Mixing/recording equipment

[Motorhead350]

I am looking into getting a mixer/recorder for band practice. I was thinking of something that records onto CDs as soon as you play. I know some devices are four tracks, but are any eight or more.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thank you.

[PonyUP]

You can get 8-Track recorders, even 16. Check this out

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fostex-MR-8-mkII-8-Track-Digital-Recorder-103729851-i1125873.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fostex-LR16-Live-Recording-Mixer-501674-i1441012.gc

[illwood]

Dom, what are you looking to do with it? Just record it to keep ideas or are you looking to do demos on it.

If you don't need multi-tracking ability, you can use the free software Audacity paired with the free software LMMS. I have been using that setup with my Line 6 PODX3 to record musical ideas and add drum/keyboard tracks.

If you're set on a multi-tracker with CD burning capability there is this Tascam one (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-DP02-Digital-Portastudio?sku=241788) that might be up your alley and not super expensive.

You could buy one of those handheld stereo recorders like this one (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-DR07-Portable-Digital-Recorder?sku=580037) (I haven't had any experience with it, just did a quick search) and make the recordings into CDs later if you wanted to pass them out to band members/club owners.

[Motorhead350]

Just something for practice. Nothing to pass out or sell to anyone.

[illwood]

Just something for practice. Nothing to pass out or sell to anyone.
Do you just want a stereo mix with 2 mics or do you want to have a mic for each instrument and vocal track so you can control the balance a bit?

My old band used to take a cassette tape based 4-track that would record 2 tracks simultaneously and just set up 2 mics on boom stands and hit record while we were practicing.

No reason why you can't go the cheaper route.

Maybe there's some stuff on your local Craigslist.