MultiTrack recording Hardware VS. Computer Recording

[Sektion8Representa]

Aight, im really sick of recording on the computer.. i just hate using the computer... so i was thinkin about getting a multitrack recorder.
The one i was lookin at is right here...
http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745/item--FOSMR8MKII

My question is this.. Will the quality be good if i record actual songs with that? My current set up is a emu 1820 with a Rode nt1a mic... Which am i better off using? Also, how difficult is this to learn, compared to learning software like cubase(which i already know).

Thanks

[thursday]

for the $$ the fostex is a winner Great for song ideas, quick to setup and record anywhwere/ but the sound quality won't be pro and you'll runout of tracks quick.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Just curious -- why are people calling these "portastudio"-type, all-in-one units "multitrack recorders"?

Radar, Alesis HD24, Studer 2"-24, etc -- THESE are multitrack recorders!

[jar4ever]

Haha, well...they do record multiple tracks, so I guess the name isn't lieing. And I suppose the "all-in-one" label probably has a bad stigma attached to it, doesn't sound as pro as multi-track recorder.

But yeah a true multi-track recorder just records and you still need a console and everthing, it just replaces the tape machine (or Pro Tools rig).

What are you using now with your computer? Depending on exactly what you have now, that thing is mostly going to be a big step down in quality and flexablility. Sure, not using a computer is fine if you don't like to. However, the whole reason most of the home studio market does use comptures is because they provide the most audio quality, flexability, and ease of use for the money. I'm a big fan of Radar and such for pro studios, but on this kind of price level realize that you are giving up a lot by going away from the computer (and towards and low cost all-in-one hardware package).

[vogukedr]

Just curious -- why are people calling these "portastudio"-type, all-in-one units "multitrack recorders"?

Radar, Alesis HD24, Studer 2"-24, etc -- THESE are multitrack recorders!

Well, actually......elbows are elbows, opinions are opinions, Multitrack machines would be anything that will record something more than a right and left stereo track simultaniously in one pass. Therefore, the guy with the original question would be correct.

But, we do all know for fact that Bears are not Blue, and they don't sing or play musical instruments. They just sleep all winter and are grumpy.

[thursday]

when you get into the 24 bit recorders such as the d3200 which I own btw , you're approaching some real quality. Now I stil believe in "it all starts at the source", the instrument, the room, the mic and so on. Give me that and a vibe and I'll get you there! Seriously, does anybody think that the guy who did that song "Crazy" was worried about his drumsound? And yet it's a hit. Turn on the radio, there's dozens of examples.
I did a songon the origal boss br8 when they first came out and I'm thinking,'my guitar doesn't sound so great-this thing is only so-so. Then this young girl sung her ass off into a shure sm57(becuz thebr8 didn't have xlr nor phantom power) and all of a sudden I had something great. Now my prob. was getting the other tracks up to that level of goodness.
So while 24 bit may be easier to make better audio, as well as great mics, pres, converters etc. are helpful, it doesn't make it less difficult.
Sorry let me Get To Work

[Tweak]

I did a hip hop session tonight with a Tascam 2488 and 2 sm57s and an old QS6 with a couple of guys who had their stuff down. It worked beautifully, was simple to deal with and the result sounds really good.

[shredder]

I have the Fostex VF160 and can tell you it's easy to work with. The Fostex has internal digital mixer 2 effects processors, 3 compressors and a handful of mastering options. You get 16 faders to play with instead of multiple menus. 40 gig internal HD. Also burns to CD so you can keep everything in digital from start to finish. I paid 300 bucks on ebay. There is nothing to complain about for sure. Mine has been very reliable.

[thursday]

that tascam is 24 bit right? But how many tracks?