Anyone use Digital Multi TRack Recorders?

[Psyre]

I am trying to decide what route I want to go for recording. I have an old mac with garageband/usb interface and an iPad 2 that I could get an iTrack solo interface to go with, but I am wondering if I would be more content with something like a Tascam DP-24.

[lizardville]

yamaha aw1600
and mix ITB
that´s the way I like it...

[cheesecats]

i used to use a tascam 246 portastudio cassette and a fostex r-8 reel, but i much prefer using the pc and software now. but this is a highly subjective issue--everyone works differently and has opinions about the creative process and sound quality etc.

[jrmy]

i used to use a tascam 246 portastudio cassette and a fostex r-8 reel, but i much prefer using the pc and software now. but this is a highly subjective issue--everyone works differently and has opinions about the creative process and sound quality etc.

Totally subjective, but I've worked on both and much prefer going directly to computer. To me, the interface design makes much more sense. But if you were used to tape multitracks, digital could work for you.

[01010111]

yamaha aw1600
and mix ITB
that´s the way I like it...

I use a Yamaha aw1600 too!

I like the multitrack recorders, but they have fairly steep learning curve. If you already have some experience with computer based recording why not just get a better interface/software? The only reason to go with the multitrack is if you're a Luddite and are scared of computers, or want to get a battery powered one for field recordings. The dp-004 is great for the latter btw.

If you're looking at getting a multitrack, though, the zoom hd16 has always looked pretty sexy to me.

[rfurtkamp]

I used tape (multitracks and reels) for 15+ years.

I treat the computer interface/DAW just like a big tape - I still use 10s of academy leader at the start of every track (which I trim off at editing process). I rarely, rarely go beyond 8 tracks. I don't slather in edits galore - literally use it just like an old tape machine, without the machine and the like. I didn't punch in much back in the day either, so it wasn't much of a big deal.

The main reason I wouldn't use a standalone at this point is it's going to go into the PC for mastering anyway, or if I'm collaborating with someone (almost always via the evil internets) it's going to be in a format my DAW handles without issue. And I can back up the masters easily, without being tied to anything specific - just export as wav files, put on external drive, mark drive with a piece of tape that says dates archived, stick in safe every few months, repeat.

Unless I was a massive luddite, I just don't see the point in not going computer-based. It's not like it used to be, bad sound quality, dodgy DAW choices, etc.

Now it's plug and rock.