KVR Audio

Korg Supporter · Post by **Korg Supporter** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:32 pm

Hello,

I am thinking of switching from only using a DAW to recording with hardware (if not going DAWless). I heard that the DP-008EX and Zoom R8 (perhaps Zoom R24) are the best options. I am inclined towards the Zoom because of its FX, higher sampling rate, and drum machine. However, I am not sure if it's possible to record a stereo synth sound (i.e. oscillator panning) to an individual track, as the Zoom has 8 mono tracks. What other portable or compact options do you suggest?

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:39 pm

use two mono channels for one stereo.

Korg Supporter · Post by **Korg Supporter** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:51 pm

vurt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:39 pm use two mono channels for one stereo.

Good to know, but I thought that was just for the master track.

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:31 pm

The last digital multi-tracker I used was a Korg D3200 back in the early/mid-2000s. The thing was a beast and, honestly, I sorta miss it. I haven't kept up with digital recorders since going to a DAW, so I'm not familiar with the ones you're asking about, but I'd definitely give the D3200 a look (I see them for sale for dirt cheap on occasion), or see if they have a newer version.

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:36 pm

Korg Supporter wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:51 pm
vurt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:39 pm use two mono channels for one stereo.
Good to know, but I thought that was just for the master track.

nope, thats how i get the stereo mix out of my modular.

also, if going dawless, why a multitrack in particular?
could you not buy a stereo recorder, and a mixer?
do it all live? good practice for "doing it live"

Korg Supporter · Post by **Korg Supporter** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:49 pm

vurt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:36 pm
Korg Supporter wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:51 pm
vurt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:39 pm use two mono channels for one stereo.
Good to know, but I thought that was just for the master track.
nope, thats how i get the stereo mix out of my modular.

also, if going dawless, why a multitrack in particular?
could you not buy a stereo recorder, and a mixer?
do it all live? good practice for "doing it live"

I may get a mixer or synths, but I want something that's compact, portable, will fit in my apartment study desk, and will be similar to old school tape recorders.

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:50 pm

ah cool, was just wondering

always interested in people's choices.

but as i said, pan 2 mono channels on which ever you get, it's a stereo channel

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:53 pm

vurt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:39 pm use two mono channels for one stereo.

or, on the r8 at least, link two mono channels, so they operate as a stereo channel.

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:56 pm

whyterabbyt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:53 pm
vurt wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:39 pm use two mono channels for one stereo.
or, on the r8 at least, link two mono channels, so they operate as a stereo channel.

i did not know this!

also, does operate as a stereo add anything that using two separate mono channels doesn't do?

or is it just uses one fader and auto pan?

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:08 pm

sorry only took a very quick look at the manual pdf, as i'd noticed the thing had a stereo mic...

hmmmm... rechecking, only one fader from the pair controlling both levels, pans control relative levels.
linking also allows playback of stereo files...

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:11 pm

ah thanks

suppose it then depends how much hardware and channels you'll need?

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:16 pm

yeah, i guess. the r8 only has 2 inputs, some have 8 though. ive thought a couple of times about picking one up for a minimalist/portabl-ish wee setup, never quite decided whether its justifiable.

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:21 pm

2 inputs seems silly on an 8 track.
who wouldn't want to record multiple tracks at once?
id definitely go with a mixer and 2 track recorder before that.

probably going to need a mixer for it to be useful anyway. (for me)

lfm · Post by **lfm** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:41 pm

A couple of years ago I was looking into going dawless.

Check out Tascam
- Model 12
- Model 16
- Model 24

Three very capable alternatives with recording abilities to SD card.

One reviewer on youtube meant these had better electronics than DP series stuff, better preamps etc.

https://tascam.com/us/product/model_24/top

Korg Supporter · Post by **Korg Supporter** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:55 pm

lfm wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:41 pm A couple of years ago I was looking into going dawless.

Check out Tascam
- Model 12
- Model 16
- Model 24

Three very capable alternatives with recording abilities to SD card.

One reviewer on youtube meant these had better electronics than DP series stuff, better preamps etc.

https://tascam.com/us/product/model_24/top

That's too knobby and way out of my price range. I prefer something more minimal, but thanks for the suggestion. So far, I am thinking of the Zoom R24 because I want stereo tracks (it would have 12) and seems compact enough.

Best digital multitrack recorder for beginners (or on a budget)?