Cheap(ish) recording options

[Viajero]

Hello, recording-forum bods,

I want something I can record ideas, solo arrangements and band parts onto. I've been scouting around the net and have found things like the [url="http://www.tascam.com/products/dp-004.html"]Tascam DP-004[/url], [url="http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=818&ParentId=110"]Boss Micro BR[/url] and [url="http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=753&ParentId=110"]BR600[/url], and the [url="http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4/index.php"]Zoom H4[/url].

Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this kind of thing? Really, I want to be able to overlay a few bass tracks to create arrangements, and particularly to play mp3 while recording my part for it, then output the whole lot as one track.

Happy new year to you all.

Edited December 30, 2008 by Viajero

[redstriper]

[url="http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/shop/view_product.php?product=alemultimix8usb&searchlink=yes&search=ALESIS%20MULTIMIX&page=1"]How about one of these[/url]

[Viajero]

A good deal, but I'm looking more for something I can stack tracks together on without a computer. I've already got a good mixer.

[jamesf]

[quote name='Viajero' post='366691' date='Dec 30 2008, 10:54 PM']A good deal, but I'm looking more for something I can stack tracks together on without a computer. I've already got a good mixer.[/quote]

The Boss Micro BR is a nice unit and has lots of handy features. It's really tiny and sounds ok for such a small thing. It has a drum machine built in which can be good for laying tracks over, and I think you can record four audio tracks on it. I'd say it's worth a shot if portability is important to you. Haven't used the others, but was impressed with the micro BR - the effects are excellent on it too.

[ash_sak]

[quote name='Viajero' post='366691' date='Dec 30 2008, 10:54 PM']A good deal, but I'm looking more for something I can stack tracks together on without a computer. I've already got a good mixer.[/quote]

only just seen this post so my advice may be kinda late.

Micro BR, freaking excellent.
I use it for all my recording, which i do quite a bit of. All 'garage' stuff (by that i mean it's literally done in a garage) with mics and stuff hooked upto a mixer then plugged in via a 'Line In' on the 4-track.

If it's just for straight plugging in, of a bass or something, then agian it's damn good for that too. plus if you want to mess about there's a load of fx and amp modelling available.

I haven't ever used the rhythm on it but i imagine it'd be good given the quality of the rest of it.

Only problem is that it can go through batteries quite quickly, so either use rechargeables or get a PSU (costs a bit but it's worth it to save buy loads of batteries)

- 32-tracks (8 virtual tracks on each of the 4 tracks)
- REALLLY easy to use controls but can take a bit of time to use due to having to flick through options
- Built in condenser that's pretty good quality but not absolutely amazing
- Line In and 3/4" input (so all you could want i'd imagine) plus the 'Line In' can provide 2.5V plug in power

It's just generally really good.

If you want an example of recordings then check out.

www.myspace.com/thepagansspace

Deadcat Blues was done using mics hooked upto a mixer hooked into the 4-track (using the "Line In")

Hope this helps someone.

(i can't comment on other recording devices cause they has been all i've ever had to use, i'd say it's probably as good if not better than them though)

Edited January 18, 2009 by ash_sak