Songwriters like to put their ideas down on some type of media such as CD, Hard Drive, etc.Not so long ago it used to be some type of “magnetic tape” device such as a reel to reel or cassette.But now it’s all digital, and easier to record with less noise and higher quality.I will not go into great detail on this menu page, but I will cover a few things that you need to know about recording devices (mostly my opinion on the recorders that I own).
Since I own a very small mini 4-track digital recorder, a larger 24-track digital recorder, and have a small voice recorder on my Blackberry – I will describe the reasons for using these devices, and why I really need all three of them.As you will see, I have a specific purpose for each recorder.
The Voice Recorder
Ideas for songs can pop up at any time, and if you don’t record it quickly, you may not remember it.For example, when I am on my way home from work, and a song idea pops into my head, I usually cannot remember it by the time I get home.So I decided to purchase a small voice recorder for this.I couldn’t find one for less than $60.I just happened to get a new Blackberry; it has a Voice Recorder on it.I figured that the sound quality would be pretty crappy, but I gave it a test anyway.It worked out really well for what I needed it for.So I decided to save the $60, and use the Voice Recorder on the Blackberry.All I do is hum or sing the melody or verse into the recorder, and then when I get home, I play it back – and then save it as an “MP3” on my computer.
I highly recommend having a Voice Recorder ready and available to record those ideas that just pop up from time to time.You never know, it could be the melody you’ve been waiting for…
The Boss Micro BR Portable 4-Track Recorder
I also own a Boss Micro BR 4-Track unit.It is a little bit larger than an IPOD, but it is packed with all kinds of features.It is also being marketed as “The World’s Smallest Pro Studio.”This thing is really incredible.
It has the following features (and more):
4 Simultaneous Playback Tracks
32 Virtual Tracks (up to 32 tracks, 8 per each playback track)
Loads and Plays back MP3 files
Built in Tuner and Microphone.
Drum Tracks (293 Rhythm Patterns)
Dedicated Guitar Input
Multi-Effects
Sample Rate is 44.1 kHz
Time Stretch (for changing the tempo without changing the pitch)
USB port so you can move MP3 files back and forth to your PC
And lots more…
The main reason for using this portable device is because it is very convenient to use.It fits right in your guitar case so you can use it anywhere, at anytime (it runs on batteries also), and the sound quality is very impressive.Why do I use it? I use the Boss Micro BR unit mainly to record the chord progressions used on this website.I find a drum track, play a guitar progression, hand the recorder to the bass player, and finish the mix down wherever I happen to be at the time.It’s a very convenient piece of gear to have.I have also used it to record other people’s music a few times.After about an hour, I was very familiar with the unit, it is fairly easy to learn and use.Another reason I use the unit is to record my songwriting ideas.If I want to hear what my chord progression sounds like to a drum track – it’s available.A couple times, I was actually going through the drum tracks, and came up with ideas for songs.Weird, but that’s how it happened…
The Tascam PortaStudio 24 Track Recorder
I also own a Tascam 24 Track recording unit.It is perfect for making demos of your songs then burning the songs to CD.It is packed with all kinds of features. Tascam has been around forever, they make really good recording products.One word of caution is that although this unit is fairly easy to use, it will take a little time to learn all the bells and whistles (all the features).If you are just starting out with multi-track recording, you may want to spend some time learning some of the basics (just read the manual and experiment and you will be fine).
It has the following features (and more):
24 Track Recording
CDRW Drive to record your mixdown.
Loads and Plays back WAV files
Built in Metronome.
Drum Tracks ????
Dedicated Guitar Input
Multi-Effects for Vocals and Guitar
Sample Rate is 44.1 kHz / 24 bit
8 inputs (4-XLR with Phantom Power, 4-1/4 Mic/Line Inputs)
80GB Hard Drive
And lots more…
The main reason for using this 24 track device is because I always wanted a multi-track recorder for recording my songs – and it was about time to get one.What you have to understand is that the technology these days is getting to the point where studio quality demo’s can be achieved on these portable recorders.I am not saying that if you buy a Tascam 24 Track machine that you can start a recording studio; I am saying that you can make very high quality demos at CD quality.
Why do I use it?
I am starting to write songs again, and I needed something a little more powerful than the Boss unit to record on.I like having all the tracks, I like to separate as much as possible so if I need to change levels or re-record something – I can.I like to mixdown my ideas and burn it to the CD so I can listen to the songs in my car, etc.I could have purchased an 8 track or 16 track recorder, but my ego thought otherwise (the main reason I did get this 24 track was because I got a good deal on EBay for it – only $410).
What do you really need vs. What do you really want?
Look, I can tell you that all I really needed to do my demos is the Boss Micro BR, but having the 24 track is awesome because of the extra tracks.Do you really need a 24 track for what you are doing?Probably not.Did I need a 24 track for what I am doing? Not really.But, I can tell you that having the 24 track is very cool.It allows me to spend more time laying down tracks, and not overdubbing and using virtual tracks (this takes time cause you have to get the mix levels right the first time).So it’s all up to what you need it for?Can you afford it?And sometimes, will your wife allow you to get one?If you are planning to buy an 8 track or 16 track unit, I say you might as well go for the 24 track (just my opinion).
What can you expect to pay?
Voice Recorder – should be at no charge if you have one on your Cell Phone or Blackberry.If you don’t have one on your Blackberry, they can cost anywhere from $45 - $120 for a decent one.
Sony Model
Line 6 Model
Pocket Record
Boss Micro BR Recorder – This unit is here to stay, it is the ultimate palmtop guitar companion and recording studio.Don’t pay anymore than $220 - $245 for a new one. You can most likely get one off EBay for about $120.You really can’t beat that price for a recording unit that is this powerful.
8 / 16 / 24-Track Recorders – These units are awesome.I say, if you’ve always wanted one of these, you should go for it. Before you purchase one, find out how many tracks you can record at the same time - just because it has 16 tracks, doesn't mean it can record 16 tracks at the same time...do your research before you buy.
* 8-Tracks - Don’t pay anymore than $255 - $375 for a new one. You can most likely get one off EBay for about $165 - $185.
* 16-Tracks - Don’t pay anymore than $385 - $625 for a new one. You can most likely get one off EBay for about $275-$345.
* 24-Tracks - Don’t pay anymore than $525 - $875 for a new one. You can most likely get one off EBay for about $425 - $615.
Conclusion
It’s one thing to write a song, but it’s another thing to be able to record the song and then listen back to it.Allow others to listen to your songs – so you have someone to provide you with some feedback.Multi-track recorders allow you to experiment with ideas, and create the music you want others to hear.Both the Boss unit and the Tascam unit mentioned above are great for creating demos and making CD’s of your songs (so you can send them out to Record Companies, or to songwriting contests, etc).
There’s nothing like writing songs, but it’s much better when you are able to share the songs with others (so go out and get you a multi-track recorder, what are you waiting for?).
Recording Devices 
