Digital recorders : what should I look for

[tonefight]

Mainly want to do demos for my boys band and maybe some for what ever projects I get into here in the future. Would like an all in one unit with decent effects built in. 8 tracks should do it. I'm not real concerned about a built in burner as long as I can get it too the computer with little hassle.

[The Shadow]

The Tascam 2488 MKII is a great unit. You can pick one up on the Bay for a decent price since they just came out with a new model.

[KeithReynolds]

use a computer! depending on the specs of it and everything. if its a decent enough computer, just grab a usb interface and youre set.

if you need to get a standalone unit, you have many options. here are just a couple of them.

this is $400
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-ZOO-R16
it doubles as a software controller for computer recording too. kind of a best of both worlds thing.

$450
16 track... 4 tracks recording at once with a cd burner
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i- ... 6HDCD-LIST

I wouldnt suggest ebay for something like a recorder. you kind of want a warranty for something like that.

[BloodyFingers]

I would go with a digita; recorder that does does 8 tracks at once, that way you can use at least 6 or 7 mics on the drums along with a guitar or bass......

[KeithReynolds]

8 tracks at once is best case scenario, but expensive for standalone multitrack recorders. youre looking at $600 atleast. At that point, id just grab an interface for the computer and do it that way for cheaper.

[tonefight]

I'm open to the computer idea, problem is I don't know what I need, software and an interface ? anything else.

It would be great to do multiple tracks at one time.

[KeithReynolds]

Well, what are the specs on your computer?
I can list everything you need, and even help you hook it up and get started if you want.

[hicksjd9]

I'll back up what FDA is saying here. A computer + interface is a much better choice. That said, for what you are looking for a stand alone will probably do the trick. Keep in mind that they are COMPLICATED and not at all user friendly to record and/or burn a CD with--big learning curve and lousy manuals. Look on craigslist for a tascam or fostex recorder. Make sure it has 8 xlr inputs before you buy. I wouldn't even consider one that didn't have a built in hard drive (forget SD camera card versions). If it has a hard drive, chances are it's pretty easy to get your songs onto your pc. I think most of these come with software for your pc, but like FDA said, you can download reaper for FREE!

I've seen several of these go up on craigslist over the past few months for around 300 bucks. You can't do much better than that!

Look at Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh Craigslist. There is probably a recorder on there now.

[tonefight]

Thanks for all the input, I haven't used anything since the old cassette recorders so I've got some things to figure out. the PC sounded good but I don't think I wanna lug my desktop around so I'm back to the all in ones, that Fostex 16 track looks good, it does 4 tracks at a time and I should be able to work with that.
I'm sure I'll have more questions soon.

[Sapo]

I am selling a Fostex MR8 HD right now. 40gb hard drive. Very good condition.

[tonefight]

I am selling a Fostex MR8 HD right now. 40gb hard drive. Very good condition.

PM sent

[Xotlom]

A decent pro-audio card like the M-Audio Delta 1010LT will serve you well ($200). I love the card and with ASIO drivers the latency is almost non-existent. You will still need a basic multitrack recording software (e.g., Sonar 8 Home Studio). Also don't forget a sound editor like Sound Forge or Wave Lab. Of the two Sound Forge is more user friendly.