Hard Disk Recorders

Billy Woo · Post by **Billy Woo** » 12 Mar 2003 1:57 pm

I'm looking for comments, advice, comparisons on the current crop of HDR'S currently on the market, so far Mackie has a nice unit called MDR 24/96 with (3) different models also wanted to know if the other brands measure up such as, Roland VS2480, AlesisHD24, Akai Dps24HD and Tascam 2424. Roughly these units go for $1500 to 2500.00 new, Finally Im used to recording Analog without the computer set-up and dont know if I can handle the volumes of manuals to master the computer science end of recording?? Help anyone??

Jay Ganz · Post by **Jay Ganz** » 12 Mar 2003 2:38 pm

Definitely check out the KORG D1600.
The effects are top notch, preamps do a
great job & it's touch screen makes
it easier to use than the others. You
don't have to scroll thru all kinds of
menus to get to where you want to go.
They even come with an instructional video
if you need it. They come standard with
40 GB hard drive & CD burner included.
They're running around $1400. I was also
used to analog recording, but this unit
is real nice.

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Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 12 Mar 2003 3:00 pm

Billy,
I have been using a Yamaha 2816 for almost 2 years now. I like it because I can record, mix, master, and burn a CD on the same unit.

It will definitely suck your brains out trying to make it do what you want. Manual looks like the Houston Yellow pages!

So, I can either learn to play steel, OR learn how to do digital recordings.

Keep it simple man.

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 12 Mar 2003 3:03 pm

Billy,
I guess it depends on how many channels you need....The Korg unit that Jay talks of is a very nice unit...Tascam makes the 788 which is also a nice unit...I'm using an Akai DPS24 that is a pleasure to work with ...It's got a real pro sound and effects and all built right in...I am also a member of a DPS24 group that has to be the friendliest group on the internet...Very informative, and a great bunch in general...We all got together and wrote a "Startup Guide" ...So we all work together as a group....You can do everything from tracking to mixing, to a final mastering CD ..They have dropped in price conciderably since I bought mine...They're between $2600-$3,000 now
Again, they are full 24 track with very high resolution recording....Good Luck....Jim

ajm · Post by **ajm** » 12 Mar 2003 7:29 pm

I'm probably one of the most computer illiterate people I know. When I first looked at a Tascam 788 I was scared because I'm old school and wanted knobs for everything (EQ, effects send, etc.).

I bought one and it may be the best pieces of musical gear that I've ever gotten. It is very easy to get around on once you get going. There are things that I have used on it that at one time I'd have sworn that I'd never touch. The only complaint that I have right now is that I only have 8 simultaneous tracks. (Of course, at one time I'd have sworn that I'd never even use up all 8 for any one song.)

It sounds like you are looking for something with more tracks, etc. I would assume that the Tascam 2424 would be very easy to learn as well. Tascam has a pretty good web site with lots of info and bulletin boards about their products.

I have heard several rubs against the Roland machines. Mostly that the documentation is poor and they're difficult to learn. However, there are lots of guys who like them (several on this here forum). I have also heard that their on board effects are pretty good, both the regular reverbs and such as well as the guitar modeling stuff. I don't know much about any of the other brands.

Two things to watch when comparing machines:
1) How much on board space is there for recording? How big is the hard drive? Can you swap it out for a bigger one?

2) How do you back up your work? If it is to a CDR(W), is it built into the machine? If not, do you have to use that particular manufacturers' model or can you use a different one?

Dave Boothroyd · Post by **Dave Boothroyd** » 13 Mar 2003 12:25 am

WE use a Tascam 2424 in one of our studios.
Before we got it, I was used to a DA88 set up. I found that apart from a few problems getting multi-track data off it to take to Post-prod - it's not quite as simple as ejecting a tape and walking off with it!- I had nothing new to learn.
Cheers
Dave

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 13 Mar 2003 7:19 am

I've got the Roland VS2480. It has the complete control surface with automated faders, and also allows you to plug in a monitor (mine is a 15" flat screen LCD) and mouse. I can do every function on screen with the mouse, including editing. I have the Roland rack mount CD. The 2480 has auto-mix and all the mastering tools. The deciding factor for me was, the great forum called www.vsplanet.com made the difficult learning curve soooooooo much easier and continues to be my main help resource.You can definitly get pro results with this machine. Good luck.

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 13 Mar 2003 7:33 am

I've got chime in on the Roland VS series. I've got a VS1680 I've had for a couple of years. It's trouble free, sounds good, portable, and the 1680's and 1880's are very affordable used. I also like the PC based systems and stand-alone HD recorders, but the all in one box appealed to me.

The manual isn't great, but the VSplanet forum Chris mentioned is way better than any manual anyway.

Billy Woo · Post by **Billy Woo** » 13 Mar 2003 10:11 am

This is a great turn-a-round "Well of Information", Thanks guys and keep 'em coming, I am concerned with technical support for the machine but also I'd like to get something reliable and good sounding, I went to West LA music last night and the rep was split 50/50 on the Mackie HDR24/96 vs, Tascam 2424(which had more editing capabilities) Lot of info here and Im grateful for all of your help, you too, Artie..

Billy Woo · Post by **Billy Woo** » 13 Mar 2003 10:19 am

By the way, does anyone have the Mackie 24/96?? I realize there are (3) models being HDR, MDR and finally SDR. I was told the HDR is top of the line with more editing options, the MDR is the middle of the road model (also cheaper) and the SDR is stricly for"Live music" recording basically for tracking thus being a 'B' or 'C' unit for a multi track recording studio..

Steve Stallings · Post by **Steve Stallings** » 13 Mar 2003 11:53 am

I've got the HD24 from Alesis and it is a fantastic machine. You can check out my setup at www.brazosaudio.com

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God Bless,
Steve Stallings

www.thenightshiftband.net

chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 13 Mar 2003 8:27 pm

If you are going to be burning a CD and you plan on using 24 bits for the recording, you want the clock to be 88.2 and not 96 it will help the conversion down to 16/44.1

Alan Kirk · Post by **Alan Kirk** » 15 Mar 2003 11:33 am

Chas:

Could you please elaborate on your statement: "If you are going to be burning a CD and you plan on using 24 bits for the recording, you want the clock to be 88.2 and not 96 it will help the conversion down to 16/44.1"

Is this because 88.2 is twice 44.1 and that somehow makes the dithering down work better?

Thanks.

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chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 15 Mar 2003 12:23 pm

Alan, that's what Kevin Grey, a mastering engineer, told me. He said the the conversion from 88.2 to 44.1 would be more accurate than 96 to 44.1 because of the math.