In previous posts, a number of members stated they preferred using a hard disk recorder (Yamaha, Zoom, Korg, etc) compared to software based recording on a computer.

It seems that some of the newer audio interfaces (Tascam US 122) work very well and eliminate much of the frustration reported with earlier attempts at recording with a computer.

If someone wants to start recording (mostly keyboard and a vocal track, what do you recomend - hard disk recorder or computer based systems?

Jim

dedicated recording studio use a computer. With a computer you get more tools, more power and more professional recording. But with that, more cost, more maintance, and more learning.

With a dedicated hardware, you will gain portability, ease of use and others.

I personally, recommend computer recording. If portability is desired, a laptop can be used.

Hello:

Each has it's good and bad sides....editing is very easy in the PC's, aldo you have to strugle a little making averything work in order, make sure you have at least 512 Megs of RAM, a fast processor like a P4 or Athlon, Durons and Celerons are NOT recomended for Audio recording, also, you need a large HDD that runs at 7200 RPM, that is in the PC, now your Midi/audio interface, like the U122, or if you check also the edirols, there are a lot of models/features.

The software, from Sonar, Cubase, Pro tools, etc....that will be your preference in user interface and budget....I use Sonar with my P4 at 2 gigs, 512 RAM, M-audio Quattro,etc.

The stand alone digital recorders are easy to record but when you get to editing is another theme, consider that everthing has a learning curve, so make sure that where wherever you buy your software/recorder, make sure you get product support, also depends if you are high tech oriented, push button happy, etc..
I hope this help you, best wishes and good luck.

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mdorantes

I vote for a hard disk recorder .

AW16G , BR1180 , .... Plug and play vs. Install and Learn . Upgrade , install etc...

Dano

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keyboardcity@yahoo.com
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A big drawback for progect studios and PC recorders is the noise generated from the fan in the tower. Hard disks spinning also can be picked up by mics.
I use hard disk dedicated units to avoid these issues because my entire strudio is in one room. I no longer have the flexibility of a separate envirnment for acoustic recording with sensitive mics.

Hard disk is whisper silent, and can be placed and transported anywhere. You can download to a pc later if you need more sophisticated editing, but most of the MTRs are very complete.

I use both and as mentioned, ease of use, hard disc hands down. For editing capabilities, more tracks and wider latitude pc. The coolest thing about pc recording is that to get the latest and greatest upgrades are generally under $300.00 (or free) to replace the h/d recorder as newer and cooler features come out can cost 10x's that much.
Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

Gotta vote with the Hard Disk too

If you do go computer based , I would start off not spending alot of money .
Cubasis 4.0 is a good value at $99.00 . Getting a good sound card is very important .Tascam or Edirol , 1/4 inputs and outputs w midi ports can be had for $180.00 .

Dano

The Tascam US 122 works well. I had been a fan of M Audios cards and they are good sounding, but their drivers are a nightmare and always caused me grief.

There are a few different softwares you should look at.

Sonar, Power Tracks Adobe Audition (formerly cool edit it does not record midi though.) Imyself am not a huge fan of Cubase, but others seem to like it well enough.
Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

Terry,

There are two cubase versions of the world: the VST version and the SX version. They are very much different and people are strongly divided about it. SX is the newer one and with the latest version of SX2, it is now winning the hearts of people. The only problem is that it requires a high end computer.