Multitrack Recorder or Computer I/O with 4+ Direct Outputs needed
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Posted on Nov 29, 2009 12:54 pm
Mike Shkolnik
Mike
Member Since: Nov 29, 2009
I am looking for the smallest and cheapest multitrack recorder or computer I/O device that has at least 4 DIRECT outputs.
I currently have a Tascam 424 I've been using for many years. I am trying to get rid of old technology, which includes cassettes! I cannot seem to find a suitable replacement. I must have at least 4 direct outputs. Stereo out is not adequate for my application (driving talking Halloween props). The Korg D888 will do what I need but is overkill. I was hoping for something smaller and cheaper. I also prefer to record on SDHC cards rather than a hard drive. I will also consider an I/O device that has no internal recording function but attaches to a computer as long as it has at least 4 direct outputs.
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Nov 29, 2009 01:11 pm Hmm, could you rephrase some of that? Mostly curiosity :] some of that totally went over my head. Why do you need 4 outputs? And also what is an I/O device? I'm just not quite familiar with some of that.
In any case, i'd seriously consider using computers and DAW's for recording. I haven't been around long enough to use any other form of recording music, but i really don't understand how you guys could have lived without computers running your music! Everything is so convenient this way, and its nice to be able to actually see the waveform and easily move around any file you want. Not to mention all the plug ins!
line6.com/toneportux8/index.html
I think you'll notice if you read some of our threads, everyone here is very pro- line 6 pods. Honestly i can't think of hardly any cons about it. I won't swamp you with info though, as i'm still a little confused exactly what your application is. (my fault, not yours lol)
Btw, price tag on that thing is typically $500. But shop around. You can easily find it for $450 or even less.
Welcome to the HRC :]
Nov 29, 2009 01:39 pm Basically outputs 1 through 4 go to 4 talking skeletons. I did find I/O devices from MOTU that will do it, but they are in the $550 to $900 range and you still need a computer! Anything Tascam has come out with to replace older devices like the 424 appears to have dropped the direct outputs, unfortunately.
Nov 29, 2009 02:23 pm Ah i see. So by talking Halloween props, you really do mean talking Halloween props! I'll let someone else take over, Though i think the UX8 would work for that, i'm not sure of the exact way you would go about getting that to work.
It does have 8 outputs, so i'd imagine that would work. But you'll need a computer to power it, yes. I would think you could find a cheaper interface somewhere with 4 outputs, and maybe no computer. But i'm not really sure here.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Nov 29, 2009 10:19 pm That motu stuff might be a tad spendy but... read up on the cuemix stuff on their website. Hardware DSP for comp, eq and verb all right inside the unit with no extra PC power needed and also tons of routing options. I think it would be fantastic for a live situation.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Nov 29, 2009 10:28 pm The 'ol reliable M-Audio Delta 44s... 4 ins, 4 outs... no frills. Rock solid, inexpensive,($150'ish USD) and expandable.
There are others, but I can't speak for them. These things are pretty much rock-solid. I use two, along with an Audiophile 24/96, and they all play nicely together. They're a good way to go from a few ins/outs to a few more, and then a few more... if needed.
Check 'em out... see if it will work for your situation.
What's that other company??? They make the 'Julia', er something... Do they do a 44 type card?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 29, 2009 10:46 pm I"ll second Hue on the Delta 44. Solid and reliable, thats why its been around so long.
Nov 29, 2009 11:37 pm Unfortunately, the Delta 44 is a PCI card, so it can't plug in to a laptop. :( It looks like the M-Audio Fast Track Pro may do the trick for $250 list.
Do they make any of these things without Mic inputs? It seems the mic preamps make up a lot of the cost. Of course I really only need playback, not recording, since I can do all recording on the computer - I record one track at a time anyway. The PERFECT solution would allow me to playback without a computer attached.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Nov 30, 2009 03:06 am Something like this might work. Little more than you need in regards to pre's but the price is not too bad and it's mobile. It's $150 over fast track but you need no laptop so I guess that's up to you if it's worth it or not. Main outs, aux outs and phones. Tough to find a setup that has no pre's, 4 seperate outs and is mobile.
pro-audio.musiciansfriend...rder?sku=701051
edit: looks like they have a couple used ones for ~$350 which are rated "condition 1". Condition 1 can be returned like a new item if you aren't happy with it.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Nov 30, 2009 10:08 am Oooops...Sorry 'bout that... I missed the lappy-detail.
Mar 11, 2012 06:17 pm I thought I'd revive this old thread in case anything new has come out lately. I might just pick up a Korg D888 on ebay at this point, but I prefer something smaller that records to flash memory instead of hard drive. I've decided as long as I am buying something to go with a minimum of 8 direct outputs, which knocks out any of the solutions previously discussed. Hard to believe that in the many years since the Korg D888 no one has come up with another multitrack recorder with 8 direct outputs.
Mar 12, 2012 09:09 pm Line 6 put out a decent 8 in/out device in the last couple years.
