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.

Songwriting and Recording at Home

The cool thing about being a songwriter today is the ability to record studio-quality songs in the comfort of your own home. Musicians are turning their computers (and even tablets) into full-fledged recording studios to create music that used to cost a fortune to make in professional studio settings. There are a number of ways this can be done, depending upon your budget and the level of quality you want to achieve.

I record some great stuff with my iPad, an iRig, and a couple of different recording apps. The process for me is pretty straightforward. I begin by writing my songs using either Songwriter HD or Notion (which allows me to notate music like Finale or Sibelius does on the computer), then I start laying down my tracks. The order depends. I might lay down a guitar part first, then the vocal. I'll mix those and then start adding the other parts, either by plugging into my iRig and playing or by using virtual instruments.

I like to keep my workflow as streamlined as possible. The least amount of software and hardware I can use to accomplish the task at hand. It's taken me a couple of years and a little money (my wife will tell you otherwise on the money part) to find the software, apps, and hardware that work best for my specific needs.

I'll be doing a series of posts in the upcoming weeks to discuss and review in detail some of the various music software, apps, and hardware I use for writing and recording. Hopefully my posts will help those of you who are struggling to find what you need to accomplish your own goals, and maybe my experiences can save you a little time and money in the process.

Some of the reviews I have planned are Finale, Finale Songwriter, Songwriter HD, Sony Acid Music Studio, Pro Tools, Notion, MusicStudio, the various iRig packages, and loop packages. Keep an eye out.