This is what I got for Xmas...Zoom Zoom Zoom!

[JayKeeley]

I'm not sure what's worse - not having home recording equipment but wanting it, or having this device with no time to use it. Fucking hell, is the glass half empty or what?

Either way, new years resolution for '05: try to figure this thing out (mixing and bouncing etc seems to be a science all unto itself). Erik, I will be consulting you all year long, mark my words my friend.

By the way, since this is a digital recorder, I'm a little suprised it doesn't come with a USB port. Wouldn't digital devices inherently come with some way of uploading directly to a PC???

 

[MFJ]

Not to take from Erik's glory, but I am very proficient with four-track devices and many kinds of recording. Consult me if needed~!

 

[JayKeeley]

Ooh yes please!! Thanks in advance matey.

Actually I just read that I can download a "Free Card Manager" software that lets me transport Zoom files to the PC in .WAV format which is cool. I guess though I need to buy a memory card reader, which is probably quicker to migrate files than from the device itself anyway.

Otherwise, reading all the instructions in this book is going to take a while since it's a studio as opposed to just 4 track recording. Who knew that you had to mix and master after laying down some tracks!? I didn't.

 

[MFJ]

Digital recorders are fun, but as you know already, can be fucking complicated as opposed to my Tascam 4-track where the process is such-

1) insert tape
2) set all levels
3) hit record

 

[JayKeeley]

Digital recorders are fun, but as you know already, can be fucking complicated as opposed to my Tascam 4-track where the process is such-

1) insert tape
2) set all levels
3) hit record

Yeah, I'm pretty crap when it comes to technology so the simpler the better. The book that comes with this is like a science book. Still, I'm glad I've got all the options so I can grow into it.

By the way, how do you get your analog tape recording over to the PC then?

 

[NAD]

I got a Dazzle memory card reader for like $20 for my Zoom 4-track, and the free Zoom software is craptastic but easy to use and gets the job done. Oh yeah all the functions are in Japanese but are easy enough to figure out.

 

[JayKeeley]

NAD man, this device has cool F/X. It has a bunch of effects built into it (not as good as the shit that's on my Line 6 Pod, but still very cool). One of the effects is called "MadBass" where it essentially emulates my guitar into a distorted bass. That is awesome for someone like me that doesn't own a bass guitar.

Nevertheless, over time, I'll write some bass line ideas and then send them to you as a foundation along with the other guitar tracks. That way, you get an idea of the measures required, timing, melody etc so you can improvise to your hearts content and just replace whatever I send you.

 

[MFJ]

Yeah, I'm pretty crap when it comes to technology so the simpler the better. The book that comes with this is like a science book. Still, I'm glad I've got all the options so I can grow into it.

By the way, how do you get your analog tape recording over to the PC then?

Well I don't usually use my 4-track anymore since it is absolutely inferior to my PC stuff that I use (which is essentially unlimited tracks and a great studio). For that, I have my amp > line out > mixer > Rca out > rca into 1/8 adapter > into Pc

But back to your question. I dont get my analog 4-track to record into the computer, although what I do is go out through the RCA jacks or the phones jack into the mixer once everything is done. I suppose I actually could get it to record onto the PC though... hmm...

 

[unhinged]

what sort of mixing software do you all use on pc?
I only use sonic foundry vegas + soundforge to bash things up

 

[NAD]

NAD man, this device has cool F/X. It has a bunch of effects built into it (not as good as the shit that's on my Line 6 Pod, but still very cool). One of the effects is called "MadBass" where it essentially emulates my guitar into a distorted bass. That is awesome for someone like me that doesn't own a bass guitar.

Nevertheless, over time, I'll write some bass line ideas and then send them to you as a foundation along with the other guitar tracks. That way, you get an idea of the measures required, timing, melody etc so you can improvise to your hearts content and just replace whatever I send you.

Wicked. So is the MadBass thingy just an octaver + distortion, or is it something else? My bass amp has an octaver on it, oh man is that fun with the ungodly lowend a P-bass provides. :Smokedev:

On a somewhat related note, I played a Gretsch guitar for the first time last night. Floored is the only way to describe it, I sat there playing it for 2 hours while everyone else got drunk. Eventually my bro took it away from me so I rejoined the festivities.

 

[Nate The Great]

what sort of mixing software do you all use on pc?
I only use sonic foundry vegas + soundforge to bash things up

Soundforge, Acid, and Cool Edit Pro.

 

[MFJ]

what sort of mixing software do you all use on pc?
I only use sonic foundry vegas + soundforge to bash things up

I use sonic foundry ACID. Its good, some people say its only for techno loops and stuff, but I love it.