Multitracking, pocket hd?

flabby · 2013-09-28T15:32:50.000Z

I’m currently working a lot of hours on a computer and at the end of the day, when I head into the studio I really don’t want to be taking my laptop with me.

So, I need something for multitrack recording?

[ul]
[li]Needs to be small (even better if it’s ‘pocket size’)[/li]
[li]Needs some kind of sync (using primarily a 909)[/li]
[li]Don’t need an abundance of tracks, effects, bells or whistles.[/li]
[/ul]

Digital Multis, I’ve no clue about. Tascam, Boss?

The other option I’m considering is a Tascam 4 track cassette, purely for some lofi saturation and pump but the few I’ve seen are going for around 130 Euros, which has made me think about digital alternatives.

After recording (if I multitrack) I genrally just adjust levels and that’s it.

Any suggestions on the digital side? Downsides to the tape option?

Cheers!

plusn · 2013-09-28T16:31:51.000Z

There is a whole range of stuff. First of all the actual available smaller multitracker out there in pocket size dont offer any sync ability and you can only record two mono tracks at once. Small one would be a Tascam DP006/008 or Boss BR80.

flabby · 2013-09-29T18:47:35.000Z

Thanks Pulsn. Yeah the lack of sync is quite a big issue.

What about using loopers?
Maybe I could use an Electro Harmonix 4500?

plusn · 2013-09-29T19:59:51.000Z

Oh, i didn´t know about the new 4500…cool! That looks very interesting!
But that´s only 4 Monotracks.

You could then also use a Teenage Engineering OP1, which has an excellent 4 track tape emulation, including a Stereo Master Mixdown too. And that one can be synced via MIDI too and is even more portable than the EHX 4500.

If you don´t mind the size, check out the Yamaha AW series, those have Midi sync-ability and the best sound quality among the multi tracker. Shame Yamaha is not producing them anymore.

the_dreammer · 2013-09-29T21:11:54.000Z

I got a big-assed multitracker (vs2400)… mine got sync but it doesnt fit in your pocket.

it nearly fits on my desk… though i really like all this multi-tracking business for various reasons… so i am not going to talk you out of it… I can tell you that sync is VERY VERY VERY HANDY…
and i can also tell you, that the clock-output from octatrack, is hearable tighter when i sync my machinedrum and monomachine to it, then using my recorder as a clocksource… which is a bummer… I hope i can get tighter clock when i have my mv8800 over…

So i did buy a zoom q3hd the other day… should be arriving tomorrow.
doesnt do multitracking, but it is pocket-sized… and it should correct directly to your gear and be able to record it… plus the bonus of your lovely hands and lovely machines.
It will be more like the situation i had about 5 years ago…
Geek with machines + videorecorder…

to much gear and fancy machines, makes the whole feel like a computer.
especially multitrack harddisk recorders… things felt allot more organic and hooray i am a mad scientist, just recording a mixingdesk full of gear into a vcr…

RyanElektric · 2013-09-30T06:03:45.000Z

""flabby"":

I’m currently working a lot of hours on a computer and at the end of the day, when I head into the studio I really don’t want to be taking my laptop with me.

So, I need something for multitrack recording?

[ul]
[li]Needs to be small (even better if it’s ‘pocket size’)[/li]
[li]Needs some kind of sync (using primarily a 909)[/li]
[li]Don’t need an abundance of tracks, effects, bells or whistles.[/li]
[/ul]

Digital Multis, I’ve no clue about. Tascam, Boss?

The other option I’m considering is a Tascam 4 track cassette, purely for some lofi saturation and pump but the few I’ve seen are going for around 130 Euros, which has made me think about digital alternatives.

After recording (if I multitrack) I genrally just adjust levels and that’s it.

Any suggestions on the digital side? Downsides to the tape option?

Cheers!

I’ve extensively researched the products available that meet your exact criteria. As for newer products, they are either on the small side (Zoom H4n, H6) without sync, (Tascam DP24/DP32) with sync. The Zoom R24 doesn’t have traditional midi sync, but it does have a very important function that the larger Tascams do not- time-stretch. For loop-based recording, this is a great feature (and allows the recorder to act as a pretty great device for capturing and editing sample loops), and allows you to then set the recorder to trigger and record the loops at specified points.

For Elektron Boxes (and other sequenced gear), this is a big plus- just record and trim your loops, then set where you want them in the recording without having to worry about punching them in at the exact spot. Also, the R24 is relatively small, and it (along with the H6) acts as an audio interface (meaning you could bring it in to the studio and throw the multi-track contents of the recorder into a DAW.

I’ve gone back and fourth on this many times, and the Tascams are simply too big and try to fit too much into the package. The smaller Zooms/Tascams are nice, but the Tascam DP008/Zoom R8 only make 16 bit recordings- so they’re out. The new Zoom H6 isn’t a portastudio (so it only has some basic FX/EQ/Mastering), is pretty small, and offers an incredible 96kHz/24bit .wav recording. It’s probably the best multi track recorder for the money- and can be expanded with the interchangeable top to add even more I/O.

If your goal is to hook up 4-6 different devices and jam out for an hour and record it, the H6 is probably your best bet. If you want to arrange/mix your recordings after, I’d go with with the R24.

flabby · 2013-09-30T17:48:18.000Z

Thanks for all the replies!!!

Sync is a major thing, sometimes I like to sequence stuff afterwards or record drums at the end.

I’m mainly gonna be using for my modular, building up layers from that along with the 909. After some further thought, the process I’d like is to either just record an entire jam in one go (easily done with most of the recommendations) or build up modular layers first, then entire thing recorded (onto whatever) with the drums, hence sync is the most important thing.

I’m really not aiming at polished recordings, prefer rough and ready.

I’m starting to lean more towards the loopers that are almost like a MT.
Shortlist so far:

[ul]
[li]Electrix Repeater (I know, the issue with cards, noise floor, etc)[/li]
[li]EHX 4500[/li]
[li]Boss RC-505 (I think this is the most capable)[/li]
[/ul]