Greetings, all.
What would you recommend? I would like to make professional quality demos of myself singing and playing either guitar or piano. I might want to overdub a few harmonies or other instruments, but 4 tracks would probably be enough with bouncing (8 tracks would certainly be enough). I'm looking for an ultra-portable solution. My ideal setup would be something I could easily carry places on the subway: a portable recording device (probably hard-drive based), a pair of headphones, a pair of condensor mics, and mic stands and cables.
I need suggestions for the recording device: Does anyone have any experience with the following, or any other devices:
-Roland VS-880EX
-Roland VS-890
-Boss BR-1600CD
-Boss BR-1180
-Tascam 788 Digital PortaStudio
-Fostex MR-8
-Fostex VF80
I'd rather not, but I could use my laptop computer as part of the recording rig (I have a fast computer with a large HD; I teach computer science so I'm tech savvy). If I did this, what would be my options? I heard somewhere that I could get some kind of firewire device to record to my laptop, but I'm sceptical that even firewire could meet the throughput requirements.
Finally, I'd love some microphone suggestions. I'm a lyric baritone. Lately, I've been singing from the "Great American Songbook" (Gershwin, Porter, etc.). Sometimes, when I'm in the mood I cover rock artists such as Elvis Costello or Randy Newman. I primarily accompany myself on a 1930 Baldwin 6' grand piano. Sometimes I play a Martin acoustic or a stratocaster through a Mesa/Boogie amp. Currently, I own a SM-57, which I suppose I'll contine to use to mic the Mesa/Boogie. I'd like two quality condensor mics for my voice (#1) and my acoustic instrument, either piano or guitar (#2). The mics should be similar enough that I could use them as a stereo rig for capturing a live performance.
Sorry for the long post. I hope some of you might give me some suggestions.
Thanks,
Stephen
P.S. You can hear some of my stuff here:
http://cs-people.bu.edu/stevec/personal/acting.htm
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I used to use an AKAI-DPS12 back in the late 90's and I had an M
I used to use an AKAI-DPS12 back in the late 90's and I had an MPC2000. I liked using it but honeslty I dont see why you wont want to use your computer as a portable rig. Its lighter, far more flexible than any stand alone DAW. Plus since you are tech savvy you can configure the laptop correctly to record. And what you would spend on getting a stand alone DAW you can buy the necessary hardware/software for the laptop and come out with something more advanced than any stand alone DAW.
I tell you this because like I said before, I used to have a stand alone DAW and when I switched to computer based recording in 2000 I wont even look back at one. DAW's are nice and they get good results but I dont recommend getting one if you already have a laptop to build on.
BR1180cd The BR1180 is really great, it took me a while to make
BR1180cd
The BR1180 is really great, it took me a while to make things sounds really good after mixing and mastering but I got over small frunstrations and I'm now really pleased with my results... However, I do wish I had waited a couple weeks to buy it and spend a few hundred dollars more on the 1600.
Hope this helps. Take care!