I would be really interested in learning more about the Roland. I've worked on and around PCs for the better part of 25 years and don't really trust them if I'm being honest. I'm liking Reaper better but even then if I hear a note where I'm playing off or rushing or something like that I keep wondering if it's really me or if the software was doing something.
(I say that because that's what Studio One was doing to me. I would record something, it would be terrible with my playing sometimes ahead but mostly way behind. A few times I did a quick recording of the exact same track into the Windows video recorder and it would be fine. So it wasn't my playing. It was something the software was doing.)
So I like the idea of a dedicated unit, especially one with a good reputation. But I'm curious how you get files out of it. It looks like it comes with a read/write CD. Does it also have the ability to render a WAV file to a memory stick or something like that? If it can do that it might just be perfect for me.
Thanks,,
Ben
I purchased a Roland VS1824 when they came out; it was a really expensive lesson on how NOT to record. Lots of reasons why, but one of the issues is the VS recorded in it's own proprietary format file structures. You had to go through a few hoops to get your work in wav format to be usable for anything else.
Here's a blurb from the Roland website to clue you about the extra steps needed:
"Using the bundled conversion software for Mac and PC, you can transfer V-Studio files to your computer desktop, where they can be converted to .WAV or AIFF format."
I REALLY disliked doing that.
I've been home recording for several years and can HIGHLY recommend the two-fold process of tracking on a dedicated recorder and then exporting tracks to a PC or Mac to do editing.
I have a Zoom R24 that I've used to live track a few different full bands to do CDs for and it works well. Zoom has a newer series of mixers that do live capture that are also being well received. Those are the Zoom Livetrak recorders, L-8, L-12, and L-20. Tascam also has a good recorder that is similar.
The dedicated recorders such as the Zoom and Tascam machines have usb ports and hook up directly to your computer and look like an external drive. Transferring tracks to your computer is quick and easy.
Whatever you choose, make sure you can record your tracks as 24 bit wav files. These make editing easy and you don't have to track at levels that risk occasional digital peak, an absolute no-no. Some of the lower end Tascams only record at 16 bit. Avoid that.
The are many advantages to tracking on a dedicated multitrack recorder. With the Zoom unit you can use a set of AA batteries and a set of headphones to track virtually anywhere. Try multi-tracking under a shade tree in the park with a PC...
Overdubbing is stupid-easy and there's NO latency delay issues... ever.
I purchased a Zoom R24 over a R16 because I only use condenser mics. The R24 has phantom power on 6 tracks, the R16 only provides phantom power for two.
For editing work you'll still need a PC or Mac. I use one of the widely available refurb PCs (I'm running an older one with Windows 7), a Mackie interface, and Presonus Eris 5 powered monitors. I highly recommend a good set of headphones, too. I have several sets, but my Beyerdynamic DT770s are so much better than any of the others that is all I use.
The dedicated PC makes things simple. Turn off any background programs, disable automatic updates, disable any networking, pull any wifi or internet access, etc. Do your work on this "quiet" machine and transfer any finished work to the internet by using a jump drive and a different computer for internet access.
