[Bemopti123]

Although I have two highly touted tape decks, I am wondering where stand alone recording will end.  For example, there are live radio shows, as well as LPs that need to be recorded on something that can be portable.  
CD fans need not to worry, for there is something like the IPOD or a vast array of ever increasing capacity HD based players.  
I wonder what are the options.  

There is MD decks
CDR decks


Is there something else out there that produces decent and DURABLE recordings without bringing in the question of resolution and the like?

MD decks use compression.
CDR decks, might make good copies, but CDRs and CDs on themselves, do not seem to me to be durable.

Anyone out there with a set up that could imitate decent tapedecks, without the question of getting ever shrinking amount of decent blank media?

Paul

[CornellAlum]

Tascam dvr-1000, dvd/harddrive, and does dsd!

[SWG255]

I think this depends on where you want to listen to the recordings you make. I have a stand-alone CD recorder, a 4mm DAT audio recorder and a hard disk recorder. I use the HD recorder for live recording, because it gives me the most flexibility for post-recording editing and mastering. However, i then transfer the 2 channel mixdowns to CD.

For recording radio shows and the like I often use the DAT, but again, if I want to keep the results and have the most playback options, i transfer the DAT audio information digitally to CD. I bought the stand-alone CD recorder before computer based solutions were viable for the money I had to spend, and find i don't use it much for recording these days. its A/D converters are inferior to those in my DAT or HD recorders.

Just out of curiosity, what analog decks do you have? I still have a Revox A-700 with DBX 224 processor, but i don't use it much these days.

Although I have two highly touted tape decks, I am wondering where stand alone recording will end.  For example, there are live radio shows, as well as LPs that need to be recorded on something that can be portable.  
CD fans need not to worry, for there is something like the IPOD or a vast array of ever increasing capacity HD based players.  
I wonder what are the options.  

There is MD decks
CDR decks


Is there something else out there that produces decent and DURABLE recordings without bringing ...

[Bemopti123]

SWG, I have

the NAD 6300 (3 head, 2 motor, Dynec, Dolby B and C HX pro)+ remote.

Pioneer Elite CT-43 (3 head, 2 motor, Dolby B, C and S Hx pro with Super Auto Bias.)  A rare model that does not show up on ANY sites, with review, pics anywhere.  

I wonder if it is time to unload at least one of them.  At the rate things are going, there will not be a tape based walkman worthy of any decent tapes made nor will there be many car head units that will be worthy the effort and time to make decent tapes.

I am still leery of HD based solutions its inherent possible physical failures etc..  The DAT sounds interesting.  Nevertheless, I am wondering if all any tape based solutions will be around some years down the road.  

Strangely enough, one of the oldest playback systems around seems to be most durable, records, vinyl.  Of course, you cannot record on them, per se.  

Paul

[Bemopti123]

Cornell, the Tascam looks awesome.  The specs are great too.

Looks tempting.

[SWG255]

I also think the Tascam DSD unit looks fabulous. If I were buying a stand-alone recorder today, I'd put this one at the top of my list. I just can't justify it now, especially since I'm still putting out $$ for playback system upgrades.

[nickspicks]

the tascam is very cool...
but what are you going to do with DSD masters?

There a ton of new CF based recorders as well.  
Marantz has one, Fostex's FR-2.  the Edirol R1 and the new M-Audio FlashTracker (very , very cool).

Hdd based (and these are portable) then the Edirol R4 comes to mind (reviewed on www.nickspicks.com) as well as the 722/744 from SoundDevices.

[CornellAlum]

Can you tell Nick and I are concert tapers also

For firld recording, I use a heavily modified Fostx FR-2 using pcmcia drives as well as flash cards and couldn't be happier with the sound.  TRansparent and detailed comes to mind.  Without the mods I wouldn't be nearly as happy.  To my ears, the edirol stock units are OK, and the sound devices units are built extremely well, though I haven't been too impressed with the front end.  If it was me, and I wasn't taking this with me, the tascam unit is the way to go and is next on my list of acqusitions after some further mods to my fr-2 which I am having custom done.  What I have heard from the Tascam sounds fantastic!


Daryan

[nickspicks]

you sure the tascam has a hdd in it?
I didn't think it did, and I cant see any mention of one in its specs.  I think it just writes to DVD.

the Edirol R4 is light years beyond any of the other Edirol products, in terms of its stock sound.  much better mic preamps.  still not awesome, but much better and very usable.

[CornellAlum]

Nope, not positive Nick.  I am glad the stock r4 sounds better than the ua varieties, as I honestly thought the front end on those boxes stock was horrid.

D----

[nickspicks]

Nope, not positive Nick.  I am glad the stock r4 sounds better than the ua varieties, as I honestly thought the front end on those boxes stock was horrid.

D----

they were not awesome..
but in a live environment, you dont really need an awesome front end to pull a very good recording.
see the mp3 sample of my ua5 review.

that was stock..and w/MC-012s to boot.
the 24/96 version of that particular sample is quite impressive

[JoshK]

According to ZZZsound, the Tascam doesn't have a harddrive.  The DSD recordings don't play on any other player, and it won't record DVD-A or SACDs.  Just an FYI for anyone who reads this thread.

[nickspicks]

thats right.
its a mastering device.

still, sweet.

[JoshK]

still, sweet.

absolutely!  I just didn't want people to get confused.