Multitrack Recording Without a Computer

Audio recording has become so computer-centric that you have to be a computer geek to get into it. You have to deal with computer hardware, computer software, large hard drives, various file formats, and PCI or USB audio interfaces. Not all musicians are so comfortable with computers.

Take my friend Steve. He’s a talented and interesting musician who learned his craft as he lived on the streets and busked daily as a teenager. He has a soulful voice, writes poetic lyrics, and plays his guitar with a bluesy folk-rock feel. He’s now in his fifties, and music is just as important to him as it ever was. While he’s learned how to chat on MSN, computers aren’t the most natural way for him to make music. Steve discovered the new Portastudios: hard-disk multitrack recorders.

These devices vary a lot in price and features. Steve purchased one of the less expensive Zoom models a few years ago, and was thrilled with the results. In one small package he could do multitrack recording with digital effects using an interface he was familiar with from the good old days. He’s been writing and recording ever since.

If you’re like Steve – a musician and not a geek – these devices may be what you need to get you into digital recording. Here are five well-known brands that offer a range of hard-disk recorders that are worth looking at.

1. The Tascam DP Range

Tascam have several inexpensive digital recorders, ranging from USD$200-800. Here are two worth looking at.

DP-004 Digital Pocketstudio

This inexpensive device costs around USD$200 and is a great entry-level recorder. Based on the cassette Portastudios they produced in the 80s, this device contains built-in stereo microphones, and is designed with portability in mind. It’s not a true hard-disk recorder – songs are recorded on a 1GB SD card. The device’s inputs are also limited – just two 1/4″ jacks, and the DP-004 has no built-in digital effects. In every way, this machine has been designed with the beginner in mind. It will get you started, but won’t take you much further than that.

DP-02 Digital Portastudio

The DP-02 is a big step up from the DP-004, but is still fairly inexpensive at around USD$500. It features both an effects send and an onboard effects processor, and has two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power. The device contains a 40GB hard drive, as well as a CD-RW burner for CD mastering and song backup. If you can afford the extra $300, I recommend you bypass the DP-004 and start here.

2. The Boss BR Range

Boss have a wide range of digital recording devices, ranging from USD$200-1500. Here are three to consider.

MICRO BR Digital Recorder

Like the Tascam DP-004, this is an entry-level machine, also costing around USD$200. It, too, is designed with portability in mind, and is advertized as the “world’s smallest pro studio”. It can fit in your pocket. It contains a built-in microphone and a single line in / mic jack (stereo), and saves songs onto an SD card. Unlike the DP-004, the Micro BR comes with onboard effects and a drum machine. This is a device for the very budget-conscious, or those who demand ultimate portability.

BR-900CD Digital Recorder

A big step up from the Micro BR, the BR-900CD costs around USD$600, comes with two XLR phantom-powered mic inputs and a CD burner, and includes pro quality onboard effects, including COSM guitar-amp modelling. However, it does not use a hard drive, and instead saves to a 1GB Compact Flash card. If you can afford the $600 price, consider this model over the Micro BR.

BR-1600CD Digital Recorder

Costing around USD$1200, this is a much more professional device. The BR-1600CD includes eight XLR and phono inputs, a richer set of onboard effects, MIDI sync capability, and a 40GB hard drive. You definitely receive more value for the extra money you spend.

3. The Fostex MR Range

Foxtex have several devices in the less expensive range, USD$300-900. The cheaper models offer surprising value for money.

MR-8HD Digital Multitrack Recorder

Costing only around USD$300, the MR-8HD actually comes with a hard drive! It features a 40GB hard drive, four XLR inputs with phantom power and built-in digital effects. This device seems to be the best-value in the lower price range.

MR-16HD Digital Multitrack Recorder

For around an extra $100, the MR-16HD also includes a CD burner, more effects, two AUX sends, and twice as many tracks and sliders. USD$400 seems like a bargain for all of this extra functionality. This is definitely one to consider.

4. The Zoom HD Range

Zoom have a couple of hard disk recorders, in the range USD$500-600. Here is their more expensive option:

HD16 Recording Studio

Costing around USD$600, the HD16 is definitely worth considering. It comes with an 80GB hard drive, a CD burner, a drum and bass machine, and a multi effects unit. Eight combination XLR-1/4″ line inputs are included, as well as a digital mixer with 12 faders. A lot is included here for a relatively low price.

5. The Korg D Range

Korg have a range of digital recording devices in the more expensive range, from USD$700-1800. These devices look very professional, and are at the higher end of the price scale. Here are two worth looking at:

D888 Digital Recording Studio

Costing around USD$700, the D888 comes with a 40GB hard drive and a more fully featured 8-track mixer than most of the other recorders listed here. But being a more professional machine, it doesn’t come with some of the gizmos the others do: it has no drum machine or internal microphones. It does come with onboard effects and eight XLR and phono inputs. Probably not the best device for beginners, it is definitely worth considering if you are after something more professional.

D3200 Digital Recording Studio

More professional again, the D3200 costs around USD$1300. It provides up to 32 tracks of simultaneous playback and up to 12 tracks of simultaneous recording. It includes an 80GB hard drive, a CD burner, a 12 bus, 44-channel mixer with automated mixing, onboard effects, and a drum machine. It is the most full-featured recorder in the list.

Without having tried any of the machines, here are the devices that I would recommend as best value at each price point:

1. Buget ($400) – Fostex MR-16HD Digital Multitrack Recorder
2. Middle of the road ($600) – Zoom HD16 Recording Studio
3. High end ($1300) – Korg D3200 Digital Recording Studio

Have you tried any of these recorders? Would you like to recommend a recorder I didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments.