Good digital recording products

**azzy_wazzy** · 03-23-2006, 01:52 PM

Hi Chaps

Me and the mister are looking for a digital 4/8 track. First of all thought, before browsing online, I thought I'd ask whether you have any recommendations.

We don't mind what brand it is, and whether it uses flash memory etc, and a few basic effects would be nice (for guitar). 4 tracks is fine, 8 would be great.

Don't want to spend any more than £250 (between $400-450).

Anyone have any tips as to what they use?

Thanks muchly

**skabassist13** · 03-23-2006, 02:15 PM

Fostex MR-8 might be something to look into.

**Mobay45** · 03-23-2006, 02:25 PM

A friend of mine uses the Fostex MR8 with the flash memory. I would look into some that have the built in hard drives though. They have really come down over the last couple of years. You can get 40 gigs of memory built in for less than you can buy a 2gb card.

**Fuzzy Dustmite** · 03-23-2006, 02:27 PM

Sorry, Azzy, can't help you on this one. I had an analog 4 track for about a month, and couldn't get the hang of it.

I sold it and got a Tascam USB-122 usb interface for my laptop. Lets me plug in XLR, 1/4" and/or MIDI cables and run them to, in my case, Cakewalk Guitar Tracks III. I'm a computer guy by nature and occupation, so it was a little more intuitive for me to be able to see everything represented graphically on-screen.

Like I said, no info for you

sorry

**azzy_wazzy** · 03-23-2006, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Dustmite

Sorry, Azzy, can't help you on this one. I had an analog 4 track for about a month, and couldn't get the hang of it.

I sold it and got a Tascam USB-122 usb interface for my laptop. Lets me plug in XLR, 1/4" and/or MIDI cables and run them to, in my case, Cakewalk Guitar Tracks III. I'm a computer guy by nature and occupation, so it was a little more intuitive for me to be able to see everything represented graphically on-screen.

Like I said, no info for you

sorry

Hey Fuzzy don't worry - he may yet decide to go down the 'puter route as well - so all information is appreciated

You men are so fussy - you can never decide what you want

**Lazybite** · 03-23-2006, 03:59 PM

if you go down the puter route look at mbox/protools setup.... pro tools is so instinctive its like scratching your ass!!! (apologies for the crudeness am very drunk after drinking with relo's from scotland all night)

**bassmonkeee** · 03-23-2006, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Lazybite

if you go down the puter route look at mbox/protools setup.... pro tools is so instinctive its like scratching your ass!!! (apologies for the crudeness am very drunk after drinking with relo's from scotland all night)

Jeez...the Scottish and Australian drinking together!?! I'm just impressed you're not in jail!

As for recording toys, I just picked up a Presonus Firebox, and I am very happy with it. Of course, I just upgraded my computer to a 3.06Ghz P4 with a gig of RAM. Computer based is seriously resource intensive, so make sure you are well beyond the minimum requirements.

Good luck!

**Randracula** · 03-23-2006, 04:37 PM

I have a Boss BR-864 Digital 8 Track. I paid about $380 for it.I think they came out with one that is similar to mine but with a hard drive and CD burner for $500.Mine records to compact flash.If your looking for an all in one(Amp Modeling,Drum Machine,Recording) for home use it's hard to beat the Boss machines.If you want to record more than two tracks at a time then you would probably be better off with something else........

**Lazybite** · 03-23-2006, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by bassmonkeee

Jeez...the Scottish and Australian drinking together!?! I'm just impressed you're not in jail!

Good luck!

Hehe.....That comes tonight

**Psychicpet** · 03-23-2006, 06:07 PM

Hi Azzy, have you guys considered the computer route? I'm not sure if it's over there yet but TAPCO (by Mackie) has a LINK USB with a downsized version of Mackie's Tracktion2 software and I know that the CDN retail is under $200 (less than 100 quid for you!

)
but if you go to TAPCO
you can see if you can get it.

all the best.

**syciprider** · 03-23-2006, 07:23 PM

I have a Presonus Inspire for my laptop. It comes with Cubase LE. It is easy to use.

**TheDirtyMoocher** · 03-23-2006, 09:14 PM

i use the balanced line out jack on my amp with a microphone adapter thing and run that to the mic port on my powerbook, then i just play with garage band

thats totally useless but i just thought i'd share

**SteveB** · 03-23-2006, 09:57 PM

Azzy,

I've got a Fostex VF-16 that I've had for a few years now, and I love it. You can't really go wrong with the Fostex, Boss/Roland, or Zoom units out there.

**Disquieter** · 03-23-2006, 10:17 PM

Im using the Presonus firepod for my recording needs, not quite the portable deal, but a quality card none the less.

has 8 seperate channels of I/O with gain control of each. comes with cubase LE and integrates into nuendo or logic easily.

btw, get a mac, don't fug around with pc systems, they will only cause you problems, invest in a powerbook or imac.