SOUND ON SOUND

[thickofit]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a multitrack recorder. It’d be great if I could find something that is quick and easy to use, with a decent onboard mic (or option to use an external mic), and the ability to export tracks. Bonus points for portability. My budget is approx £500/€600/$700.

I’ve heard good things about the iZotope Spire Studio?

I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to home recording tech so any pointers you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[blinddrew]

How many channels do you need?

[thickofit]

How many channels do you need?

Thanks for the quick reply!

I'd be happy with eight.

[Mike Stranks]

The iZotope is currently sold out...

But similar to the spec of that is the Zoom R8: https://www.solidstatesound.co.uk/zoom_r8.htm

Also consider the Zoom Live-Trak models and Tascam Model 12.

NB. I've only mentioned them as they're multitrack studios which is what you seem to be looking for.

If you want straight multichannel recorders then there's a different set of machines that might suit.

But as Drew says... if that's the case then number of tracks is essential to know before we can suggest anything.

[James Perrett]

I've been having a look at the budget multitrack market recently and, to be honest, Zoom seem to have it sewn up. From the R8, through the R16, R24 and up to the Livetrack range I don't see anyone offering such good value for money. Only once you get beyond the Livetrack range in price do you start to see other people like Tascam and Sound Devices offering good options.

[The Elf]

+1 for the Zoom LiveTrak series. You may be OK with the L-8 - although it has podcasting aspirations you can ignore those features. The L-12 is a more traditional mixer/recorder and would be my choice if it fits the budget.

[ultraGentle]

I've used both the Zoom live track and the Sound Devices mixpre recorders, and personally found the zoom more intuitive and enjoyable to use, because most essential functions are physical and obvious at a glance.

If you are using dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B, however, note that the zoom live track l8 has less gain than the l12 or l20, so you might get some hiss. Not a problem if you are using condenser microphones.

The advanced features and overall quality of the sound devices was impeccable, but from the perspective of enjoyability and learning, I recommend the zoom livetrak.

[Music Wolf]

@ultragentle Are you uk based?

I may have something suitable.

[Sam Spoons]

The iZotope is currently sold out...

Andertons have them bundled with the gig bag, 6 in stock just now, https://www.andertons.co.uk/izotope-spire-studio-with-travel-bag-bundle-spiretbbundleintl?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjdPUuLr77gIV6ujtCh2NcwD6EAQYAiABEgK3gPD_BwE

[fatbenelton]

I love the fact that the bundle is actually a quid more expensive @ £399 than buying the individual items at £349 and £49 respectively!!!!

[thickofit]

Thanks for the pointers!

I hadn't heard of the Model 12 or LiveTrak L-12 before. Both look great. Is there much between them?

[forumuser936783]

Thanks for the pointers!

I hadn't heard of the Model 12 or LiveTrak L-12 before. Both look great. Is there much between them?

Don’t bother with the Tascam model 12. Had it and sent it back after a few weeks. Too complicated to operative and limiting. The spire is simple but not laid out like a mixing board. Someone should re issue the old tascam portastudio w good built in effects and tape simulation and easy to use


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike Stranks]

A detailed SOS review of the Tascam-12 may be found here:

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tascam-model-12

Matt liked it... a lot!

[thickofit]

A detailed SOS review of the Tascam-12 may be found here:

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tascam-model-12

Matt liked it... a lot!

Thanks!