Tascam 2488 or Pro Tools
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Posted on Feb 01, 2005 01:54 pm
skipc
Member Since: Feb 01, 2005
I thought I posted this earlier, but I guess not.
New to the boards and trying to enter the digital realm in home recording.
I'd like to spend more time on the music rather than tweaking parameters, but then again, I'd like a good product.
Thoughts ?
Thanks, Skip
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Feb 01, 2005 02:00 pm I will venture a guess and say that you haven't looked real deep into this subject yet, right?
I say this because of the options you gave yourself. ProTools is not the only professional software-based solution around. You could save a ton of money (maybe) and get the same results using a decent sound card and other software package such as Cakewalk Sonar or Steinberg Cubase.
ProTools limits you to only using their hardware, with other packages you can choose whatever sound card you want to use.
Of course, without knowing how you record, how many tracks you would record at any one time, and what other gear you have (hint, fill out your gear profile) it's impossible for anyone to recommend anything.
skipcMember
Since: Feb 01, 2005
Feb 01, 2005 02:57 pm I actually have looked into this. My first post was about ten paragraphs long, but I think it timed out or something before I could send.
In a nut shell, I am a semi-professional player/songwriter looking to get back to my writing. I was interested in the Tascam dedicated HD option because I have owned a Portastudio 2 cassette recorder for a long time, and have been ok with its performance as "sketch pad" for ideas and it's reletive ease of use. But I want the benefits of digital recording.
I had done my homework on this type of device and had settled on the Tascam and the Boss ubit in the same price range. While at the music store, I was persuaded to take a look ath the Pro Tools line including the entry level M Box, and the Digi 002 and oo2 rack.
I was intrigued by the system, the flexibility of computer based editing, the wide range of software instruments and plug-ins, and the quality you can get in the end product. But in some ways it is more trouble than I'm ready to dive into
-I'd need to buy a new computer
-I want MIDI capability, which means no entry level M Box
-It seems that pro tools just gets more expensive and is quite proprietary
-the techno geek in me may overwhelm the musician when confronted by all the tweaking available in PT.
I know Pro Tools is not the "be-all-end-all", but it's the first solution of it's type I've seen in depth. I'd love any suggestions on alternatives I caan explore on the web.
Also, give me your thoughts on the Tascam 2488. It's a different league, but given my current free time and budget, it could be fine.
Where do I find my gear profile? I will fill it out. Until then here's all about me. I really have no recording equipment other than the Portastudio. I use an Fender Jazz and a Ken Smith 5 string thru an Eden 800 bass rig. I have an old FZ-1 keyboard I plan to use as a MIDI controller, and a Shure SM 57 mic. I would be recording one track at a time in my home as I write, and as time and money permit, eventually I would build toward outfitting a "real" studio space.
Thanks for your reply.
Skip
Feb 01, 2005 03:04 pm The gear profile is partof your personal profile.
I can't say much about the HD recording TASCAM thing, I have only played with them a couple times and I personally prefer the PC-based recording systems.
Sonar and Cubase are two big playersin the PC-based studio market. Obviously, ProTools has the name recognition still though...they also have the price tag.
Sonar and Cubase will both do everything that ProTools does, plus it will work with any hardware and any third party plugin effects, whereas ProTools requires their very expensive TDM plugs...maybe they use VST now too, I forget.
That said, they will do everything, that PT can do, and from my experience Sonar is MUCH easier to use as well, with Cubase having become MUCH more user friendly in it's last few versions. They both supper MIDI, with full sequencing options, they support virtual softsynths, video syncing, surround sound mixing and stero mixing and much, much more.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Feb 01, 2005 03:06 pm For recording one track at a time and MIDI, I would suggest the M-Audio Audiophile 24/96. I think that they can be had for about $100 or slightly higher.
What are your current computer's specs? Depending on your ambitions, your current computer may do the job for a few tracks and minimal plugins/effects.
Feb 01, 2005 03:06 pm from a songwriters perspective, i'd seriously look into Sonar, or Cubase...the MIDI sequencers in there are awsome for composing from scratch. getting around in a computer environment is way easier and more intuative compared to a "studio in a box" type product. so my advice for gear would be:
1 a good computer
2 software (Sonar, Cubase, Logic)
2 any two channel audio interface with pre-amps and midi in/out
3 some decient monitors.
with those, you'll be set
Feb 01, 2005 03:13 pm I use Cubase SX, souped up a standard PC to do the job and a lot of inspiration.
I have also recently tried the 2488 and its very nice. Sliders are very cool and it sounds the mutz.... But, alas, I would ALWAYs go for PC recording over the unit if I had to choose.
However, Im lukcy, jsut come into a spare £1000 so Im getting me a stand alone for mobile recoridngs. But, Id recommend, like oethers here to go the PC route. FAR MORE flexible, 24/96 quality (industry standard) and you DO NOT need protools.
Listen to all the music on here...most of us dont have/cant afford pro tools and all the music I hear quality is great...and thats mp3s!!
Cheers and good luck to ye
Coco
skipcMember
Since: Feb 01, 2005
Feb 01, 2005 04:09 pm Thanks for the great responses from you all.
Actually, after thinking it over, there will be situations when I will need at least a few simultaneous inputs, probably for recording with friends in a band set-up. What would you suggest for say, 4-8 inputs and MIDI capability?
Also what are some good names in drum and keyboard software, both very realistic acoustic sounds and electronic.
Thanks,
Skip
