Old School Meets New -- Digital Multi-track Recorders

I remember my first analog 4-track recorder. I saved forever to buy it. I was in heaven when I finally got it. I could record a voice and three instruments (an extra instrument if I played something while I sang). That was high technology, baby. A songwriter's dream. I was ready to write a song anytime, almost anywhere.

Today, with all the multi-track recording software available for computers and the multi-track recording apps available for tablets, I almost forgot about the physical multi-track recording device. I started looking at them recently and was happy to see how far they've come. The analog multi-track recorder has given way to the digital recorder, and there are many to choose from, depending upon your needs and your price range.

And no tape required.

These new digital multi-track recorders and mixers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from pocket size to full size recording studio consoles, and everything in between.

Start off with the Pocketraks by Yamaha. A handy little device for songwriters on the go. Built in tuner, metronome, external input, the ability to overdub by simply punching a button, marker editing, and recording presets to help get you started. You probably won't use one to record your next CD, but they're great for capturing rough demos and song ideas. For around $150.00, the Pocketrak is an affordable solution for beginning songwriters who happen to be on a budget.

Tascam, of course, makes a full range of digital multi-track recording devices and mixers ranging in price from around $400 to $3000, again depending upon your needs. Check out the Zoom series.

Digital multi-track recording software today comes with built -in loops, effects, and a range of tools that allow you to make recording studio quality music in your own own, from rough mix to finished product.

Guitar Center and Musician's Friend are both great places to shop online and do your research in one place. They both carry a full line of digital multi-track recording devices fro Cakewalk, Tascam, Korg, and Boss.

Whether you prefer to stick with your computer and multi-track software, you'd rather have a physical digital DAW, or you use both, there's something out there to meet your needs and fit your budget.

Making Music with the iPad and an iRig

I talked a little about this amazing setup in an earlier post, but only briefly touched upon the many possibilities. With your iPad and an iRig, capturing your music on the fly has never been easier or more convenient. Just plug you guitar or mic in, choose an amp head, some effects pedals, and let it rock.

There are several iRig products available from IK Multimedia. The guitar interface and the microphone rig are the most useful. The microphone even comes with a mic so you're ready to go, but you can use it with your own microphones as well. Both packages come with cool software and some great effects, and you can purchase a seemingly endless number of add-ons as you need them.

Using an iRig is easy, Plug your instrument and headphones into the iRig and the iRig into the iPad, and bingo, you're ready to lay down some hot tracks using your favorite recording studio app. I talked about a few of those in an earlier post. There are some decent choices available today in a variety of price ranges. Garage Band will do if your price range is free.

Now, when I talk about effects and amplifier heads, you guys and girls know what I'm saying. There are apps you can use with your iRigs (such as AmpliTube and VocaLive). Add these to Garage Band or any of your favorite DAW (digital audio workstation) apps and you have all the effects, instruments, and studio time at your disposal you'll need to record your tunes. With some of these tools and a little time, you can fine tune and distribute your stuff straight from the iPad.

How's that for technology? I come from a time when I got giddy with a four track studio machine. I could never afford a lot of effects at a time, so I had to get the best amp I could and choose between one or two effects pedals that I could get the most out of.  Now I'm a kid in a candy store, experimenting with so many great sounds and techniques  it makes my head spin.