Using External Digital Recorders

[camo]

A co-worker is trying to sell me a Tascam DP004 Pocketstudio. He says that you can download a USB file (i.e. a JamStudio music file), then add vocals, etc. When finished, you can mix down and send that finished MP3 back into the computer via USB so that you can burn it onto a CD. Now, I checked Musicians Friend and while their description says that you can send your finished mix into your computer via the USB, it doesn't mention anything about being able to import a file from you computer via USB. I also checked the reviews and one guy did mention that he used audacity with it so he must be importing mp3 files. Does anyone know if you can import files onto these external mixer/recorders? It would be nice since I can't always add loud vocals where I have my PC set up. I could load my files in the pocketstudo and take it someplace where I could be proud to be loud to record.

[camo]

I just answered my own question. You can only import a mono WAV file into the Tascam. I guess I could convert my JamStudio MP3 into a WAV file (Karaoke Producer will convert it) and then put the mono WAV file on onto two tracks on the tascam. When doing the mixdown, just pan the two mono tracks one L and one R and it should be in stero again in the final mix. If that doesn't work, I suppose I would have to settle for a mono music trac

[wyotryot]

you should check the Tascam site; you should be able to find a manual online for that model, and verify for yourself what it can and cannot do. My understanding of this unit is that it is good for recording, and doing basic mixing, then you mix it more on your computer.
Just saw new message - good.

[brianeno]

Camo, I think it depends how much your friend is selling you the Tascam for. I think they run about 189.00 new, and if your going to spend over 100.00 I think you should look into an interface instead. They are becoming very affordable and you can do so much more with one. Granted you can't just push a button and record, like the digital recorder but you can plug your mics into it, your guitars into it, a midi into it, and they almost always come with some version of very cool mixing/production software. I use the Yamaha Audio Gram 6, available at the Guitar Center for approx 125.00. It comes with Cubase AI4 software that gives you a digital mixer, effects, etc  (cubase is right up there with the best, german technology) and the interface itself gives you functions you could pay 500.00 for in other interfaces. Pro-tools has recently come out with something similar for around 100.00 with protools software, so check it out before you buy something your friend doesn't want for some reason. Late eno

[camo]

I passed on it. No power supply (he lost it), and the thing drains batteries like crazy. I could almost buy a new one from Muscians Friend for what he is asking. Nice recorder otherwise.

[Ant]

  I think you will find that Mixcraft~5 has them all beat.And the price is under $80.00 you can check it out on my web site.Mixcraft~5 has come out with a free test it for free download that I can get you from my site: http://johntigerant.com/mixcraft5.cfm




the free download I'm working on now!

[jkenney]

If you can afford it, mixcraft-5 really is worth it. You won't be dissapointed.

[camo]

I am using Audacity for the time being, since I am new to editing sound with a computer. As I become more comfortable, I may upgrade to MixCraft. Thanks for the heads up