I know analog vs digital is beat to death, but that's really not what I'm
asking about. I'd just like some input specific to my situation.

I quit recording about 10 years ago, but I kept most of my equipment. What
I've got makes for what I consider a very nice home studio for demo
projects, fun, creative outlet, etc. The short list is:

Tascam 38 1/2" R2R w/ remote control
Mackie 1604VLZ
Microphones: SM57, SM58, EV257, EV357, AT4033a
Lexicon LXP15II
Lexicon PCM60
Behringer Autocom
Yamaha SPX90II
DR550MKII drum machine
Casio CTK611 synth
Tascam DA20
Alesis RA100 power amp
Tannoy PBM 6.5 monitors

I sure like this setup, because I'm so used to it, but lately my 38 has been
acting a bit goofy, and of course all this stuff takes up tons of room. So,
of course, I've been considering going computer-based. I've experimented
with some free recording software just to feel the vibe, and I've got mixed
feelings.

My specific question is this: While my current setup is certainly nothing
to put on the cover of Mix, I have gotten very good sounds from it, and the
comfort factor is very high. If I put it all aside in favor of a basic
(i.e., cheap) pc-based recording solution, would I be losing or gaining?

I'm just looking for perspectives and opinions.

thanks,

jm

JM wrote:

My specific question is this: While my current setup is certainly nothing
to put on the cover of Mix, I have gotten very good sounds from it, and the
comfort factor is very high. If I put it all aside in favor of a basic
(i.e., cheap) pc-based recording solution, would I be losing or gaining?

I don't know. BUT, let me tell you that standard track (1") 8-track
machines are fairly inexpensive right now. They are easier to maintain
than your 38, although you may need to learn a lot of the maintenance work
yourself if you don't have a local tech to call on. This may be a third
option for you; it's a substantial improvement in sound quality without
having to change the way you're working.

You might also consider a Tascam DA-38 machine. This gives you digital
recording without having to make many changes in the way you work; you
still basically have a tape machine and you can punch in and out and use
it just like you use the 38. You don't get any ability to edit with a
razor blade, though. And the machines are obsolete, though still very
well supported.

If you do a lot of editing, the 1" machine is a clear win. If you don't,
I think the DA-38 is a clear win. Both will let you keep working the same
way you always have without having to learn anything about computers or
set up a DAW.

I'm just looking for perspectives and opinions.

It's entirely possible to get a DAW and treat it like a fancy tape recorder
too. That's what I do when I'm dropped onto one of the things... I just
roll tape and do some occasional editing. You can take the DAW road and
not make too huge a change in your working procedure too, although the
amount of up-front learning is higher.

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think you need a DA-38.
But that's just me. I avoid computers unless necessary.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

JM wrote:

My specific question is this: While my current setup is certainly nothing
to put on the cover of Mix, I have gotten very good sounds from it, and the
comfort factor is very high. If I put it all aside in favor of a basic
(i.e., cheap) pc-based recording solution, would I be losing or gaining?

Scott Dorsey wrote:

You might also consider a Tascam DA-38 machine. This gives you digital
recording without having to make many changes in the way you work;

Replacing the recorder with a newer, more reliable
deck makes sense, but how about a hard disk
like the HD24 ?

If you do a lot of editing, the 1" machine is a clear win. If you don't,
I think the DA-38 is a clear win. Both will let you keep working the same
way you always have without having to learn anything about computers or
set up a DAW.

I'm just looking for perspectives and opinions.

It's entirely possible to get a DAW and treat it like a fancy tape recorder
too. That's what I do when I'm dropped onto one of the things... I just
roll tape and do some occasional editing. You can take the DAW road and
not make too huge a change in your working procedure too, although the
amount of up-front learning is higher.

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think you need a DA-38.
But that's just me. I avoid computers unless necessary.

From the looks of the equipment list, you'de still be
mixing down to DAT. This is where the computer
starts to make more sense. Mix down to 2 track,
edit and burn CD masters or copies on the PC
without the need for lots of multichannel I/O.
just my 2c.

rd

JM wrote:

I sure like this setup, because I'm so used to it, but lately my 38 has been
acting a bit goofy

How so?

My specific question is this: While my current setup is certainly nothing
to put on the cover of Mix, I have gotten very good sounds from it, and the
comfort factor is very high. If I put it all aside in favor of a basic
(i.e., cheap) pc-based recording solution, would I be losing or gaining?

Both. You could be gaining some technical quality (or maybe not,
depends on how cheap you go) but you'd be losing the comfort factor
(which goes with the space) and you'd spend a lot of non-productive
time figuring out how to do what's completely obvious with your
hardware-based and analog-connected system.

My advice would be to get your recorder un-goofy and start breaking in
to digital slowly. Set up a good (that is not cheap sound card)
computer for mixdown, editing, and miraculous processing that you can't
do with your hardware. Don't let anyone convince you that transferring
between analog and digital is going to ruin your life.

Once you figure out how a computer in the studio can help you and
hinder you, you'll be better equipped to make a decision as to whether
to expand your computer system to multitrack recording, and you can
still use your mixer. Or you might decide to go all the way and mix in
the computer, or you might just shove it out the window and keep your
analog setup. It should really be a personal choice.

There are all sorts of good reasons why you should just get a computer
and work like almost everyone else, but there's one good reason why you
shouldn't - you just might not have enough fun doing it that way.

In article , (Scott Dorsey)
wrote:

JM wrote:

My specific question is this: While my current setup is certainly nothing
to put on the cover of Mix, I have gotten very good sounds from it, and the
comfort factor is very high. If I put it all aside in favor of a basic
(i.e., cheap) pc-based recording solution, would I be losing or gaining?

I don't know. BUT, let me tell you that standard track (1") 8-track
machines are fairly inexpensive right now. They are easier to maintain
than your 38, although you may need to learn a lot of the maintenance work
yourself if you don't have a local tech to call on. This may be a third
option for you; it's a substantial improvement in sound quality without
having to change the way you're working.

You might also consider a Tascam DA-38 machine. This gives you digital
recording without having to make many changes in the way you work; you
still basically have a tape machine and you can punch in and out and use
it just like you use the 38. You don't get any ability to edit with a
razor blade, though. And the machines are obsolete, though still very
well supported.

If you do a lot of editing, the 1" machine is a clear win. If you don't,
I think the DA-38 is a clear win. Both will let you keep working the same
way you always have without having to learn anything about computers or
set up a DAW.


I made the transition from an 80-8 to DA-38 several years back. Last year I
moved to Logic. Each step made what I consider to be a significant improvement
in both sound quality and convenience. At this point, the DA-38 is used simply
to move sounds from one studio to another and the 80-8 is in storage. Once you
get a stable computer system with a decent interface, I doubt you'll look back.
At least that's been my experience. You will need to devote some time to
getting the computer system optimized and learning its quirks, but at least for
me it's been well worth the effort.

I'm just looking for perspectives and opinions.

It's entirely possible to get a DAW and treat it like a fancy tape recorder
too. That's what I do when I'm dropped onto one of the things... I just
roll tape and do some occasional editing. You can take the DAW road and
not make too huge a change in your working procedure too, although the
amount of up-front learning is higher.

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think you need a DA-38.
But that's just me. I avoid computers unless necessary.
--scott

For the kind of work Scott mainly does, this makes sense. For someone doing
rock multitrack recording and composition or working out arrangements, the
computer can be a big help.

-Jay
--
x------- Jay Kadis ------- x---- Jay's Attic Studio ------x
x Lecturer, Audio Engineer x Dexter Records x
x CCRMA, Stanford University x http://www.offbeats.com/ x
x---------- http://ccrma.stanford.edu/~jay/ ------------x

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think you need a
DA-38.
But that's just me. I avoid computers unless necessary.

And if you do decide to go the DA38 route I have a couple I'd like to
sell, in great condition.

Scott Fraser

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MIke Rivers wrote:
JM wrote:
My specific question is this: While my current setup is
certainly nothing to put on the cover of Mix, I have gotten very
good sounds from it, and the comfort factor is very high. If I
put it all aside in favor of a basic (i.e., cheap) pc-based
recording solution, would I be losing or gaining?
Both. You could be gaining some technical quality (or maybe not,
depends on how cheap you go) but you'd be losing the comfort factor
(which goes with the space) and you'd spend a lot of non-productive
time figuring out how to do what's completely obvious with your
hardware-based and analog-connected system.
My advice would be to get your recorder un-goofy and start breaking
in to digital slowly. Set up a good (that is not cheap sound card)
computer for mixdown, editing, and miraculous processing that you
can't do with your hardware. Don't let anyone convince you that
transferring between analog and digital is going to ruin your life.
Once you figure out how a computer in the studio can help you and
hinder you, you'll be better equipped to make a decision as to
whether to expand your computer system to multitrack recording, and
you can still use your mixer. Or you might decide to go all the way
and mix in the computer, or you might just shove it out the window
and keep your analog setup. It should really be a personal choice.
I think Mike's given you the best advice. I find that I
wouldn't benefit that much from a daw. I try to avoid
people who need the type of surgical editing cut and paste
stuff that's so handy with a daw. I'm avoiding stand alone
hard disk with mixer and all that crud. My next system is
probably going to be used da88 or something similar. THe
reason I say 88 instead of the 38 is sync capabilities.
i like to place microphones properly and roll tape. OTher
than heads and tails I'm notbig on editing to build a
performance. That's up to the musos I"m recording.

However mixing to a computer can be a real advantage,
especially if you're needing to edit heads and tails; use
noise reduction etc.

STart slow, build you a decent system with decent sound
card for your mixdowns, play and see what you like and waht
you don't. STill not sure when you un goofy the 38? Nowgo
get you a da38 and enjoy recording, mix to your computer and
then decide whether the learning curve is going to be too
steep.

IF you go with a multitrack system on pc you'll almost want
to dedicate a computer to it. Isolate it from the outside
world, don'texpect to play games on it or much of anything
lese.

THis old blind man got fairly good with a razor blade and
the edittall block. Meanwhile I don't fight with windows,
I"m a dos and unix person, command line interface only.

STart slowly, build your two-track system for a computer,
see what you think and play awhile before deciding whether
or not multichannel sound card and all that's worth your
time and energy.




Richard WEbb,
Electric SPider Productions
Replace anything before the @ symbol with elspider for real
email address.



Great audio is never heard by the average person, but bad
audio is heard by everyone.