Howdy, I have a Fostex MR-8 that I have been using for about a year. During that time I've recorded on it about 15 times. Not too many times really and I am still experimenting with it :-? I don't get a very good overall sound from it. Kind of hissy and cheap sounding. Is this just the nature of this beast? Even going direct I really just want a decent guitar (direct), Bass (direct), vocals, SM88 (Lline/mic). I dont even have drums but I still get my ideas down and like that. Just wondering if I may be doing anything "fundamentally" wrong or am I just mentally wrong?

By the way, thank you to all who answer here, even if it is not my question being answered the information is great to know.