Moving from ADATs. Computer or HD for this?

[zekmoe]

As I move from my ADATs, which honestly have given me many years of service, trouble free, (orig 4.03 blackfaces, paid like 4g a pop for them ) I am deciding whether to go to a HD recorder, HD24 or maybe the new Tascam, or to a computer based system. My requirements are as such:

1) I use them occasionally. When the band comes over or when I feel like recording an idea. No money rides on them. Honesly once a month it seems lately.

2) I record guitar based rock. No more than guitar bass drums. Several guitar overdubs. Vocal overdubs. I record my guitar amps, bass amps, and drums live in an adjoining room.

3) I have so far had little need for track editing , but wouldn't be opposed to it. My main deal is "Push record and play!"

4) Better sound for the guitars than on the ADATs. It's always been the most disapointing thing about them. Drums and bass has been acceptable, but guitar never sounds like my amps do. My old recordings on a TSR-8 Analog reel machine gave the guitars a better sound. I know, probably not that noticable for jams and demos, but it's my toy so thats what I want.

It sounds like I should lean to an HD system, rather than deal with a Computer system. But I am open. $5000 total price, and need to record at least 16 tracks at once during jams. I mix thru a Soundtracs topaz 24.

Ideas please?

[philbo]

Since you only use it occasionally, I'd vote against a PC-based system, just because even the best ones require some tweaking and attention to keep them working well - - y'know, defrag the windows drive, back up the data drive, keep the software updated, yada, yada, yada...

 

It'd be good to go to a 24 bit system, but because it sounds SO much better than 16, and because record level is much less of an issue than with 16 bit.

 

So, if money is no object, get the RADAR system. (24 tracks of 24 bit 44.1K).

 

Otherwise, look into another standalone digital recorder setup of some kind. I can't really recommend one, since I don't use one, but it offers the most seamless and trouble-free recording for someone who doesn't want to put time into calibration and maintenance...

[ViLo]

 

Originally posted by philbo ........................................................................ Otherwise, look into another standalone digital recorder setup of some kind. I can't really recommend one, since I don't use one, but it offers the most seamless and trouble-free recording for someone who doesn't want to put time into calibration and maintenance...

 

 

AKAI DPS24

 

http://dpsworld.vibestudio.net/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=291c26a254ee0094dfa5ae651ae00b89

[Anderton]

There are a lot of good standalone recording systems in just about every price category. The main players for "pro" units at budget prices are Roland, Korg, Yamaha, Akai, and whoever else I forgot because I'm typing fast

 

Get one with a CD burner, and the ability to do onscreen editing -- in other words, plug in a monitor and you can see the waveforms and such.

 

The Mackie and TASCAM units are impressive, but you need a mixer with them. If you already have one for your ADATs, this might be a more cost-effective way to go, particularly as they're expandable.

 

I think Alesis still makes an HD-based ADAT that drops right in to where an ADAT would sit if you want minimal transitional hassles.

[Jon Hiller]

Yeah, Craig is right, Alesis makes the HD24, which is basically pretty similar to the Mackie and Tascam. Probably not built quite as heavy as the Tascam, but it has one advantage I like, which is why I am leaning toward it. The Alesis will use any IDE hard drive you want to put in it from what I understand. This would make it very handy and also very inexpensive to swap out a drive if one gets full because you could simply pick up another drive at your local computer retailer. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken but the way I understood it you don't have this option with the Mackie or the Tascam.

 

The Alesis unit also has 1/4" TRS balanced ins/outs where the Mackie doesn't offer this. I don't know if the Tascam has 1/4" or XLR balanced or not, but the Mackie hard drive recorders have ADAT cable plugs on them. Then again, since you've been using ADATs, the Mackie might be a nice way to go because you wouldn't have to get any different snakes if you're using snakes with ADAT plugs on them. I will say that I've used the Mackie recorder and I thought it sounded very good.

[jackcheez]

I've been using an Alesis HD24 and I'm very happy with it. A good choice when transitioning from ADATs. You can see around the learning curve before you even start. I like running a session from a board and a recorder. I also have a MAC & Digital Performer & MOTU 2408 for editing and mixing but for tracking I like the HD24.

[Kendrix]

Given your situation i agree with the advice to lean towards a standalone system over a PC based DAW. Standalones are generally less finicky and less prone to the need for constant upgrading as the OS or PC hardware evolves.

 

Ive got a Yamaha AW model that has been quite stable.

Im happy with it.