[blackened10]

Right now I am using a crappy Sony Acid software for recording, and I'mjust using it for recording the sound and maybe some eq on it. Lately i have been thinking about giving up on computer recording and going back to multi-track recorders.
The TASCAM DP-02CF Portastudio is what i have been looking into.
But im wondering, if the move from unlimited tracks to just 8 will be a step down, so should i save up for a 16 track? and The Portastudio has the master track function, so does that mean when i put all the tracks on a master track that I can record 7 more tracks (since the master track with the other 8 tracks is on one track)?
another question:
Im using a mixer for my drums and have cannot pan my mics now. With the Portastudio could i take the two outs of the mixer (which has some mic panned) and put them in both of the XLR (or any other kind) inputs of the multi-tracker and come out with the panned mics where they were panned to on the mixer? If this doesnt work how can I get my mics to come out panned with all that i have in this situation?

on LAST question: What does the "stereo mix" input (or output I honestly dont know what this is) on the back of the Portastudio do?


thank you so much

[w00dy]

personally i'd say going from a computer screen gui to an 2" lcd txt based screen is a massive downgrade editing and mastering wise. of course you can use the cut and paste on in and out and location points but its nowhere near as easy as drag and drop, and dont get me started on outboard gear vs vsts. the digital 8 track machine (of any make) as easy to use as they are, are entry level things, ie. pc or mac free, computer recording (something you allready have). i was faced not long ago with upgrading from a tascam dp01fx. i personally thought it was a decent tool, they have their limitations (but you find workarounds). i did however like having a seperate rocksteady easy to use machine that is ready to record at the flick of a switch. so i had alook at my options in the 16/32 track range and for the money i could buy a laptop and a daw (im in the process of flogging a rack full of equipment that i no longer really need if you want to know what i chose). if you still think an 8 track is for you look at the second hand market the dp01 is very very similar to the 02 (which has a flash memory card instead of a nigh on silent hard disk)

[million dollar man]

actually i'm contemplating getting an analog 4 track. easier to use and the quality is still good enough to do a decent demo. I dont think you need all that digital stuff. Beatles recorded with tape.

[Siege of Troy]

actually i'm contemplating getting an analog 4 track. easier to use and the quality is still good enough to do a decent demo. I dont think you need all that digital stuff. Beatles recorded with tape.

I use a 4-track tape recorder. It's nice for small recordings and demos, but whenever I get really serious about a song, and I need 5 or more tracks, it becomes a chore. Ping-pong recording gets a little old after 4 hours...But if it's for a four-piece band, or a solo musician doing demos, it's a nice piece of equipment...

[CheapAdviceGuy]

actually i'm contemplating getting an analog 4 track. easier to use and the quality is still good enough to do a decent demo. I dont think you need all that digital stuff. Beatles recorded with tape.

You mean something like the Tascam 34? I love this kind of gear!

-CAG

[million dollar man]

actually i'm contemplating getting an analog 4 track. easier to use and the quality is still good enough to do a decent demo. I dont think you need all that digital stuff. Beatles recorded with tape.

You mean something like the Tascam 34? I love this kind of gear!

-CAG

do they still make those?

[CheapAdviceGuy]

actually i'm contemplating getting an analog 4 track. easier to use and the quality is still good enough to do a decent demo. I dont think you need all that digital stuff. Beatles recorded with tape.

You mean something like the Tascam 34? I love this kind of gear!

-CAG

do they still make those?

I'm afraid the best you can hope for is refurbished or gently used.

[million dollar man]

actually i'm contemplating getting an analog 4 track. easier to use and the quality is still good enough to do a decent demo. I dont think you need all that digital stuff. Beatles recorded with tape.

You mean something like the Tascam 34? I love this kind of gear!

-CAG

do they still make those?

I'm afraid the best you can hope for is refurbished or gently used.

too bad. I guess I'll have to be satisfied with one of these...