Simple four track digital recording

[xixor]

Hi everyone,

I am curious if anyone has come across a relatively simple and inexpensive four track digital recorder? All the Boss, Zoom, Tascam digital recorders only do two track simultaneous recording. I am just interested in simultaneously recording from four inputs from band rehersals and live performances and then mixing on a computer.

Thanks,

[guitarsjb]

Can't think of any INEXPENSIVE ones that do more than 2, but hopefully someone else will chime in with an idea for you.
BTW..welcome aboard.

[hippietim]

define inexpensive

[Inazone]

It's going to be tough. Any chance you could have your computer in the room when you are playing? Your prospects for finding a solution would be much better then. Most of the inexpensive digital recorders are inexpensive because they don't have many inputs/preamps or other options.

[xixor]

Thanks for the replies.

Having a laptop in the room is a possibility, am trying to keep things as simple as possible. Perhaps a 4-track USB interface? I am hoping to be in the $200-$300 range, and will try the used market on craigslist/ebay. One thought I just had, would be finding something that would record two stereo tracks, but it looks like most digital recorders on the market record only 2 mono inputs.


Thanks again,

[wilkinsi]

the cheapest and most suitable usb interface i can find that will accomodate your 4 (or 4+) simultaneous inputs is the edirol ua101. it has 8 ins and outs. but at that budget, you're better off trying your luck on ebay. there are multi-track HD recorders that record 4+ inputs simultaneously, but rarely have direct outs to match that count, and are far more costly. the interface + laptop is a better idea, especially when you need to expand capabilities. hope this helps.

[Bert]

A used Akai DPS-12 or DPS-12i can sometimes be had for cheap, they do 6 analog + 2 digital simultaneous track recording. GREAT for multitracking a live band.

[wilkinsi]

i've got a roland vs1880 with similar capabilities. got it off ebay. i agree such a device is great for small live performances. but if money wasn't a problem, i'd buy myself a mac mini or laptop and edirol ua101 tho. most software packages are interactive/compatible, that the capabilities of a software based recording system are far superior to these all-in-one boxes. just my honest opinion.