Recording

For the home studio, there are basically two different ways to record your music. The old method is the tried and true method of using some kind of multi-track recorder whether it be tape, disc, hard drive or other storage media based. The other, is recording to your computer, PC or Mac. There are many ways to do recording but since I only have experience with the above mentioned, and I'm no expert, I will only discuss what I have experienced myself.

Multi-track recorders are great. They offer the simplest and quickest way to record your songs. Take your instrument, plug it in to the recorder, hit record and start playing. When you're done with the first instrument, set your recorder to a different track, rewind the cassette, hit record and start playing the next instrument while listening to your first recording. My first multi-track recorder was the cassette based Tascam Porta 03 that I purchased for $149. It was great for recording rough drafts, but seemed to lack sound quality and features. But then it was perfect for getting started and being able to listen to something that I created instrument by instrument was truly a dream come true.  The Tascam Porta 03 is no longer made, but Tascam does offer an even less expensive 4 track that's great for the beginner and great for putting down quick ideas.  

 
Tascam MF-P01 4-Track Portastudio

From the Porta 03, I moved on to the Porta 07 that cost me $249.  I began recording like crazy.  The Porta 07 had the ability to sync to a midi device.  So began the drum machine search.  

Cassette is fine but going digital has it's appeal.  The first digital recording device I have is the Zoom PS-02.  This is a great portable recording device.  It allows you to record 3 tracks of digital audio on to a Smart Media card.  It also has a built in rhythm track where you can program the bass and the drums using their built in rhythms.  The only drawback that I have noticed is that you have to input some kind of rhythm measure to be able to record digital audio.  The Zoom also has built in effects.

Another similar device is Korg's PXR4.  It's basically the same type of device but it gives you 4 tracks of digital audio (although it's only mp2 format).  The rhythm section is not as detailed as the PS-02, but you can literally start recording just by plugging in and pressing record.  The Korg also has built in effects.  Nothing could be simpler.  

 
ToneWorks Pandora PXR4 4-Track Digital Recording Studio

The last recording studio in the under $500 price category is the Tascam Pocket Studio 5.  I haven't tried it yet but it might be worth a look.

 
Tascam Pocketstudio 5

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