Manning, in your comment I was reminded of the outstanding projects by probably the best in Rock recording in my opinion that being the Beatles Sgt Peppers and Magical Mystery Tour. Both were done, I believe, in a four track studio based on information I had heard from their arranger and mentor.

The only setback I can recall myself working with a four track "All those years ago" was after you have bounced the tracks over, if there was something you wanted to fix you were SOL. So, you had to be absolutely sure of not only the dynamics involves in playing the melody, but the volume, panning, and other post production factors before you bounced. Whew! I am so glad we do not have to do that anymore!

However, if you are an artist that can use a four track without the need to bounce, then that is awesome. It's because whenever I hear a song in my head I imagine the instrumental orchestrations of a George Martin with the Beatles, or a vocal arranegment as a Brian Wilsona and the Beach Boys. I cannot conceive how these geniuses did what they did with what little they had comparing to today. Makes you wonder, why is pop music stuck on samples and computerized beats and tones when there is access to do so much more?