Dilemma: Tascam 414 MKII or Fostex MR-8??
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Posted on Jan 10, 2003 10:34 pm
cman
Member Since: Jan 06, 2003
For X-mas I got a Fostex MR-8. After reading about all this home recording stuff (I am very new) I realized that I need a mixer. Due to lack of funds, I am unable to buy a mixer right now. After looking into it a bit, I realized that I could get a Tascam 414 MKII for $250. In the description it said it had somewhat of a built in mixer. I don't know which one to choose. It would be great for someone with some experience to guide my decision in the right direction. I like the MR-8 because of the ability to transfer tracks to my computer and not lose quality. However, the mixing feature on the Tascam seems pretty appealling, I'm just not sure about the tape thing. Any of your suggestions are welcomed. Please help!!
Thanks
Cman
P.S. Are there any free/cheap mixing programs out there. That would make my decision a lot easier.
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Jan 11, 2003 07:01 am You can get a Behringer 1204 for about $170 and it would be a far better mixer than the 414 unit:
service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
plus it would have some built in effects and an extra out bus and other goodies...or the 1622 for $199 which is the same as the 1204 just has more channels. That's the mixer I have and it is awesome.
cmanMember
Since: Jan 06, 2003
Jan 11, 2003 02:22 pm No, the Tascam 414 MKII and Fostex MR-8 are multitrackers. I want to figure out if I should keep the Fostex or exchange it for the Tascam. I really don't have the money for the mixer(I wish I did). The Tascam offers some control over the EQ while the Fostex offers none. However, the Fostex is digital while the Tascam is analog. I don't know what to do! Sorry for the miscommunication on my part. Here are links to both products if it's of any help.
Fostex MR-8: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Tascam 414 MKII:
service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
P.S. dbmaster, if you had something else in mind maybe I'm just not getting you. Were you saying i should get a cheaper multitracker and also buy a mixer. Basically, I have $300 as my budget. However, part of that needs to go towards a multitracker.
Thanks,
Cman
Jan 11, 2003 02:59 pm OK, I was kinda confused by your original statement in the first place...I think I understand a little better...maybe...
If I was in your situation I would stay away from the 4 track analog stuff, very antiquated and not much room for growth. Analog is fine, but don't look at under 8 tracks...otherwise you will run out of options too quickly and deal with generation loss from bouncing tracks and other things.
A "mixer" and a "multitracker" and two very different things, tho many economy multitrackers have mixers built in them, they are not the same thing. Tascams 8 track analog portastudios are pretty decent, I have used them a few times as one of my buddies has one, they are pretty good for simple recording like typical four-piece rock n roll type of stuff...but I am not aware of the type of music you play or how you will record it. Whether you are playing everything one by one or using a band or what...
cmanMember
Since: Jan 06, 2003
Jan 11, 2003 04:56 pm Thanks for the reply. I wish I had money for a mixer to go along with my MR-8. I thought about it for a bit and I really like the fact that it is digital. I just wish there was SOMETHING I could use as a mixer. Via USB I have the thing connected to my computer. Therefore if I could get a cheap/free computer program to mix stuff that would be great. Know of any?
Jan 12, 2003 08:54 am I really don't understand why you need a mixer..The Fostex will do that for you.Trading down to a Tascam will be just that...a trade DOWN.I have a TAscam 414 and it is a nice multitracker for an analog recorder but it is nothing compared to the Fostex.'I've recently Aquired a Fostex FD-4 which is now obsolete but is still better than the Tascam.The Fostex you have is a real nice 8 track with built in effects and a usb out to you pc.Why do you think you need an additional mixer?
cmanMember
Since: Jan 06, 2003
Jan 12, 2003 11:40 am The reason I would like a mixer is so I can EQ my recordings. The fostex doesn't have that. All it has are the three mastering effects that come with it. Or maybe I'm not understanding this whole mixing thing correctly. If not, will someone please enlighten me?
Jan 12, 2003 12:37 pm Ok...I just read some of the manual for your Fostex and I see it doesn't have an equalizer in it's effects for the master mix down.It also doesn't have any send and return jacks for external effects so any EQing would have to be done while recording.So whether you got another mixer or even a rack equalizer they would only effect the signal before recording.As far as adding effects or EQing on your PC.Remember,the Fostex will only send a stereo(2 track) .wav file to your PC.You can EQ the entire stereo file but you won't be able to effect original tracks.
download.com.com/2001-20-0.html?legacy=cnet
if you go to the link and put ' multitrack recorder ' in the search box you'll find several downloads to try
cmanMember
Since: Jan 06, 2003
Jan 13, 2003 01:09 am I'm pretty sure I can just transfer one track to my computer if I wanted. It would just put that track into stereo.
fredzsMember
Since: Jan 07, 2003
Jan 17, 2003 05:42 pm wait... let me butt in, cause im planning the same thing, 414 MKII or MR-8 . . . wait,, so i CANT EQ my recordings while its playing back? ?? i have to EQ it while recording?? WOW! how the hell will i EQ my drums then.. darn!
