Rick,
That sounds like a good idea. Let's throw this in the ring and see what everyone else has to say and suggest. Everybodie, disscuss.. (he says in his best impression of "Linda Richmond")

Originally posted by Kurt Foster:
Everybodie, disscuss.. (he says in his best impression of "Linda Richmond")

:D Thanks, now I feel all Verklept...

--Mike,..oh I mean..

--Rick

Great idea. Kind of like a Roll Your Own Daw over at ProRec.

But I worry that pitfalls abound and flame wars could start on this topic.

Perhaps nailing down some assumptions will help, given the various strong feelings about what constitutes the lowest level quality equipment, room, etc..

What is a beginner? Someone soley pursuing a commercial professional studio recording work? Or can we say a beginner is anyone who wants to have a home studio to produce home grown commercial cd's, at any level of professionalism?

To me, this question strikes at the heart of the indended audience of this board, especially given Kurt and Ethan's recent thread regarding good rooms, newbies, the advent of poorer quality recordings and less experienced engineers, 'lazy gear' etc..

As a weekend warrior, non commercial "engineer", can I hope that the end result of the ROBOT will be usefull to me? Or should I just bow out now since the assumption behind the board is to educate those pursuing commercial studio careers?

I don't mind either way, I just thought I'd raise the issue and ask the question. I have some thoughts for the home studio guy/record my garage band guy, if this is one type of person you're aiming for with the ROBOT. Otherwise I'll be happy to drool over the equipment list. :)

Even if guys like me are not the targeted audience for the ROBOT, I still suggest nailing down some assumptions of what a beginner is, or even specifying different kits for different applications. Not all pro-bound engineers will be targeting the same applications (live production, stage, classical, studio, etc).

just my thoughts.

ted

Originally posted by TedB:

What is a beginner?

:) Ted, good question, and I will attempt to define a RAW beginner.

"A beginner (re: recording audio) is a person who has a concept of music, maybe even performs music. Can make some observations of what things are, like the difference between a speaker and a microphone. Other than that, knows absolutely nothing else, with the exception of having a desire to learn more."

Rather than lump every "non-pro" in the same category, though they may be beginners, they may have far more experience then what I am defining. Like Algebra 1 vs. Calculus A/B. Though an experienced beginner may benefit from the use of ROBOT in the same way.

So, no, I only make a distinction on those who are truly at the beginning stage, out of the cold and off the street, with a desire to enter the field that can be assured that this proposed kit will contain what is needed to cover all the concepts.

In fact, Ted, your question is a great one.
:tu:

--Rick

Originally posted by Rick Hammang:
Thanks, now I feel all Verklept...

That would be verklempt! lol

Being a jew and all grew up with a yiddish speaking grandmother! Kvetch...kvetch..kvetch

Opus :D

:) Thanks Opus, I could only use the way it sounded on the box. When using a combination of a buried mic and over head boom on a set, the slight mmm sound could easily be cut via the gate or lost in the limiters recovery time, both via live from NY or your local affiliate, and of course the AGC in your VCR, or TV.

However, having attended many a Bar Mitzvah, wedding party's, and Passover dinners, I never heard the word actually spoken. I learned to play by ear, so now I know. hee hee. Clint say's "Nag... Nag... Nag" At least I hope I got that right. :D

--Rick

I think nag is an understatement when you are talking about a jewish grandmother! :D

Hey, Rick! Fantastic idea. We should target a budget cap for this project so that anyone who can afford a quality instrument can also afford the kit. I'm thinking somewhere in the $1000-$1500 range.
That's figure is in beaverbucks from this canuck.

Maybe even a step by step approach. ie: Lets start by figuring out the best mic for the dollar, then move into best pre, best recording format, and a modest budget for acoustic treatments.

I'll start the debate here. I think that an economical condenser might be a good choice for a starter kit, here's why.
I guess it will depend on the recordist in question, but I'm going on the assumption here that our first example will be a singersongwriter.
Single instrumentalist with vocals. Something like a rode nt1 would be perfect for vox, and acoustic guitar.
An economical mike with a good sound.

Next?

... Wow. Money is rather tight around where I live, but if this takes off with the right pace, I could volunteer myself as a guinea pig. Always been wanting to take that leap from fooling around with mixing and playing around with FX to actually recording and producing stuff.

I love this idea!
I guess this kit will be for recording audio... with one or two mics?
And while we're on a tight budget....
Let's put in some great buget tips like " How to use your bathroom as an echo-chamber"
and " Great vocals with your mouth close to your mother's old nylon stockings" :D

:) Tore, I agree, 2 mics, and suggest a dual channel pre with DI's. The extent of available effects is a consideration for whatever software will be chosen. Or it could be a stand alone inline unit. I prefer a fresh pair of taoupe hose. :D

--Rick

I'm a complete beginner to recording, but I'm an accomplished musician (40 years), and a computer expert (my line of business).

I'm not much interested in sitting home in making multi-track overdubs of myself. My interest is live performance recording with multiple micing.

I've accumulated a small collection of SM57, SM58, and electret condensor mics. Hope to grab an AT4040 if eBay is kind to me. My interface is the Aardvark Q10 into a hot rod DAW I'm currently building for it. If it works out well, I'll add a 2nd Q10 to the rack.

I found RM's drum micing technique to be exactly what I'm looking for. I would like to find similar lessons on using Sonar, effects, EQ, etc for DAW multi-tracking and mixing.

Aha....Rick... software.. So we're talking about PC-DAW now? ( I thought that we were talking about stand-alone-DAW) In that case it would be nice to see what software you should go for... Anyone tried the "Magix Music Maker"? Or should we stick to whatever software-bundle that goes with the soundcard?
Well, I think that the upgrading potential of a PC-based DAW, that's the way you should go. But 1000-1500 $ is way too tight if you're buying a PC too.

Originally posted by Tore member of Park:
Aha....Rick... software.. So we're talking about PC-DAW now?...

:) If it is a stand alone, then which unit? That could also eliminate the need for the preamps. This unit, small HD recorder and burner, may be just the ticket. But, inevitably PC/Mac based systems are going to enter the picture. The idea in my head was to pass along the card and software with the kit. But then, we are looking at computer literate individuals that have access. It is hard to maintain the bare minimum concept approach here isn't it?

bgavin , you are hardly what I consider a beginner. Perhaps a beginner at live performance capture. I am trying to construct ROBOT on the premise that the individuals are at the "recording 101" stage. Open your books to page one please!
What is sound? etc.

The idea of a uniform system makes it much easier to help troubleshoot and answer questions on it's use. With some time in implementation, just about everyone will know how it is supposed to function.

--Rick

Well, even if computers are the future I think that stand-alone units would be a better choice for the absolute beginner.

I sold my old Tascam 488 portastudio a few days weeks ago... I had to try it out to see that everything was ok before I sold it. I plugged in my guitar and recorded a few tracks... and it was amazing how fast and easy it was to work with it.

I think that it should be a system that can work like that. Real faders and so on... that "physical" response that you get by just moving real faders is just great!
An 8-chanel system would be enough for this.

I kindof agree here with Tore.

After doing nothing but PC-based recording for 5 years, I got the Korg D1200 for queiter, portable recording.

It has changed my attitude towards pc-based recording. Give me that tabletop unit to record with and my pc to mix/add synths with.

I only want to use a keyboard and mouse for mixing and midi. The faders, knobs, buttons and dials even on these cramped surfaces kicks the daylights out of having to use a mouse and keyboard.

But this strikes to the "application" issue: for someone recording live performance, tabletops are great. For someone doing electronica, PC's are best.

I have a Korg D1600 that i use for recording outside of our studio - and also for the quickie recordings we do of our practices.... just to establish baselines for our songs....

And i have to tell you that i have never had a complaint with it.......

It isn't the same as free standing gear - but the effects are workable - the ability to use virtual tracks to add something to the song (if i have used all 8 inputs) and then the ability to do a final stereo mix and burn cd's all in the one piece of gear makes it worth the cost for me.

I would reccomend this to anyone.......

Happy Hunting

Rod

I have a roland vs-840gx. Very handy, easy to use, and the quality isnt bad. Problem being the cost of such a unit. I would think software and a soundcard would be less expensive. Yamaha makes a soundard with a spdif input that retails in canada for $50. It would be fine for a beginner, I know because I own one. It's obviously not as good as my audiowerk 8 card, but it's damn good for the buck.

A program like cooledit, acid pro, or even logic would keep us within a budget and leave room for a 2ch pre with a spdif out, and a mic.

What do ya think?

Steve,

The Roland is a nice piece of equipment, and maybe for my next stand alone i'll look hard at it (i just love new toys) :D :D :D

But the price is about 3,800 US right now - for 16 channel inputs......

The D1600 can be bought for about 1,150 US right now with 8 direct inputs...... and i think you would be hard pressed to set up a computer that you could do a simultaneous 8 track recording for that kind of money.

The D1200 is 4 track simultaneous for 950 US - and both have Cd burners for the final product.

I think (IMHO) that for a beginner's DAW these are pretty good deals.

Rod

Originally posted by Rick Hammang:
bgavin , you are hardly what I consider a beginner. Perhaps a beginner at live performance capture.

I've got the 'what is sound thing' down OK, but I just passed 'what is a bus' with an acceptable grade.

I'll hang out here to sweep floors and grovel politely for knowledge. RM's tutorial on drum micing works well for me. Those real-world examples are what I'm looking to learn.

:D

Such a deal this ROBOT thing! I can see the logic in this! Oy! Say goodbye to the Yiddish Blues, Sadie!!

[ August 18, 2003, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: Lee Tyler ]

If they will be doing drums, i think they would need at least four mics. Two Oktava MC012's for overheads, an SM57 for snare,and an AT Pro25 for kick. Add a large diaphragm condenser for vocals- maybe a C1 or some sort of Marshall? That's about $500 out of the budget right now.

Now we need a small mixer with at least eight mic preamps. Mackie or Soundcraft maybe. Oops- I've blown the whole budget already and haven't even bought software yet!

That's always been my problem - never could stick to a budget!

Great Rick!!!

How about limiting it to the "front end"? Just mics, pres, DIs and dynamic processors and the techniques for using them. Keep it around US$1,000.00. This would apply to all recording formats and keep us out of the quagmire of getting into specific formats.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rod Gervais:
[QB] Steve,

The Roland is a nice piece of equipment, and maybe for my next stand alone i'll look hard at it (i just love new toys) :D :D :D

But the price is about 3,800 US right now - for 16 channel inputs......

I wasn't aware of us pricing, however I dont think that a 16 input machine would fall into the category of "a beginner setup".(intermediate maybe)
The roland 840gx is a 64 track machine with 4 inputs. I have recorded drums into it quite sucessfully, and you can get one in canada for about $600 used or 800 new.
It has built in processing, decent editing capabilities, and the roland R-bus connector which allows it to be connected to a computer via scsi and broadcast 8ch simultaneously. For this you have to spend about 300 on a roland soundcard.
E-magic logic audio has been designed for roland compatability.
The way I see it a four input unit in itself is more than enough for the beginner. I am not aware of the added features of the units you mentioned.
Please let us know what you like about yours.
Steve.

Steve,

this will give you an idea of the built-in effects of the D12 or D1600, but it only touches the surface actually......

Reverb 7
I001 RV1 ReverbHall Reverb Hall HALL
I002 RV2 SmoothHall Smooth Hall SmtHall
I003 RV3 WetPlate Reverb Wet Plate WPlate
I004 RV4 DryPlate Reverb Dry Plate DPlate
I005 RV5 ReverbRoom Reverb Room ROOM
I006 RV6 BrightRoom Bright Room BrRoom
I007 RV7 ER Early Reflection ER
Delay 6
I008 DL1 L/C/R Delay L/C/R Delay LCRDly
I009 DL2 St/X.Delay St/Cross Delay StDly
I010 DL3 St.MtapDelay St.Multitap Delay MtDly
I011 DL4 St.ModDelay St.Modulation Delay ModDly
I012 DL5 St.DynaDelay St.Dynamic Delay DyDly
I013 DL6 AutoPanDelay St.Auto Panning Delay PanDly
Modulation 7
I014 MO1 St.Chorus St.Chorus Chorus
I015 MO2 St.Flanger St.Flanger Flangr
I016 NO3 St.Phaser St.Phaser Phaser
I017 MO4 St.Vibrato St.Vibrato Vibrat
I018 MO5 St.Tremolo St.Tremolo StTrml
I019 MO6 St.AutoPan St.Auto Pan AutPan
I020 MO7 Ensemble Ensemble Ensmbl
Dynamics 7
I021 DY1 St.Comp St.Compressor StComp
I022 DY2 St.Limiter St.Limiter StLimit
I023 DY3 MBandLimiter Multiband Limiter BnLimit
I024 DY4 St.Gate St.Gate StGate
I025 DY5 St.Exciter St.Exciter/Enhancer StExctr
I026 DY6 St.Decimator St.Decimator Decim
I027 DY7 St.P4EQ St.Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
Special Effects 4
I028 SE1 St.RingMod St.Ring Modulator RingMd
I029 SE2 Doppler Doppler Dopplr
I030 SE3 AnalogRecord St.Analog Record Record
I031 SE4 TalkingMod Talking Modulator TalkMd
LargeSizeEffect7
I032 LS1 St.G7EQ St.Graphic 7band EQ G7EQ
I033 LS2 St.MBLimiter St.Multiband Limiter SBnLmt
I034 LS3 Vocoder Vocoder Vocodr
I035 LS4 StPitchShift St.Pitch Shifter StPitch
I036 LS5 ER_Large Early Reflections L ER-L
I037 LS6 RotarySpeakr Rotary Speaker RotSP
I038 LS7 CntrCancellr Center Canceller Canclr
Guitar Multi 13 EFF1 EFF2 EFF3 EFF4 EFF5
I039 GT1 GuitarMulti1 Guitar Multi1 Dist NR Cho/Fl S.Dly
I040 GT2 GuitarMulti2 Guitar Multi2 Wah Dist NR Delay
I041 GT3 GuitarMulti3 Guitar Multi3 Dist NR AmpSim CabRes Delay
I042 GT4 GuitarMulti4 Guitar Multi4 Comp P4EQ AmpSim Cho/Fl S.Dly
I043 GT5 GuitarMulti5 Guitar Multi5 Wah Comp P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
I044 GT6 GuitarMulti6 Guitar Multi6 Comp P4EQ Pitch Delay
I045 GT2 StackWah Guitar Multi2 Wah Dist NR Delay
I046 GT4 Clean Guitar Multi4 Comp P4EQ AmpSim Cho/Fl S.Dly
I047 EB1 CleanChorus Bass Multi 1 Comp Exctr P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
I048 GT4 SemiClean Guitar Multi4 Dist NR Tone AmpSim
I049 GT5 HalfTone Guitar Multi5 Wah Comp P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
I050 GT6 Detune Guitar Multi6 Comp P4EQ Pitch Delay
I051 GT6 12string Sim Guitar Multi6 Comp P4EQ Pitch Delay
Amp Simulator 4
I052 AS1 Amp-Stack Amp Simulator1 NR AmpSim CabRes Cho/Fl S.Dly
I053 AS2 Vox-Tremolo Amp Simulator2 NR AmpSim CabRes Treml Delay
I054 AS3 Amp-Phaser Amp Simulator3 NR AmpSim CabRes Phaser Delay
I055 AS1 Amp-SS Amp Simulator1 NR AmpSim CabRes Cho/Fl S.Dly
PreAmpSimulator 5
I056 PA1 PreAmpSim Pre Amp Simulator Dist NR Tone AmpSim
I057 PA1 RockLead Pre Amp Simulator Dist NR Tone AmpSim
I058 PA1 Blues Pre Amp Simulator Dist NR Tone AmpSim
I059 PA1 SeattleLead Pre Amp Simulator Dist NR Tone AmpSim
I060 PA1 Crunch Pre Amp Simulator Dist NR Tone AmpSim
Bass Multi 3
I061 EB1 BassMulti1 Bass Multi1 Comp Exctr P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
I062 EB2 BassMulti2 Bass Multi2 Dist NR Filter Delay
I063 EB3 BassMulti3 Bass Multi3 Comp P4EQ Gate
ProgNo Categ ProgramName Algorithm EFF1 EFF2 EFF3 EFF4 EFF5 Mode
Mic Multi 1
I064 MS1 MicMulti Mic Multi CabiRes MicSim Comp
Vocal Multi 4
I065 VO1 Vocal Multi1 Vocal Multi1 Comp Exctr Pitch S.Dly
I066 VO2 Vocal Multi2 Vocal Multi2 NR DeEss P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
I067 EB1 RockVocal Bass Multi1 Comp Exctr P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
I068 EB1 VocalDouble Bass Multi1 Comp Exctr P4EQ Cho/Fl S.Dly
Mono-Mono 40 EFF 1 EFF 2
I069 MM1 P4EQ-Exciter P4EQ-Exciter P4EQ Excit1
I070 MM2 P4EQ-Wah P4EQ-Wah P4EQ Wah
I071 MM3 P4EQ-Cho/Fln P4EQ-Cho/Flng P4EQ ChFl1
I072 MM4 P4EQ-Phaser P4EQ-Phaser P4EQ Phaser
I073 MM5 P4EQ-MtDelay P4EQ-Mt.Delay P4EQ Mt.Dly
I074 MM6 Comp-Wah Comp-Wah Comp2 Wah
I075 MM7 Comp-AmpSim Comp-AmpSim Comp2 AmpSim
I076 MM8 Comp-OD/HiG Comp-OD/HiG Comp1 ODHiG
I077 MM9 Comp-P4EQ Comp-P4EQ Comp1 P4EQ
I078 MM10 Comp-Cho/Fl Comp-Cho/Flng Comp2 ChFl1
I079 MM11 Comp-Phaser Comp-Phaser Comp2 Phaser
I080 MM12 Comp-MtDly Comp-Mt.Delay Comp2 Mt.Dly
I081 MM13 Exctr-Comp Exciter-Comp Excit2 Comp1
I082 MM14 Exctr-Limtr Exciter-Limiter Excit2 Limitr
I083 MM15 Exctr-Ch/Fl Exciter-Cho/Flng Excit2 ChFl1
I084 MM16 Exctr-Phasr Exciter-Phaser Excit2 Phaser
I085 MM17 Exctr-MtDly Exciter-Mt.Delay Excit2 Mt.Dly
I086 MM18 Limitr-P4EQ Limiter-P4EQ Limitr P4EQ
I087 MM19 Limtr-Ch/Fl Limiter-Cho/Flng Limitr ChFl2
I088 MM20 Limtr-Phasr Limiter-Phaser Limitr Phaser
I089 MM21 Limtr-MtDly Limiter-Mt.Delay Limitr Mt.Dly
I090 MM22 OD/HG-Ch/Fl OD/HiG-Cho/Flng ODHiG ChFl1
I091 MM23 OD/HG-Phasr OD/HiG-Phaser ODHiG Phaser
I092 MM24 OD/HG-MtDly OD/HiG-Mt.Delay ODHiG Mt.Dly
I093 MM25 OD/HG-AmpSm OD/HiG-AmpSim ODHiG AmpSim
I094 MM26 Wah-AmpSim Wah-AmpSim Wah AmpSim
I095 MM27 Deci-AmpSim Decimator-AmpSim Decima AmpSim
I096 MM28 Decima-Comp Decimator-Comp Decima Comp1
I097 MM29 Ch/Fl-MtDly Cho/Flng-Mt.Delay ChFl2 Mt.Dly
I098 MM30 Phasr-Ch/Fl Phaser-Cho/Flng Phaser ChFl2
I099 MM31 Amp-Tremolo AmpSim-Tremolo AmpSim Treml
I100 MM32 Reverb-Gate Reverb-Gate Reverb Gate
I101 MM33 MicSim-Lmtr MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I102 MM33 MicSim57/87 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I103 MM33 MicSim57/47 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I104 MM33 MicSm57/451 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I105 MM33 MicSm57/414 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I106 MM33 MicSim57/20 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I107 MM33 MicSm57/421 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
I108 MM33 MicSim57/55 MicSim-Limiter MicSim Limitr
Mono-Mono 20 EFF1
I109 MN1 OD/HiGain OverDrive/HighGain ODHiG
I110 MN2 Compressor Compressor2 Comp2
I111 MN3 Limiter Limiter Limitr
I112 MN4 Gate Gate Gate
I113 MN5 Exciter Exciter2 Excit2
I114 MN6 P4EQ Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I115 MN7 AmpSim AmpSimulator AmpSim
I116 MN8 Mt.Delay Multitap Delay Mt.Dly
I117 MN9 Cho/Flng Chorus/Flanger2 ChFl2
I118 MN10 Phaser Phaser Phaser
I119 MN11 Expander Expander Expndr
I120 MN6 LoBoost Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I121 MN6 LoCut Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I122 MN6 MidBoost Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I123 MN6 MidCut Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I124 MN6 HiBoost Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I125 MN6 HiCut Parametric 4band EQ P4EQ
I126 MN2 PowerPop Compressor2 Comp2
I127 MN2 Dance Compressor2 Comp2
I128 MN2 Rock Compressor2 Comp2

Rod

:D :D
Rod:
Am I to understand you're saying you like....the fx? :D :D

What about editing stuff? What I don't like about the roland is that there is a minimum length for cut and paste. When I try to do a small edit I always have blank space on each end.
Also, It would be a good feature for these to have a variable crossfade.
I am not trying to imply that these are beginner featueres, but it would be good to dabble in before the novice moves up to the next step.

Steve,

you can edit with this thing in .001 second intervals (pretty invisable) you have 4 different settings for fade curve and can cross fade within the in-out settings - you can do this for individual tracks or simultaneously for multiple or all tracks........

Each analog input and mixer channel has its own high and low shelving EQ, plus adjustable-frequency mid EQ. The D1600 has separate EQs for the inputs and the mixer, assuring that the EQ settings for recording remain distinct from those set for playback.

The effects section of the D1600 consists of multiple effects processors, providing 192 preset and 192 user effect programs. In every song, you can assign up to 8 insert effects, plus 2 masters and a final processing effect.

Fader, EQ, pan, and effects can be stored in a scene, and up to 100 scenes can be stored for each song.

You have copy, insert, and paste functions, can set 4 locate points and up to 100 mark points per song, have edit tools can help you polish your tracks even further. For example, you can swap audio regions – or all data in tracks – with other tracks, plus you can Reverse, Optimize, Normalize, Fade In or Out, or Expand/Compress track data. The Undo and Redo functions give you up to 99 levels of undo.

It operates with a touch screen for operations - is relatively intuitive and even someone as dumb as me can operate it without blowing it up - hell - it's idiot proof.

Great for a beginner to learn on - and decent enough to take to a club to catch your act..... I do that with it all the time......

I do not think you could duplicate this for the cost with a computer system and add-ons......

Rod

The only other questions I have about this would be:
A) Does it have a burner, or a way to output to a computer to burn a disc?
B) A friend of mine had a korg unit, maybe not the same one, but it had limitations to the memory. The roland has a 250mb zip drive. Does the korg have the same thing?

Finally to bring things back on topic, uncle bob suggested we stay away from a recorder, and focus on front end. That may be best, or we could instead come up with a list of features to look for in a recorder, and the purchaser can compare those features with the products available in hisher area.

If we think this is a good approach, then I'll make some suggestions to start off.
I will take it for granted that preamp, mixer, compression, and at least reverb are included with each of these units.
Midi ports would also be useful to keyboard players, or individuals who might later sync with a computer for whatever reason.
Also a digital output is essential, or a cd burner.
What about phantom power? My roland doesn't have it. Perhaps we should include an external power supply in the budget.

Anything else?

Originally posted by Steve Metcalf:
A) Does it have a burner, or a way to output to a computer to burn a disc?

The 1600 has a 1-16 speed cd burner as well as a USB port to connect to your computer. The internal HD is 40 gig - but total storage capacity with this machine is max 1,000 Gig between internal and external drives. You can also save songs in single track WAV format (via the CD or USB) to take to other machines (or work on a computer DAW if you prefer) for the final mixdown. The CD burner is also set up for back-up of projects.

B) A friend of mine had a korg unit, maybe not the same one, but it had limitations to the memory. The roland has a 250mb zip drive. Does the korg have the same thing?

My answer to "A" above also answers this.

My last post on this - you're right about that comment - sorry guys - did not mean to sidetrack the thread.....

[ August 19, 2003, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: Rod Gervais ]

I have had my roland stuff for a few years now, and admittedly have not paid a lot of attention to other pieces in it's class.
It would seem to me that this thing presents a good value, and has everything you might need, except midi.
Rod, when I get a chance I'm gonna hit the korg website and take a look.

What does everyone think about mic's?

Just a note on the D1600.... the earlier models (and therefore anything you might find on ebay) don't have usb, but do have the CD burners.

So all korg models have cd burners, which you can purchase upgrade yourself or buy stock.

I am with Rod on this one. For the price, Korg has really nailed it in terms of having just about everything you'd need as a beginner. I tried the yammy and the roland, and the korg beat them both out for me... (usb feature mostly).

The D1200 is limited to 4 simultaneous recording inputs (only 2 with XLR), but this could do for folk musicians/garage band guys at $800. A couple of Marshall/Studio Projects or similar mics for a few hundred and you're still around 1K. hey, you can do drums with just overheads for that nice jazz/garage sound. :)

Also a word on the pres on the Korg: touchy gain stage. they are ok, pretty sterile, but you only get good levels if the trims are pegged, and then you have to be careful of overs. So most Korg-heads also have their own pres and an RNC.

Lastly, after doing this for years, I can't say how much I personally prefer recording on the Korg over the PC. Mixing is ok on it as well, but editing is a different story, as it will be with anyone who has used a PC to swap wave files around and cut em up.

But almost editing capability is present in the Korgs, down to scrubbing, reversing polarity/phase, normalizing, taking out pops and clicks...you name it. Once you learn the interface, you can get pretty efficient at editing, just like anything else (read HD24 and others)

I really think one of these units (d1600 or 1200) with a few cheaper mics is the way to go for a beginner. The fact it just works (no IRQ conflicts) alone is worth it. Even if you hate the editing interface, you can still get a decent mix, save the wave files for later more detailed editing on a PC.

And, it will retain it's value as you learn and move up with better front end gear... with an apogee mini-me, or grace lunatec, Sytek 4 channel, and a couple of really decent mics, suddenly you're a step up in quality and you haven't lost anything.

I love that little spaceship!

Uncle Bob wrote:How about limiting it to the "front end"? Just mics, pres, DIs and dynamic processors and the techniques for using them. Keep it around US$1,000.00. This would apply to all recording formats and keep us out of the quagmire of getting into specific formats.

After hearing all about different brands of stand alone DAW's I must agree with Bob.... and maybe you could add the "rear end", like monitors and headphones for less than 500$?
Make it more like "What you need to get a good sound in to your DAW" and maybe "What you need to hear if it sounds good"
When it comes to recording format you could just point out the advantage and disadvantage of different formats... may just give a hint of good machines (HD-recorder, PC and so on)

Originally posted by Tore member of Park:
Make it more like "What you need to get a good sound in to your DAW" and maybe "What you need to hear if it sounds good"
When it comes to recording format you could just point out the advantage and disadvantage of different formats... may just give a hint of good machines (HD-recorder, PC and so on)

:) Ok, makes sense to me, a software selection and soundcard, probably their own PC?

--Rick

Ummm........... let's move this back up to the top.........

Rick asked a good question - and i don't thinks it's really been answered........

So why don't some of your pros out ther compile what us "newbies" should be picking up?

We'd really appreaciate it.

(BY the way - it isn't your fault this got lost - I read through the thread and some moron took it on a tangent...... his name was Rod something or other....... :D )

Rod (something or other)

Seems to me that maybe there should be a new forum category - ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS. Or just use the good ol' Small Steps - a beginner's guide to pro results

Then have some sub categories:

[list]

With so much info already available all over the net I think it would not be as productive to rehash the exact same info here. Links to that info might be better served.

Also, there are so many good books that are available in covering all the basics that I would think it would be better to come to an agreement among us on suggesting 1-2 books newbies obtain and read and then they can ask specific questions that they may need better understanding of and/or that apply to their specific recording applications. We could also take on a topic per month to focus on or expand on a chapter from the book(s) we suggest. This would make it more of a workshop type of learning rather than just a free-for-all-topic-bouncing format.

I just wanted to say I enjoy the beginners section of the forum as well this thread has answered a lot of questions for me....

I am still learning alot about my equipment and making songs with my mpc and keyboard....... and just reading the different choices and honest reviews on the stand alone DAW's ... is great.

thanks for hanging out in the beginner section.....Trev

Originally posted by Uncle Bob:
Seems to me that maybe there should be a new forum category - ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS. Or just use the good ol' Small Steps - a beginner's guide to pro results

Then have some sub categories:

[list]

Mics and Techniques

Dyamic Processing Basics

FX Processing Basics

Mixing Basics

Basic Equipment Selection

Consoles

DAWS

Tips 'n' Tricks
With the incredible people here at RO it would be a most phenominal resource.

Peace,

Uncle Bob

:p:

UNcle bob! You have it there. Maybe we should start threads with those topics for now, and see where it goes.

With beginners maybe such topics would provide enough info that an intuitive purchase decision could be made based on need.

I would think the logical place to start then, is mics.
An absoulute minimum for anyone who wants to record a band would be two mics, but I'm going to suggest 3. Sure beta52, or pg52(depending on budget), sure sm57, and rode nt1.
Drums, vox, guitars, bass, piano, wind, I think it's a good starter mic cache. If I had to limit to just one, I would take the rode.

I think I would fall into this beginner category and would like to add my 2 cents.

What the0heck-good does 5 mikes with all the pre amps do for me if I can't record them? If we are talking absolute beginner, do you really think they will have the knowledge to use these units to their full potential? I would say no. I am one and I don't have a clue as to what they all do.

After looking at about 20 forums like this one (although this is one of the better ones) and reading books and such, I would recommend something like this;

Korg D1200CD (internal CD burner/USB) - $1,000
Shure Sm57 - $90
ART Mic Pre - $50-$100
Behringer Compressor - $70-$100
Fostex/M-audio/Event Monitors - $300

Now that what I plan on assembling for a start and adding on mikes later. That is customized for my needs though. You also might want to think about having 3 or 4 different set-ups for different apps. One for live bands recording, one for midi/synths, both, vocals,/acoustic, ect...

This way one can get a good acoustic/vocal song for about $1,000 and not spend another $500 for stuff they won't need.

My main thought: Will they need/be able to hear the difference in really, really good equip or really good equip?

-Bennis