Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
These things seem to have significantly dropped in price for used units...
At least models from a year to a couple years ago.
I have a 1" Otari machine & 1/4" mixdown deck, analog board, etc...
I can record to PC & all that, but sometimes it's just overkill for somethings I need to record or for scratchpad ideas/demos, etc...
So I am looking for a CHEAP used but decent all in one Digital Recorder.
Along the lines of a Roland VS unit or similair.
I've heard some pretty good recordings & even complete Albums done on a 1680 & 1880.
So I am tempted now just to have one.
I am not interested in the Pro Tools plus laptop combo.
I used to own a Yamaha AW4416 w/ all the extras & that thing was BAD ASS, but i let it go last year to fund some other stuff, and it was pretty much overkill for my needs anyways.
*** All I need is the following:
- Cost between $200 - $500
- Must be able to record up 8 tracks at once.
- Offer UNCOMPRESSED pure 44.1/16 audio in some form.
- 1/2 way decent EQ & effects, but don't need to be the best.
- Have at least 8 IN's & 8 out's
- 1/4" balanced I/O is prefererred but I can settle for whatever I guess as long as I get 8in/8out
- Upgradeable hard drive to add recording time...
*** Optional Would be NICE to have's include:
- WAV file export of tracks or at least 2 Track final mixes...
- Integrate with a PC or Pro Tools.
- Decent screen.
- Moving faders or at least some form of automation.
- PC Control.
- CD Burner.
- SCSI interface for extra recording time or at least back up.
Again, this won't be the heart of my studio, but I see it as a good way to save wear & tear on my big toys & also be a decent portable recording system & serve as my quick recording scratchpad, mixtapes, ideas, etc....
Hell if it sounds decent enough I might even dump tracks to & from the Otari 8-tack (1") on ocassion... I know, I know... But hey why not.
So what would you suggest?
Roland, Korg, Akai, Boss ?
At least models from a year to a couple years ago.
I have a 1" Otari machine & 1/4" mixdown deck, analog board, etc...
I can record to PC & all that, but sometimes it's just overkill for somethings I need to record or for scratchpad ideas/demos, etc...
So I am looking for a CHEAP used but decent all in one Digital Recorder.
Along the lines of a Roland VS unit or similair.
I've heard some pretty good recordings & even complete Albums done on a 1680 & 1880.
So I am tempted now just to have one.
I am not interested in the Pro Tools plus laptop combo.
I used to own a Yamaha AW4416 w/ all the extras & that thing was BAD ASS, but i let it go last year to fund some other stuff, and it was pretty much overkill for my needs anyways.
*** All I need is the following:
- Cost between $200 - $500
- Must be able to record up 8 tracks at once.
- Offer UNCOMPRESSED pure 44.1/16 audio in some form.
- 1/2 way decent EQ & effects, but don't need to be the best.
- Have at least 8 IN's & 8 out's
- 1/4" balanced I/O is prefererred but I can settle for whatever I guess as long as I get 8in/8out
- Upgradeable hard drive to add recording time...
*** Optional Would be NICE to have's include:
- WAV file export of tracks or at least 2 Track final mixes...
- Integrate with a PC or Pro Tools.
- Decent screen.
- Moving faders or at least some form of automation.
- PC Control.
- CD Burner.
- SCSI interface for extra recording time or at least back up.
Again, this won't be the heart of my studio, but I see it as a good way to save wear & tear on my big toys & also be a decent portable recording system & serve as my quick recording scratchpad, mixtapes, ideas, etc....
Hell if it sounds decent enough I might even dump tracks to & from the Otari 8-tack (1") on ocassion... I know, I know... But hey why not.
So what would you suggest?
Roland, Korg, Akai, Boss ?
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- ghost haunting audio students
- Posts: 3490
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 11:11 pm
- Location: Saint Paul, MN
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Do you really need 8-in? That seriously limits your options, especially on the cheap.
If you're really looking for scratch pads, I'd look at a Tascam DP-01, brand new for $400 street w/o FX, $500 with FX. I think the main thing to consider is the interface- lots of these all-in-one boxes have mind-numbing submenus.
If you're really looking for scratch pads, I'd look at a Tascam DP-01, brand new for $400 street w/o FX, $500 with FX. I think the main thing to consider is the interface- lots of these all-in-one boxes have mind-numbing submenus.
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Yeah, 8-In's is an absolute must have otherwise I can't record & mix from my sampler/drum machine (which has 8 outs).
I've seen VS units pretty cheap on eBay, which doesn't seem to bad.
I just don't know which one is decent, or if i am better off with some other brand/model.
I've seen VS units pretty cheap on eBay, which doesn't seem to bad.
I just don't know which one is decent, or if i am better off with some other brand/model.
- Don Shumai
- gimme a little kick & snare
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Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
I have the Fostex VF-16, which can record 8 simultaneous tracks (16 with an ADAT in), and has 8 inputs, only 2 of which are XLR, unfortunately. You need a SCSI cd burner with this one, but the VF-160 has it built-in, and then you can export .wavs. Or if you have a sound card with lightpipe capabilities, you could export that way, I think.
- TheStevens
- pushin' record
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- Location: Chicago
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
yeah, the Fostex VF160 is pretty good. It doesn't have 8 analog outs, but it has ADAT optical in and out. For analog outs, it has main, monitor, and 2 aux. I'm not sure if the monitor outs are the same as the mains.
But it does export .wav files to CD or SCSI.
But it does export .wav files to CD or SCSI.
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- re-cappin' neve
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Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
the yamaha aw16g, closesly related to the 4416 in terms of use, seems like a great choice for you, but it is around $1000, so thats out of your range. however, it would be worth the extra investment. sorry if that didnt help, but just a thought.
I wil lsay the VF is nice, although I never had a good experience with fostex as a company. they basically told me to *$*& off when I had a problem with my old tape deck
I wil lsay the VF is nice, although I never had a good experience with fostex as a company. they basically told me to *$*& off when I had a problem with my old tape deck
?I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.?
David L
KC2UUM
RadioReference.com Admin, Albany NY
David L
KC2UUM
RadioReference.com Admin, Albany NY
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- steve albini likes it
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Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
I love my Korg D1200. Plus, the Korg users forum (korgstudios.com) is 100% responsible for my understanding of the thing. It has four inputs that you can use simultaneously, not eight. Probably find one used for $500. You may be hard pressed to find 8 inputs on a hard disk machine for $500.
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- alignin' 24-trk
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Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
I have a Korg D1600 which I am now selling as soon as I drag all the old tracks off it. I recorded a couple singles on it that were pressed and sold out so it's not useless. The pre's can be a bit brittle and some of the effects blow (and some are pretty good), but otherwise its rock solid, easy to use and comes with a CD burner. I highly recommend it. These things usually sell for about 500-600 used.
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Well I'll be doing %99 Line-In level recording, so crappy Mic-Pre's won't make me cry, I don't expect much in that regard with a all-in-one'r
Yeah, I was considering the AW 4416 baby versions but they are out of my budget.
I am ok buying used.
I have heard the Fostex's are actually ok, I too have always kept my distance from Fostex, at least in the analog days.
But maybe one of these might work.
I'm just thinking something I can use as my mini-studio without havin' to crank on the analog board, the 1", the PC, the 1/4" the Rack gear, etc...
8 x 1/4" in's is perfect for me. XLR's not a big deal.
8 outs would be ideal, even if they're RCA's or Lightpipe, least I have that option if I wanted to dump the tracks out later.
Never know, sometimes that scratchpad "idea" ends up a keeper...
Yeah, I was considering the AW 4416 baby versions but they are out of my budget.
I am ok buying used.
I have heard the Fostex's are actually ok, I too have always kept my distance from Fostex, at least in the analog days.
But maybe one of these might work.
I'm just thinking something I can use as my mini-studio without havin' to crank on the analog board, the 1", the PC, the 1/4" the Rack gear, etc...
8 x 1/4" in's is perfect for me. XLR's not a big deal.
8 outs would be ideal, even if they're RCA's or Lightpipe, least I have that option if I wanted to dump the tracks out later.
Never know, sometimes that scratchpad "idea" ends up a keeper...
-
- ghost haunting audio students
- Posts: 3490
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 11:11 pm
- Location: Saint Paul, MN
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Classic TapeOp board post. You want it all, and you don't want to pay anything.
Just like the current thread about the guitar amp preamp tubes.
Come to think of it, that's the American way too....
(Forgive me, I'm under the influence.... )
If you really want cheap and 8 channels, get a used 8 channel computer pre, your current PC and a copy of Tracktion. I know you don't want laptop/desktop, but that's what you get for $300 used.
A used ADAT or Tascam 238 with a cheap-ass board (think 1202) will fufill your $300 8 input fantasy.
What drum/sampler do you have? Doesn't that have any .wav transfer?
Yeah, the 8 simultaneous input is a pain in the ass. Just for that alone, I went for a HD24. A 2488 will do 8 ins too, but it'll cost you over a $1K.
Just like the current thread about the guitar amp preamp tubes.
Come to think of it, that's the American way too....
(Forgive me, I'm under the influence.... )
If you really want cheap and 8 channels, get a used 8 channel computer pre, your current PC and a copy of Tracktion. I know you don't want laptop/desktop, but that's what you get for $300 used.
A used ADAT or Tascam 238 with a cheap-ass board (think 1202) will fufill your $300 8 input fantasy.
What drum/sampler do you have? Doesn't that have any .wav transfer?
Yeah, the 8 simultaneous input is a pain in the ass. Just for that alone, I went for a HD24. A 2488 will do 8 ins too, but it'll cost you over a $1K.
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
I used the Korg D112 forever and I beat the shit out of it. It was great to me. I've since sold it cause I got PT. But I've borrowed my friend's D1600.....it sounds like thats your answer. You should really check it out. I never even opened my manual. Easy to use, decent effects, 8 ins, you can't beat it for what you're looking for. Goodluck.
-Danny
P.S. My Father is Alex J Korg
-Danny
P.S. My Father is Alex J Korg
call me rabbit fighter
-
- ghost haunting audio students
- Posts: 3490
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 11:11 pm
- Location: Saint Paul, MN
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Too bad it costs $900 used.... http://www.prepal.comd-bolan wrote:I used the Korg D112 forever and I beat the shit out of it. It was great to me. I've since sold it cause I got PT. But I've borrowed my friend's D1600.....it sounds like thats your answer. You should really check it out. I never even opened my manual. Easy to use, decent effects, 8 ins, you can't beat it for what you're looking for. Goodluck.
-Danny
P.S. My Father is Alex J Korg
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
hehehe... Well, I'll pay something...
And I already have computer mixing , I'm simply lookin for a decent all-in-one box...
So let me rephrase the question...
If you had to go buy used All-In-One STANDALONE workstation & had a budget of just under $500...
What would you get?
Used gear is definitely OK.
Right now I am leaning towards the Roland 1680, 1880 or the Fostex VF units...
Again, only Must-haves are 8 in's & be capable of 44.1/16 recording in some manner.
And I already have computer mixing , I'm simply lookin for a decent all-in-one box...
So let me rephrase the question...
If you had to go buy used All-In-One STANDALONE workstation & had a budget of just under $500...
What would you get?
Used gear is definitely OK.
Right now I am leaning towards the Roland 1680, 1880 or the Fostex VF units...
Again, only Must-haves are 8 in's & be capable of 44.1/16 recording in some manner.
kayagum wrote:Classic TapeOp board post. You want it all, and you don't want to pay anything.
Just like the current thread about the guitar amp preamp tubes.
Come to think of it, that's the American way too....
(Forgive me, I'm under the influence.... )
If you really want cheap and 8 channels, get a used 8 channel computer pre, your current PC and a copy of Tracktion. I know you don't want laptop/desktop, but that's what you get for $300 used.
A used ADAT or Tascam 238 with a cheap-ass board (think 1202) will fufill your $300 8 input fantasy.
What drum/sampler do you have? Doesn't that have any .wav transfer?
Yeah, the 8 simultaneous input is a pain in the ass. Just for that alone, I went for a HD24. A 2488 will do 8 ins too, but it'll cost you over a $1K.
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
the rolands are quite cool and i know you could find em used in your price range. i'd scope them out...that roland planet support group is supposed to be really helpful as well...
edit - in your price range...the 880 that is.
Mike
edit - in your price range...the 880 that is.
Mike
Re: Suggest me an All-In-One Digital Recorder unit
Yeah I am slightly leaning towards the Rolands.
They seem to be the most popular, seems like everyone has one...
I know I've heard of several artists actually using a Roland VS to make actual records.
I know I can score a 1680 for under 500 (no extras of course) easily.
The 1880 are right around low 500's.
But The 1824 seems the best version... Might be worthwhile to save up a lil more i guess.
I'll poke around the VS-Planet board for more details on these...
Anyone ever done any All-In-One Workstation recording that they either dumped from Tape or later bounced to tape?
I once had a guy bring me his vs-890 & we dumped the stereo mix from it thru a pair Distressors & then to a 2-track 1/4" tape mixdown, it came out sounding pretty good.
I'd get one of those but they only got 6 inputs, I need 8 !!!
Thanks!
They seem to be the most popular, seems like everyone has one...
I know I've heard of several artists actually using a Roland VS to make actual records.
I know I can score a 1680 for under 500 (no extras of course) easily.
The 1880 are right around low 500's.
But The 1824 seems the best version... Might be worthwhile to save up a lil more i guess.
I'll poke around the VS-Planet board for more details on these...
Anyone ever done any All-In-One Workstation recording that they either dumped from Tape or later bounced to tape?
I once had a guy bring me his vs-890 & we dumped the stereo mix from it thru a pair Distressors & then to a 2-track 1/4" tape mixdown, it came out sounding pretty good.
I'd get one of those but they only got 6 inputs, I need 8 !!!
Thanks!
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