multitrack recorder and sequencer recommendations and advice
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm getting back into my music after quite a few years, and want to get a multitrack to do some recording on. I play guitar and sing - I've got access to other musicians from time to time, but I want a set up which basically allows me to compose stuff.
I'm looking at the Tascam DP 4 and 8 tracks - probably favouring the 8 track as it'll be easier without having to bounce tracks down all the time to make room. Price is important as I also want a sequencer which will allow me to build drums and bass tracks, has anyone used the Roland Groovebox MC303 and will this achieve that sort of thing? I don't really want to spend much more than 300 altogether - shopping about will get me the 8 track for 215 and I reckon another 100ish for a s/h groovebox.
I've looked online, but struggle to find a real idiots guide to sequencers as they all seem to be dance music oriented... And I think I just want someonewho uses one to say - yeah, you can knock out rock type backing tracks without too much trouble.
Anyway, although I'm not a total technical numpty (I did a Music Technology HND), it's been a while and I want something that's going to be pretty easy to use so it doesn't get in the way of the creative flow!
So any comments by people who use any of this stuff would be appreciated!
Thanks, CH
I'm getting back into my music after quite a few years, and want to get a multitrack to do some recording on. I play guitar and sing - I've got access to other musicians from time to time, but I want a set up which basically allows me to compose stuff.
I'm looking at the Tascam DP 4 and 8 tracks - probably favouring the 8 track as it'll be easier without having to bounce tracks down all the time to make room. Price is important as I also want a sequencer which will allow me to build drums and bass tracks, has anyone used the Roland Groovebox MC303 and will this achieve that sort of thing? I don't really want to spend much more than 300 altogether - shopping about will get me the 8 track for 215 and I reckon another 100ish for a s/h groovebox.
I've looked online, but struggle to find a real idiots guide to sequencers as they all seem to be dance music oriented... And I think I just want someonewho uses one to say - yeah, you can knock out rock type backing tracks without too much trouble.
Anyway, although I'm not a total technical numpty (I did a Music Technology HND), it's been a while and I want something that's going to be pretty easy to use so it doesn't get in the way of the creative flow!
So any comments by people who use any of this stuff would be appreciated!
Thanks, CH
I use a TASCAM DP-01/FX CD. 8 tracks. Good bit of gear for the money. It has been superceded now but you can still buy something very similar. FX is crap - the effects all sound the same on playback. CD writer essential unless you have an external jobby. I prefer this sort of analogue recording to the laptop based affairs that allow you to straighten everything out. I play rock/progressive - it's crap but we like it.
I use all 8 tracks bounce to 2 and then fill the other 6 again but I am recording various guitar and keyboard tracks plus rhythm and vocal tracks.
Interested to hear feedback from others about the sequencer. I have an Alesis drum machine but find it way too complicated and have stopped using it. I have an old Yamaha keyboard with 3 very good rock drum patterns plus fills that I use at the moment but would love something more programmable.
L.F.
I use all 8 tracks bounce to 2 and then fill the other 6 again but I am recording various guitar and keyboard tracks plus rhythm and vocal tracks.
Interested to hear feedback from others about the sequencer. I have an Alesis drum machine but find it way too complicated and have stopped using it. I have an old Yamaha keyboard with 3 very good rock drum patterns plus fills that I use at the moment but would love something more programmable.
L.F.
Cheers Lockhart,
The newer DPs allow you to output to a PC in a couple of formats which is OK for me... think that it's going to have to be 8 track to avoid bouncing down all the time to free up space.
it's the sequencer thing that's got me stumped - unfortunately I have very little time when I'm not working (mon - fri), or with the kids (saturdays) to get somewhere to check kit out... might make an extra herculean effort this weekend to have a look round though.
If I find anything useful I'll post here, but in the meantime, anyone else with sequencer advice?
Ta, CH
The newer DPs allow you to output to a PC in a couple of formats which is OK for me... think that it's going to have to be 8 track to avoid bouncing down all the time to free up space.
it's the sequencer thing that's got me stumped - unfortunately I have very little time when I'm not working (mon - fri), or with the kids (saturdays) to get somewhere to check kit out... might make an extra herculean effort this weekend to have a look round though.
If I find anything useful I'll post here, but in the meantime, anyone else with sequencer advice?
Ta, CH
It sounds like you've not been introduced to the wonderful world of the Digital Audio Workstation.
www.reaper.fm
Is good and free. It allows multitrack (hundreds of tracks) of digital audio, can do midi sequencing, and uses the VST plugin standard which will allow you to use hundreds of virtual instruments from around the net, many of which are free. Give it a go!
www.reaper.fm
Is good and free. It allows multitrack (hundreds of tracks) of digital audio, can do midi sequencing, and uses the VST plugin standard which will allow you to use hundreds of virtual instruments from around the net, many of which are free. Give it a go!
davepoth said:
It sounds like you've not been introduced to the wonderful world of the Digital Audio Workstation.
www.reaper.fm
Is good and free. It allows multitrack (hundreds of tracks) of digital audio, can do midi sequencing, and uses the VST plugin standard which will allow you to use hundreds of virtual instruments from around the net, many of which are free. Give it a go!
Oooooh... interesting - I'd never thought of that [goes off to Google Audio Interfaces]www.reaper.fm
Is good and free. It allows multitrack (hundreds of tracks) of digital audio, can do midi sequencing, and uses the VST plugin standard which will allow you to use hundreds of virtual instruments from around the net, many of which are free. Give it a go!
Cheers Dave,
CH
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