Dec 27, 2008 05:48 am OK, I found this website's glossary, which clarified a few of the terms I didn't know. No need to direct me to a glossary. Still, if there is a good introductory article out there, that would still be helpful.
Beginner looking for a multitrack
Posted on Dec 27, 2008 05:19 am
Emily
Member Since: Dec 27, 2008
I've never recorded anything (except MIDI) and I'm just starting to try to learn enough to shop intelligently for a multitrack recorder. I play several instruments, but the bulk of my music is piano. My main goal is to record and possibly layer piano performances, maybe adding other instruments later.
I'd like to start cheap, so I'm looking for something less than 4 or 5 hundred bucks.
I don't care much about audio effects since I do have some old computer software if I want to do anything like that. Main things I'm looking for:
- decent sound quality
- lots of storage / recording time
- portability
- easy file transfer to computer
If anyone has any suggestions for specific models for me to look at, please let me know!
I've tried to read articles online and I find that I don't understand some of the terminology. If anyone could direct me to a good glossary of terms or explanatory article, that would be much appreciated.
And finally, a few specific questions:
Do these things normally come with built-in mics? I see that they don't seem to advertise them, except for this product: www.multitrackrecorder.com/item--EM.H4
Is this because built-in mics are lower in quality? If so, why?
Do they normally come with built-in speakers?
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Dec 27, 2008 05:48 am OK, I found this website's glossary, which clarified a few of the terms I didn't know. No need to direct me to a glossary. Still, if there is a good introductory article out there, that would still be helpful.
Dec 27, 2008 11:25 am Generally speaking, anything that comes with built in mics or speakers are pretty low quality, but will do the job. Some effects, whether you prefer them or not, are useful, mostly I am referring to limiters or compressors. They are not as much an "effect" as they are for sound control, to keep your signal from clipping while recording. Handy to have.
Beyond that, I am not much in the know regarding hardware recording devices like that, as I do most of mine on the computer.
Dec 27, 2008 04:57 pm Welcome Emily.
I'll start with seconding dB on the units with built in mic's. Normally they are all simply single stereo track device's. And while the mic's can be very good, they are probably not what you are looking for quality wise. But they can work in a pinch. You would simply be dumping each track as it is recorded off to the PC more often.
My first recommendation would be to try and find a used Roland VS series recorder. The smaller 8 track ones can be had used if you find them for well within your price range. They would be by far the best choice as they have been doing it the longest. YOu can also look to Tascam for a DP-02 or the like. New they are just within your price range. And these 2 I have mentioned are both internal HD type units with a great deal of storage.
In a lower price range you can look at the units with removable media such as the SD cards and the like. I don't really recommend them though if your looking for large storage. Although now SD cards are running up to the 32 gig mark I do believe.
The built in mic's are generally built to be tuff and tossed about. This does not leave much room for them to be high quality. And normally that is were these portable units can scrimp the most is on the mic.
And most portable multi-track recorder's do not come with speakers. Headphones would be used or external powered monitor's are another choice.
Dec 28, 2008 02:12 am Oh - haha - obviously you can't monitor with speakers while recording - what was I thinking?
And yes, of course a limiter would be useful, although I can always set the recording volume ahead of time myself, right? As long as I test the instrument with whatever mic placement I have to see what kind of dynamic range I'll be needing?
32 gig sounds like a plenty of storage - I just don't want to have to stop recording because I'm out of space, but I can't play forever. About how much space does a stereo wav file take up? I assume that's the format we're talking about here.
Dec 28, 2008 10:22 am Well, yeah, you can preset the level to not clip, but while recording, emotion and dynamics take place, all of a sudden you are rocking out if the groove hits you and you start clipping...or, you set the level safely low and get a very weak level recording that when brought up brings up the noise floor with it...it's better to compress or limit to be sure...or else you end up in WaveLab redrawing waveforms and crap.
Stereo wav file, you can figure about 10MB per minute at 44.1/16 bit...obviously, that's a ballpark figure...but it's around there.
Dec 28, 2008 04:08 pm I agree on the using the compression on the way in for the most part. I have met and worked with some very good musicians that have great control and can maintain a level very well. But even they at times prefer to use a little compression on the way in to guarantee a good take.
As for the 32 gig flash memory, that will give you a good amount of time to record to whatever unit you purchase.
For the portable units that use flash memory I would probably stick to the Tascam units. They seem to be the most reliable at the moment.
Jan 06, 2009 07:46 pm Hey Emily! I am using a BOSS BR900CD. Its packed full of extras. I payed about 400 for the unit. Its perfect for anyone just starting out. So far I am VERY happy with the purchase and cant stop putting it down. You came to the right site, because these guys are full of information and are great people. Good luck!
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