PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production Affordable gear and method for making Music with no hassle

<"Much as i respect you..on this topic i somewhat disagree.">
Well, actually, you never get around to disagreeing with me about the topic.
The topic (YouTube Video and this discussion) is affordable gear that provides a method to make, archive and render music with no hassle. The video presentation is specific to define hassle to mean cutting the cord from PC's and internet.

<"Some people wont even read a manual…the new generation of new standalone mtr’s manuals are upwards of 70 plus pages ?">
About manuals, the DP-03's manual is 76 pages including a Quick Start Chapter of 11 pages with diagrams/ pictures from pre-power up to total shutdown. In comparison, The R8, which is designed with PC connection intended, its manual is around 140 pages. Cosiderably more complex than the DP-03 due to computer connections. The entry level Audient EVO audio interface's start guide is 6 pages.

Only folks with no experience with any audio recording will likely need anything more than the quick start guide. The DP-03 ships completely ready to record straight out of the box without any setup or audio connection. Knowing how to set the physical gain knobs, arm the physical record buttons and use the physical transport buttons is all that's needed to start recording.

<"By comparison , and i know its different …but for a low learning curve my audient audio interface came with a simple card…with simple instructions…
I was up and running in a few secs flat….simplicity itself.">
Yes it is different and there's no comparison. Your Audient interface is a single element of a daisy chain of connections, cables, software installs and configurations. It has very limited functionality to the overall studio setup. It's not a recorder nor a stand alone device.

<"Dont get me wrong the standalone mtr’s are great value for money with nice features.
But as ive used standalone mtr’s in the past i would prolly use one on a holiday with my wife....
to get rough song ideas down….and as the muse strikes me.">

This is on topic and in this instance, you are in agreement. Multi Tracks work exactly as you detail above. In comparison, carry only your Audient interface on holiday, nothing else, and that's musically what you'll get, nothing. It doesn't function independently alone.

<"my personal preference is a pc daw rig running bb/rb/reaps.">

That's fine. There are affordable PC/Mac bundles in the price range from many manufacturers similar to a multi track stand alone device that meet the needs of a budget studio. None of them can operate without a PC connection. This discussion is for anyone that prefers to avoid PC.

<"Right now i’m deep at looking at vi’s/vsti’s. The mtr’s wont run them...as far as i know.">
Since VSTi's are completely embedded into PC architecture, no Multi Tracks won't natively run them. However, today's multi track recorders can all be tethered to a PC. Some are also MIDI compliant. Some have built-in FX's, amp models and external sends and receives so any VSTi composition can easily find it's way into any stand alone, digital multi track song project.

I appreciate your perspective and think you are spot on to a major strength of stand alone recorders for remote recording. You mention it and remote recording is also mentioned in the video link. Two things stand out in comparison between an affordable PC bundle and the affordable DP-03 stand alone device.

First - Obviously, in the studio or remotely, the PC Bundle is shackled to a computer and is part of a daisy chain of devices, cables and software.
Second - The DP03 stand alone can operate within a studio environment with the option to not be connected or be connected to a computer. Remotely, the DP-03 is self contained with only headphones or speakers for monitoring.

Here's an imaginary lifelike, remote scenario comparison:

Audient:

You're on a holiday cruise with your wife.
You have a new, unboxed Audient EVO Bundle. (interface, cables, mic and headphones)
You have access to rent wifi, internet and a laptop
The rental cost is exorbitant, spotty and unreliable.
You're barred from loading drivers and DAW software onto rental equipment.
If it's a Mac and is compatible without adding software, you still don't have a mic stand, or pop filter.


DP-03:

You're on a holiday cruise with your wife.
You have a new, unboxed Tascam DP-03.
You have access to rent wifi, internet and a laptop - Unnecessary
The is cost is exorbitant, spotty and unreliable. - Unnecessary
You're barred from loading drivers and DAW software - Unnecessary
You don't have a mic stand, or pop filter - Unnecessary
You can record live stereo.

Usage:
The DP-03 works ideally with BIAB Tracks, stems and mixes and you've loaded 40 tracks of live instruments, BIAB RealTracks and VSTi synth renders to work on during downtime on your cruise by adding Vocals, BGV's and guitar if brought it along.

Both PC connected or stand alone hardware devices can handle this project.

But here's the difference: The DP-03 doesn't need anything but a power outlet and headphones. Take it out of the box, power it up, arm tracks and it's instantly ready to record because it's two included condenser mics are assigned by default. Only beginners with absolutely no knowledge of recording with any type recording device will need a quick start guide. Using your previous multi track recording experience, you'd intuitively know how to operate it.

Add to that, imagine the cruise ship has a killer sax player in the band willing to provide solo and riffs to your song for a beer. Meet up with the player and record direct into a built in condenser mic. If the player happens to be a guitarist, the DP-03 has a Hi-Z direct input or mic the player's amp.