korg you would probally want to use the computer or a drum machine for drums though because they are a little limited.if you have any trades let me know

cuthbertchloride · 08-15-2006, 11:24 AM

Personally i prefer through my mixer n straight into the PC, with a decent sound card (i have soundblaster X-Fi), and some software, i have Cubase but you can get Cubasis for about £15 which is a very easy to use program and works really well. That's all you need (I say thats all...) but i prefer PC as you can edit ALOT more with it i use wavelab 5 for editing so you can audio correct and transpose etc not to mention the amount of VSTs you can use.

Happy recording,

My only question is how much reverb etc to use on the voice when recording because usually when i do it, it either sounds like they are in a cave, or theres nothing on it.