What can a Digital Recorder offer that...

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Cheese
Member Since: Jul 21, 2004

...digital software can't?

I record all my music with an analog mutlitrack recorder and Cubase SX. I find the quality comes out exceptional. I record guitars, bass and keyboard, and all come out great. However, I usually see some of my fav artists (Trent Reznor) record using a digital recorder. Software also offers many different effects (distortion, delay, etc), which is a great addition.

For anyone who has experience with both, what is the big difference in sound between an analog multitrack and a digital mutlitrack? If you have the right software, does it make a big difference?

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 02, 2004 02:04 pm

The biggest advantage (or drawback depending how you look at it) is that a digital recorder is built for the sole purpose of recording, the operating system is designed for ONLY that, therefore it runs with less overhead, requiring a less powerful system to do the same work, plus, it's "more stable" in theory cuz it's made for one single purpose.

That said, I haven't had a computer crash in months, years even, so I can't really say the stability thing is accurate anymore as both Mac and Windows have grown to be pretty darn good OS's.

Cheese
Member
Since: Jul 21, 2004


Nov 02, 2004 02:20 pm

Thanks dB,

I can always count on you to answer my simple questions.

Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004


Nov 02, 2004 02:37 pm

When you say "analog multitrack recorder" what exactly do you mean? And how do you import the tracks into Cubase?

Cheese
Member
Since: Jul 21, 2004


Nov 02, 2004 03:34 pm

guitar_jim,

I am refering to a multitrack recording mixer. Where you input your devices you want to record, and the output goes where you want to record it/hear it (example, PC soundcard for PC software)

Well, if you have a multitrack recorder/mixer, what you are playing into the mixer will be pick up on the software (or it should). You have to set the I/O properly so that your PC can understand what Input you want to use (ie. Soundcard). If you just want to import audiofiles (.WAV) in Cubase, go to File>Import File> Audio File> (where your .wav file is located) and upload it to a track.

Hope that helps. If it doesn't, explain more in detail and I will respond again.

Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004


Nov 02, 2004 04:28 pm

I understand...I wasn't rally sure what you were asking!

In that case, what dB said.

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Nov 02, 2004 06:50 pm

Multitrack recorders, as opposed to a DAW with Cubase on it are relatively portable. That's the only thing I can think of.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Nov 03, 2004 01:38 am

Ya, for me the draw is portability as per Coolo. I use an Alesis HD24 for just that reason. Rack mounted Iorn Clad little box. I do 80% of my recording outside of my "studio" which is a modified 11x16 family room. Simply not enough room for large bands. As db mentioned it is also easier for me to deal with; with the bands that are hyper.

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