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what do you like for quickly recording new music? the tascam dp-004 looks very menu-heavy, and i'm just looking for the easiest/quickest way to jot down ideas that doesn't sound awful and won't break the bank

I'd rock that Tascam all day long, and it looks very well priced, and I don't see many menus to worry about- most Tascam stuff is dead simple. $99 at musicians friend if you're in the US, what more could you ask
The only reason not to buy it is if you're looking for amp/ effect simulations- just plugging an electric guitar into that would sound... well, like a DI'd guitar. Combine the tascam with a second hand pocket POD for much lightweight demo-recording fun would be my choice.
I still rock my old Fostex MR8 sometimes- anything with a record button can be used for awesome demos.

Depends on your setup.

I use a desktop PC that's always on, rack and pedalboard hooked up full time.

Flip the switch on the Space Echo if I want it, tube amps if I want them (I leave the SS amps on fulltime), hit the phantom power to the mic in the iso cab (one switch), and I'm ready to roll.

A standalone unit wouldn't be faster for what I want it for and limit my options too much.

If I was travelling or something I'd just use a laptop with a basic interface.

rfurtkamp wrote:Depends on your setup.

If I was travelling or something I'd just use a laptop with a basic interface.

Yup, if you intend to just record yourself, then an interface with a mic or even straight into the interface would be the way to go. If you want to record band rehearsals a portable recording unit would be a better way to go. Although you could go either way for either situation.

If you have a music recording program on your computer or not is what's what. Without software don't get an interface, the software is mad expensive to just use as a notepad.