Hardware Compare top rated Multitrack Digital Recorders equipment for your home recording studio

You write and perform GREAT music. You've gotta record it and get it out there.

• Budget: Tascam DP004 Digital Pocket Studio

• Quality: Fostex MR-8mkII 8-Track Digital Recorder Silver

• Top: Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller/Interface + 8GB Card & 8 AA Batteries - AZOOZR16K1

The most important part of any studio, the multitrack digital recorder is used in every studio session. It is the life of your home recording studio, so you want it to be as versatile, powerful and durable as can be.

Today's multitrack recording studios are often self-contained units that can do a bit of everything. They mix, they have onboard spacial effects, they have sequencing. They may have a touch screen for computer-style editing. And the price range is huge, so you can find one for your level of home recording equipment.

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You can:
Record four tracks in the field.
Easily transfer recordings from SD card to computer or other device.
Not have to worry about a plug, it works on batteries.
Connect two unbalanced mics or line inputs.
Not have to connect a microphone, it has one built in.
Get more than four tracks by balancing and combining functions.
Mix within the unit on to a dedicated track.

Features:
Four-track digital multitrack recording
Built-in stereo condenser microphone
CD-quality 44.1kHz/16-bit WAV recording
Records to SD Card media (1GB card included)
Repeat, Record undo
Dedicated stereo mixdown track
Powered through AA Batteries or optional PS-P520 power adapter
Two 1/4" unbalanced mic/line inputs
Switchable guitar input
Headphone/Line output
USB 2.0 connector

Summary:
The DP-004 can record two sources at once to the included 1GB SD Card. A built-in stereo condenser microphone makes it simple to record anywhere you go, perfect for concerts, rehearsals and songwriting inspirations. A pair of 1/4" jacks on the rear panel allow you to connect your own microphones or sources. You can even switch the inputs to guitar level for recording.
The DP-004 allows you to build up your arrangement until you've filled up all four tracks. The Bounce feature allows you to consolidate tracks and make room for more overdub layers. Track editing and undo is also available.
Mixing is also built into the Digital Pocketstudio. Once you set levels and pan, record your mix onto a dedicated stereo master track. You're able to transfer your tracks and mixes to a computer over USB 2 for CD burning and sharing online.

Buy and love the Budget: Tascam DP004 Digital Pocket Studio from:

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The Music Zone for $170

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You can:
Record and makes a track projects.
Record to tracks simultaneously.
Add digital effects to your tracks with built in effect processors.
Record out of the studio with a unit built for recording on the go.

Features:
8 tracks of recording and playback using CompactFlash cards
2 track simultaneous recording
Superb in-built digital effects inc Mic and Amp simulations
USB Host function for CD burning with 'off-the-shel' CD burner
2 mic inputs with +48V Phantom Power

Summary:
The ultimate record-anywhere multitrack. Capture inspiration whenever and wherever you are. The new MR-8 Mk II is the easiest to use digital multitrack ever. If you can operate a tape recorder, you’ll be recording and multitracking within minutes of opening the box.
By putting all the major controls and functions right there on the top panel instead of buried in a confusing menu system, the MR-8 Mk II, unlike some other recorders, actually aids you in capturing your musical ideas. In addition there’s great sounding built-in digital effects, guitar amp and mic simulators, handy mix-down effects, plus the ability to hook up to a PC for data editing, and backing up your songs.

Buy and love the Quality: Fostex MR-8mkII 8-Track Digital Recorder Silver from:

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The Music Zone for $230

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You can:
Record eight tracks simultaneously.
Create a project with 16 tracks.
Record directly into the unit -- it has a built-in condenser microphones.
Perform advanced editing with bundled Cubase LE software.
Use the unit to control your software audio program.
Transfer audio into the computer directly via USB.

Features:
Digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording utilizing Secure Digital (SD) memory
16/24-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format
Built-in stereo condenser microphones
Includes 1GB SD card and supports cards up to 32GB SDHC
Allows simultaneous recording on up to 8 tracks

Summary:
Capture audio in any setting, from live music performance, drums with multiple mics to music rehearsals and songwriting, even audio for film and video. The R16's simultaneous 8-track capability makes professionalism easy. Playback up to 16 tracks using its 16/24-bit linear WAV format and 44.1kHz sampling rate.
The R16 functions as an audio interface enabling direct input of sound to a computer. Support for high quality 24-bit/96kHz encoding ensures great sound. Eight input channels and two output channels can be used simultaneously. If you use the sampling rate of 44.1kHz, the internal DSP effects of the R16 are also usable on your computer tracks. A dedicated control lets you adjust the mixing balance between the DAW playback sound and the direct sound for monitoring.
Transport and mixing operations of the DAW software can be controlled using the R16. This gives you greater control and a better feel for mixing. In Mackie Control emulation mode, major DAW applications such as Cubase, Logic, and Sonar are supported.

Buy and love the Top: Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller/Interface + 8GB Card & 8 AA Batteries - AZOOZR16K1 from:

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Active Musician

The Music Zone for $399

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