Multitrack recorders still a thing?

[Knavery]

Hey all,
Is it possible to get by with a multitrack recorder instead of using a DAW? I have Studio One with a Presonus audio interface. Though, I never got used to the software. I know it's one of the easier ones to use, but I'm either too stupid or just didn't spend enough time with it. I'm old school and like the old Tascam and Fostex multitrack recorders.

Let me ask... Are these still a thing or have they gone by the way of the dinosaurs? Thanks.

 

[jonathanhughes]

https://www.sweetwater.com/c1008--Digital_Multitrack_Recorders

 

[guts]

It's totally possible to get by for recording and mixing, you can only do a fraction of the kind of stuff you can do with a DAW. But if you only need a minimum of functionality they're very useful if a bit expensive. I don't know if you'd be able to master something very well at all, though. That seems like it would be a headache.

 

[DirkP]

I have the impression there is a little comeback of multitrack recorders. Zoom just introduced two new multitrack recorders last year (the LiveTraks) and many - like I - use the H6 from Zoom as a multitrack recorder. Sound Devices just released versions of their mix-pre location recorders directly marketed towards musicians. I would stay away from older units.
It's as simply as that - for me: I don't want a mouse in my hands and a keyboard in front of me when I'm making music.
Another alternative are iPads. They have come a long way and it's a huge difference for me to have an iPad with a touchscreen on a micstand near me instead of the beforementioned notebook/mouse or screen / keyboard combination.

 

[Roland GR 88]

They're making a bit of a comeback. The Zoom L-12 and L-20 are selling well and Tascam has just released the Model 24.
For portability and ease of use these can't be beat as long as don't expect to get deep into editing. The screens are too small and the process of editing is a bit clunky as a result. They do however record individual tracks to an SD card which can be loaded into any DAW for deeper work.
I've used a Tascam DP-32 for several years as a portable recorder and 8ch live mixer for various events with very good results.

 

[Jim Ingraham]

My x-32 has turned into quite a flexible Multi since I installed the new x-live card. The card allows 32 tracks in and out to sd cards so you can record, then playback and mix and then bounce to the original built-in 2 track usb stick.

 

[CRich0205]

My band has used a tascam for the past few years. 16 tracks I believe. I’m pro DAW but my drummer is very in favor of the Tascam. I feel they’re a bit limited in you can tweak on the unit but you can’t really dig in deep and punch in edits like a DAW. I think it’s just a personal preference on what you want it to do. For scratch practice tracks and new songs it’s great.

 

[Bassbubble11]

My band has been using one for years. We tried DAW's but the digital multitrack recorder just works better for us. I can see the benefits to all the editing capabilities of a DAW. We do use a DAW for mastering but thats it. We are using an older Korg D1600 that has served us well for years.
Heres a link to some of the recent stuff we recorded on it .: Link Removed

 

[Knavery]

Thanks for the great replies. I did not realize people still preferred them. I thought it was a bit like CDs where they're almost completely gone. I just never got used to DAWs and don't like sitting in front of my computer and playing. I'm already in front of it all day as a developer. For me, it's just to lay down some tracks at home. No band thingy...

 

[Wanker_Joe]

I still use them.

Personal stuff I use a VS-2400CD, and all of my bands' recordings since around 2005 have been on a Boss BR-1600CD. Both units are still going strong after a great many years of use. Only problem is it's getting harder and harder to find CD-Rs (the 2400 doesn't have USB to grab the tracks the BR1600's USB is borderline useless).
If somebody put out more modern version of the VS series of multitrack recorders utilizing a modern way to export the tracks out I would buy it in a heartbeat.

I'm already in front of it all day as a developer. For me, it's just to lay down some tracks at home. No band thingy...

Lol. I have exactly the same reasoning as to why I abhor opening up a computer screen when I get home from work. 8 hours a day in front of one is enough for me.

 

[Knavery]

I think I've settled on one. What do you think of this?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP008EX--tascam-dp-008ex-8-track-digital-portastudio

 

[Fight4Bottom]

They're in common use by sound guys in film production. Being able to record multiple tracks of high res digital audio during a shoot is a wonderful thing.

 

[diegom]

While I still love and use my Tascam DP-03, the thing that pisses me off is the fact that they removed MIDI sync capabilities. With the older ones, you could record all 8 tracks and sync to a MIDI keyboard workstation, without using any tracks. I could then mix the workstation output AND the multitrack to stereo on another recorder....
Ahhh... those were the days!

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I still use a multi track tape machine...8 tracks at a time, and the format will never die out.

 

[diegom]

I still use a multi track tape machine...8 tracks at a time, and the format will never die out.

Where can you buy tape these days?? 1/4" or 1/2"?

 

[OzzyGreg]

.
I've had one of these for a few years now. It's great!

 

[non]

i still have my tascam 4 track cassette unit from the 80's.

 

[garp]

I got into home recording just at the cassette multitrackers were falling out of favor. I ended up getting a pair of standalone digital multitrackers and still use them today, in addition to a DAW.

I think I've settled on one. What do you think of this? TASCAM DP-008EX 8-track Digital Portastudio

Looks cool. The only drawback I can see is that it doesn't come with an AC power supply, which would tack on another $35. Also, depending on how elaborate your productions are, 2GB (capacity of the included SD card) really isn't a lot of storage room. While you can certainly move stuff over to another external computer/drive via USB, you might consider getting a 32GB SD card (maximum capacity for this unit).

 

[Kickass]

I have used a Yamaha AW4416 for many years. 16 track digital, 44.1 or 48 kHz 16 - 24 bit sampling, Auto mix, flying faders, Midi. £2000 20 years or so ago. I used Adat link and a Yam O1v for extra inputs, and more recently a Focusrite LS56. Now use a iMac but plan to get the internal battery in the AW replaced and use it again... no latency!.

Good luck.

 

[tfer]

i still have my tascam 4 track cassette unit from the 80's.

Me too! Tascam 424.

But it hasn't had its power cord plugged in in about 15 years!