I want to do some decent quality home demo's, a Paul
McCartney 1 man band type of thing.Vocals, guitar, bass
and keyboard.
I'd like the unit to be under $400 US, 2 or 4-track, and without
all the add on effects, bells and whistles (distortion, etc.).
Just a simple to use, foolproof, low budget unit
that is portable and has decent sound quality.
I thank you greatly for any response.
― Musicfan Mark, Saturday, 25 February 2006 02:01 (twenty years ago)
Can't go wrong with a Tascam 424, though!
Most people I know who went the portable Digital workstation route ended up being limited and frustrated anyhow. And I don't think you'd find anything under $400 that would be worth a damn in that space.
― Brooker Buckingham (Brooker B), Saturday, 25 February 2006 02:32 (twenty years ago)
http://www.turntablelab.com/dj_equipment/0/0/10971.htmlR E V I E W
Record audio directly to your iPod or any external USB storage device with the iKey. The iKey can record audio from any audio device and write it directly to MP3 or WAV format in real time. The iKey features selectable bitrate for recordings, compatibility with USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 devices, led indicator showing remaining memory available on target device, record level control, level clip indicator, gold plated rca inputs and reset button. Use it to record DJ sets directly to your iPod or capture samples or performances out of the studio. An extremely useful accessory for your iPod.
K E Y F E A T U R E S
• records audio to uncompressed WAV format or MP3 format with selectable bit rate, up to 256kbps
• compatible with iPod and other USB 2.0/1.1/1.0 devices
• USB port for direct connectivity to supported USB storage devices
• gold plated RCA inputs
• LED indicator shows memory remaining on target drive
• battery powered w/ low battery indicator
• DC charger input with DC adaptor included for use with rechargeable batteries or 4AA batteries (not included)
• level clip indicator
• record volume control
• reset button
http://www.turntablelab.com/dj_equipment/48/11/9095.html
OVERVIEW
Simply put, this is the best professional level, portable recorder we've encountered. And with its professional balanced 1/4" inputs and S/PDIF digital input, the Microtrack is the best portable option for recording DJ sets and live performances. It's as easy as plugging the mixer output into the inputs and hitting record. Once you are done recording, all you have to do is drag and drop to get your files onto your PC or MAC with the ultra-fast USB 2.0 connection. And for those who like to capture live samples via microphone (noises or vocals), the Microtrack also includes high fidelity mic pre-amps with phantom power, enabling you to use everything from a high-end studio mic or the included mini mic.
USES
• record dj sets
• record vocals
• record audio samples
• listen to files
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
For file management and computer connectivity, the Microtrack is heads above DAT machines (the popular choice for mobile recording). You can record both in WAV (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and MP3 formats (320kbps/48kHz). The Microtrack records onto CompactFlash and Microdrive cards (comes with a 64MB card, currently available up to 6GB of storage), and when plugged into your computer, the Microtrack appears as a hard drive for easy file management. The USB connection also charges the internal lithium battery (power plug also included).
The list of features continues with a large digital screen with an interface similar to the iPod. There are both RCA and 1/8" outputs for monitoring. Connect the RCA outputs to an amp and use the Microtrack for playback, or plug in the included headphones and use it like an iPod. There are separate left and right level controls with peak indicators, and dedicated buttons for record, hold, play, etc. Extras included Audacity software for editing and converting audio files, earbuds, mini-mic, usb cable, 64MB Compactflash card, and power supply.
OUR OPINION
DAT recorders are now officially out-dated. The MicroTrack is small, easy to use, and most importantly, it seamlessly integrates with your computer. Record your DJ set, save it as an MP3, and publish it on your website; or record a live vocal or sample, save it as a WAV, and use it in your production.
K E Y F E A T U R E S
• professional 24-bit / 96Khz recording
• 2-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback
• drag and drop files to computer instantly via USB 2.0
• battery-operated or power adaptor operated (adaptor included) • storage via convenient CompactFlash or Microdrives
• balanced 1/4" TRS inputs with line inputs and phantom-powered mic preamps
• S/PDIF digital input; RCA and 1/8" headphone monitoring outputs
• PC and Mac compatible
I N C L U D E S
• 64MB compact flash card
• Audacity software for editing and converting audio files
• earbuds for monitoring
• mini-mic
• usb cable
• power adaptor
― pher (pher), Saturday, 25 February 2006 21:13 (twenty years ago)
I assume these specs can be modified and used for recording anything, not what its neccesarily being used for on those pages. (DJ'ing, etc.) May be completely useless, but I just recalled coming across them recently.
― pher (pher), Saturday, 25 February 2006 21:15 (twenty years ago)