True or false: An integrated hard drive based multitrack digital recorder would be easier to learn to use for basic acoustic recordings of two or three instruments and voices (mixing and mastering down to a CD) than assembling and learning to use a computer/software system?
If true, does anybody have suggestions regarding make and model of multitrack recorders, taking into account sound quality, ease of use and essential features? Perhaps another consideration is, if I may eventually move to a computer systen, is there a multitracker which would be better to facilitate the transition? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. (I am reposting this because I placed it in the wrong category originally--my appologies)
Thanks,
Rick

Maybe, maybe not. Many folks who use integrated boxes end up copying the audio files to their computer anyway, using a PC/Mac based editing/mixing/mastering software to complete things.

If it is easier, I don't think it is appreciably so. You still have to set mics up, know where the tracks are going, understand the lingo, and get things synched up properly. On an integrageted recorder you have to do that with an information screen that is quite small.

I think is a simpler solution is one of the firewire interfaces that are currently available. You get a virtual mixer and mastering suite all in one. Very entry level, but more than the stand alones seem to offer. Plus, I think there is a lot more flexibility in that setup v. the fixed hardware platform of the multi-track setup.

Check out the Presonus line or the MOTU 8pre for good examples in this categorie.

Do lots of research, but the lingo is like another language and you may not be getting exacly what you think you are getting.

--David

quote:

Originally posted by emandnatesdad:
If it is easier, I don't think it is appreciably so. You still have to set mics up, know where the tracks are going, understand the lingo, and get things synched up properly. On an integrageted recorder you have to do that with an information screen that is quite small.

I would agree with that. My brother got a little self contained Boss recorder, and based on what he’s told me, even that has apparently very deep menus, which he has to manipulate through a little screen with some little buttons. The level of documentation you get with something like that is usually pretty spotty, and each manufacturer has its own logic and labeling scheme for common tasks.

By contrast, I went the computer route, with Pro Tools and M-Box2Pro. The result is entirely flexible, and massively capable, but of course that makes the initial learning curve pretty steep, even if you have some non-computer recording background.

The middle ground emandnatesdad is pointing you to is probably easiest and most flexible. FWIW, the Apogee Duet seems like it’s getting very favorable press as an interface. If you are a Mac guy, you get one of those things, you already have Garage Band, and you’re off to the races.

I’ll tell you, the best advice I got about this stuff was to go to Sweetwater. Their sales people took a lot of time with me to understand what I was trying to accomplish, explain the various options, and they didn’t try to steer me into something more than I needed. Their post-sales tech support is also excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave B:
I’ll tell you, the best advice I got about this stuff was to go to Sweetwater. Their sales people took a lot of time with me to understand what I was trying to accomplish, explain the various options, and they didn’t try to steer me into something more than I needed. Their post-sales tech support is also excellent.

I have to say that I have heard this same sentiment over and over again, and have never heard a negative comment about these folks. I have not dealt directly with them, but will likely do so in the near future.

I think the beauty of a firewire based interface and software mixing solution is that you can buy the entry level stuff and have more capabilities than the Beatles had when recording their albums. If you want to stop there, great. If you decide you want to get more advanced, you can change out the various pieces without having to trash everything you bought. The same is not generally true of stand alone recorders.

--David