8-Track Recording Vs DAWs

[Knavery]

Hey all,
I'm kinda interested in getting back into recording, but I'm not sure if I should purchase an 8-track recorder. I've got an old version of Presonus, but I never really learned how to use it effectively. I'm totally old school and used to use a Tascam for everything. I've been eyeing a DP-008EX, but I'm not sure if these things are a waste of money in 2022. I would most likely be recording some stuff down in the living room while the wife is in bed, and it wouldn't be anything professional grade. I do have a Macbook Pro with Garage Band, but never learned that either. I hear it's pretty good software for being free with the Macbook Pro.

Could I get some opinions on what you all think? Thanks!

*EDIT* I just realized I have an old thread on this very subject. This can be deleted.

 

[Krisfield]

The Portastudio style multi track recorders are ideal for recording live demos. Where as using a DAW like Logic Pro or GarageBand, you get a lot of precise control over editing and mixing. You also get instruments like drums and synths.

 

[Inconnu]

Hey all,
I'm kinda interested in getting back into recording, but I'm not sure if I should purchase an 8-track recorder. I've got an old version of Presonus, but I never really learned how to use it effectively. I'm totally old school and used to use a Tascam for everything. I've been eyeing a DP-008EX, but I'm not sure if these things are a waste of money in 2022. I would most likely be recording some stuff down in the living room while the wife is in bed, and it wouldn't be anything professional grade. I do have a Macbook Pro with Garage Band, but never learned that either. I hear it's pretty good software for being free with the Macbook Pro.

Could I get some opinions on what you all think? Thanks!

*EDIT* I just realized I have an old thread on this very subject. This can be deleted.

I am relatively old school myself, but I can tell you that learning how to use GarageBand is extremely simple and gives you more flexibility then an 8 track recorder. Of course, you’ll need an audio interface and there’s many options depending on your needs. I’m using one that allows me to record several independent tracks at once, which allows me to do capture different instruments played at the same time and everyone gets there own track. Reading that you which mostly to record by yourself, you might just need a really basic interface.

Working with GarageBand is really close to using an actual recorder. Since you have it, give it a shot!

One thing I really like is that it has virtual drummers. A few clicks and you can have a drum track, which I find more inspiring then recording with a metronome!

Honestly, you won’t be disappointed.

 

[Wanker_Joe]

I still use a standalone, right now a Zoom L-12. I've always preferred the workflow on them and the ease of use: plug in, hit record, done. It's also easy to move it around with me, whether that's a hotel room for work or just a different room at home where I feel like making music.

When I'm done tracking, I take the files and do all my mixing and polishing in a DAW (my preference is Cakewalk). Best of both worlds. Ease of tracking on the standalone and the power of a modern DAW to pretty up the tracks.

 

[Knavery]

After much deliberation, I did decide on this, which just arrived this morning:

I figured I should try and learn Garage Band at the very least. I may end up getting a Tascam DP006 at some point, but I think I made the right choice. I have a newer Macbook Pro that I can utilize. I might as well get my money's worth for what I spent on the damn thing.

I have an older Presonus interface, but not sure how the AudioBox 22VSL works with today's technology.