Recorders

Mackie's new entry-level hard disk multitrack gives you all the convenience of hardware, but also allows you to transfer tracks to your computer via USB for more detailed editing and mixing.

Tascam's Pocketstudio might not be quite what you'd call pocket-sized, but it does cram an MP3 digital recorder, a General MIDI sound module and comprehensive multi-effects into an impressively small space.

Is it possible to link multiple Tascam 788 recorders? How can I move files between my computers? How do I use a degausser to demagnetise tape heads? What's the difference between the Sennheiser MD421 and MD421 MkII microphone? Can you suggest a good weighted keyboard? Can I copy vinyl to CD via an S/PDIF connection? Can I use my Logic plug-ins with another sequencer? How do digital errors affect the stereo image?

First there was the 4416, then the 2816. Now Yamaha have announced a baby brother for their AW audio workstations, in the form of the AW16G.

Roland have enhanced the VGA monitor graphical interface of their flagship 24-track recording workstation to make it easier to use, and have also thrown in a few extra features for good measure.

Akai's new 24-track recording and mixing workstation continues the expansion of their DPS multitracker concept with technology derived from the company's renowned post-production machines.

If you're on a very tight budget then you might be willing to live with a CD recorder with unbalanced analogue phono connectors, consumer S/PDIF digital interfacing and no-frills operation. However, if you want more professional features, then the CDRW2000 is well worth checking out.

Handy tricks and tips for getting the best out of Roland's VS880 and VS1680 workstations.

The new tapeless ADAT provides 24 tracks of hard disk recording at less than the price of the original eight-track.

Yamaha's AW2816 audio workstation appears to offer much of the functionality of the acclaimed AW4416, but at an even lower price point.

The MRS1044 is Zoom's first serious 'studio in a box', offering 10-track hard disk recording and editing with integrated drum machine and bass sounds. Does it have what it takes to succeed in this increasingly competitive area of the market?

Korg's new pocket-sized multitracker gives you everything you need to record impressive demos on the road, and also lets you transfer the tracks to a computer via USB for backup and archiving.

Aardvark's newest soundcard and breakout box are claimed to provide all the recording facilities PC owners could ever need, with excellent sound quality and at an affordable price. But how does the Q10 fare on the SOS test bench?

The new CDR770 from Marantz is one of the cheapest CD recorders on the UK market, and features a new writing technology known...

Roland's innovative new audio workstation is the first multitracker to use a CD-RW disc in place of a hard disk, and offers a one-stop production station with multitrack recording, phrase sampling, and CD mastering.

Emagic's stylish blue interface reliably squeezes two inputs and six outputs out of the limited bandwidth of USB.

Paul White tests one of the first of a new generation of portable multitrackers which utilise SmartMedia digital data storage cards as their recording medium.

Roland's eagerly awaited new flagship VS workstation builds on the success of the VS1680 and VS1880, offering a massive range of features including 24-track, 24-bit and 96kHz recording, a 64-channel digital mixer, up to eight stereo effects processors, 24-voice phrase sampling, and an enhanced graphical output for a VGA monitor.

Marantz's dual-deck CD writer uniquely allows the creation of a Red Book CD from a CD-R recorded in Track-at-once mode. Paul White finds out if you really can compile masters in the studio without a hard disk recorder.

The new third-generation RADAR hard disk recorder is the most affordable version yet, and offers 24-bit recording over 24 tracks at sampling rates of up to 192kHz. Hugh Robjohns puts it through its paces.

Hoontech may be a new name to most SOS readers, but those interested in affordable multi-channel digital audio cards for Windows platforms may want to get to know them better. John Walden puts their Soundtrack DSP24 and ADC/DAC2000 package to the test.