Four track digital recorders

rico

I would like some recommendations for digital recorders that have the ability to record four individual tracks so that I can edit four separate tracks in my DAW. 

Cheers!

spark240

Just wondering why?...what Daw and interface are you using?

rico

spark240 said:

Just wondering why?...what Daw and interface are you using?

To record some slightly better demo recordings. I'm just using Reaper, no interface. 

A stand alone recording device would be ideal. 

spark240

4 tracks are rare nowadays, how about this...?

I used one for a while, very cool, and Im sure you can get the wav files into your DAW.

http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/111963/fs-ft-boss-br-800-including-foot-switch#latest

steamabacus

If all you need is a stand alone recorder to capture the audio and then transfer it to the computer for mixing you could have a look at the Cymatics Audio LR16.



I have been setting up a home recording studio for a (computer tech 'challenged') drummer friend - I thought a stand alone recorder would be the best way for him to capture band rehearsals and then to transfer to a computer for mixing (by someone else if need be). The one we eventually discoverered was the Cymatics LR16.

It will record up to 16 tracks of audio at once (up to 96k/24 bit but configurable to what you want) on to a separate hard drive which you connect via usb. Once you've recorded your audio you can just connect the hard drive to your computer and transfer the files. The LR16 has a pretty much idiot proof operation - it's designed to be press-and-record and has the minimum of functions so you're not desparately scrolling through menues to get it working. It has been totally reliable so far. I think it's a great bit of kit for a particular application.

It does have a few 'quirks' which I should point out. It is designed to be able to take out to gigs and connected to the front-of-house mixer via the mixer's insert points. This means that the LR16's inputs are TRS jack connections configured so that the signal is 'tapped off' by the recorder and then sent back down the cable to the mixing desk (much as you would attach the send/return of a compressor in the desk channel). What this means is that, if you just want to plug a mono jack into the recorder, you must use a female/mono to male/stereo adapter on the end of the cable where it plugs into the recorder (or make up some specific cables). Cymatics Audio themselves sell the adapters but they shouldn't be too hard to find online or make up short adapter cables.

We managed to pick one up second-hand for £180 on eBay (incliuding a load of mono/stereo adaptors). Although Cymatics seem to have discontinued the LR16, Andertons are still selling new ones for £289.

shrinkwrap

Blimey, was going to mention Zoom R16 or R 24 but that Cymatics looks better, though would need a mixer in my case.
Both Zoom things record 8 tracks - the product number is what they will playback if you want to work  standalone. The Zoom works well for me and my mates - plug it in, hit record, done  - edit in DAW.

siraxeman

Just get a Tascam DP-02/03 (or others even) They record in .WAV and you can USB your files over into Reaper easily. I have a Zoom R24 and a DP24 and they're both great - you can do it all in those machines pretty easily though. If your into tossing it over to your DAW and doing further work ie editing and mixing then that option is still there...very often you don't have to bother though.  A few of the older standalone 8/16 tracks have onboard CD burners as well...like the DP-02CD (not CF) the old Zoom MRS and HD16/8...plus onboard guitar FX processors and simple to use.Tis why I like 'em.