First steps to recording

57Deluxe

This TPS gives the skinny on how they do just this their end...

shrinkwrap

Just to be pedantic Zoom R24 is not really any better than R16. I've got an R24 and it does it's job very well, but they both only record 8 tracks simultaneously.
If you're into overdubbing you can layer another set of 8 using the R16 - or two sets of 8 on R24. The number only indicates track playback.
The R24 has a drum machie but it's about as un-intuitive as you can get. Plus drum pads and I think more powered XLRs

If you're mixing in the DAW you don't need the multi track playback.
(Also note the R8 only records 2 tracks simultaneously.)

There's a Behringer mixer that can record 12 track isn't there?
But still cheaper to chain two Zooms and get 16 track.

Bridgehouse

When people refer to "TPS" I just can't help but think of Office Space...

Jalapeno

Have to sat I'm pleased with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. That and Reaper would be a massive rig.

I got my best results using Tracktion (plus Reason as the uber-instrument plugin) - Tracktion is back in business after Mackie ballsed it up. I will be getting an up to date copy soon.

NelsonP

 So I dug out my old pod xt, downloaded audacity and started recording using that. The xt works fine as an interface.

Since I already had the pod, money spent = zero. And it's very fun.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this as a cheap solution to get started. You could pick up a pod on eBay for what, £50?

Wolfetone

Jalapeno said:

Have to sat I'm pleased with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. That and Reaper would be a massive rig.

I got my best results using Tracktion (plus Reason as the uber-instrument plugin) - Tracktion is back in business after Mackie ballsed it up. I will be getting an up to date copy soon.

That was my set up before I went back to the digital work station route. It was good combo.

thomasross20

Windows.
Tracktion (DAW).
Jamstix (drums).
Toneport + free software.

I think anything can sound good with enough tweaking and you just get on with whatever you've got working. I'm into plug and play.

TADodger

OK, just bought a Steinburg UR22 mkII from @goldtop and with Reaper or the bundled Cubasis LE I am sure that I will be off to a good start.

goldtop

Yes, I had it working perfectly on my 2008 (!) iMac with El Capitan and Logic Pro X. (In fact I suppose I should uninstall the driver applet thingy). I went over to a Saffire Pro 14 Firewire interface (no speed benefit over USB 2) just to get a little more IO.

(I've also unplugged from the Net for this setup, so there won't be any more plug-ins/updates/etc. No games, no Web browser, no email. So ... fingers crossed ... it's now just a hardware multitrack MIDI+audio HDD recorder.)