What is the Absolute Cheapest Simplest Multi-Track Recording Set-Up?

[tommyzai]

I will only record one track at a time, but need at least 4 to get the song down.

[VOODOO U]

That's basic. Any 4 track recorder will do.
This one is a no brainer for 200 bucks.
https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-rec ... 4essential

If you want more tracks, zoom's got it.

[Michael L]

Get your hands on a real device to see how it FEELS to you. Small size vs big knobs, menus vs buttons, features for recording vs features for mixing. Forum posts can only do so much.

[jens]

For hardware, I highly recommend the Zoom R4 (compact, also works as an interface). You can get a used Zoom R8 at a lower price if you don't need 32-bit floating point audio. ).

The R12 costs only little more though...

[jens]

This one is a no brainer for 200 bucks.
https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-rec ... 4essential

Yes, it's a no-brainer to leave it and go with an Tascam DP-006 for less instead.

[Korg Supporter]

For hardware, I highly recommend the Zoom R4 (compact, also works as an interface). You can get a used Zoom R8 at a lower price if you don't need 32-bit floating point audio. ).

The R12 costs only little more though...

R12 still has 8 tracks. It just has the additions of a touchscreen, FX, and an FM preset synth.

[Uncle E]

Zoom has so many versions. I'm a bit confused.

H4n, H4essential, H2n (I think), H5, R4, M4 MicTrak, and PodTrack P4. R4 and PodTrack P4 seem the easiest to me but most people prefer the models with the built-in stereo mics.

[BertKoor]

I do have an Audient iD14 mk2 interface that I just listed for sale, but I could keep if a tablet would work . . . can't imagine how my old iPhone would work . . . but?

I will only record one track at a time, but need at least 4 to get the song down.

I've just googled "ios multitrack recorder" and this SOS article from 2014 pops up. Apparently any iOs device can run GarageBand, and that's totally free! Very capable of what you want.

But there are plenty more completely free software options to put hardware you already have to good use:
* Roland ZenTracker
* Propellerhead Figure
* Hokusai Audio Editor
* Ferrite Recording Studio

[oscillik]

Reaper

Please. Only idiots use Reaper.


At the OP....f**king Audacity??? Hello? Talk about being out of the loop.

You're a saucy one. I've heard about guys like you.

[VOODOO U]

You're a saucy one. I've heard about guys like you

And everything you heard is true.

This one is a no brainer for 200 bucks.
https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-rec ... 4essential

Yes, it's a no-brainer to leave it and go with an Tascam DP-006 for less instead.

Extra chump change for XLR inputs is a no-brainer.

[Michael L]

This one is a no brainer for 200 bucks.
https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-rec ... 4essential

Yes, it's a no-brainer to leave it and go with an Tascam DP-006 for less instead.

The DP-008EX has XLR ins and more knobbbs

[Uncle E]

OP asked for 4-track you talk about 8-track wwWWhhHHyyyyyyYYYYYYYY????????

[Michael L]

OP asked for 4-track you talk about 8-track wwWWhhHHyyyyyyYYYYYYYY????????

BEEEcuZZZZ its eight MoNNNoooo tracks but you can record 2 at a time with 2 inputs so 8 divided by 2 is . . . . . . . FOUR!!!!!!!!!!

{ he THINKS he only wants four but he REALLY needs eight for comping }

[Uncle E]

Why not find him a 16-track...or a 32-track...or a bazillion-track!

It literally never ends!!!

[Michael L]

Why not find him a 16-track...or a 32-track...or a bazillion-track!
It literally never ends

... because the DP-008EX can record a bazilllllllion tracks just by bouncing which is crack for tracks!