Need advice QUICKLY - AW2816 too complex for a newbie?

[kismet110]

As per the title. New to recording/mixing, just ordered a couple of recommended books. Was originally veering toward a Zoom R16 but on another thread Speeddemon kindly suggested other, better specced used options like Yamaha, Korg etc.

Needs are simple; record/mix band sessions or single instrument at a time, trying to do mostly without a PC (at least initially).

I have the opportunity of getting an AW2816 for £300 today (R16 is around £350) but not sure whether it might be too daunting a machine for a beginner?

Happy to read, learn, experiment but I don't want it to be such a steep a curve I end up frustrated instead of inspired!

Apologies for the ramble, need quick responses so your help would be much appreciated!

[Michael_Joly]

Great sounding machine, really powerful FX, cumbersome editing. Really really steep learning curve - not really intuitive. Makes fine recordings and mixes (automated faders included) but be prepared to slog through the manual.

[kismet110]

^^^

Thanks for the quick response, appreciate it. Think you've confirmed my fear, great product but maybe not ideal for a beginner.

I checked online to see if there are 'training' DVDs for it but no luck, little on YT too.

Anyone else feel free to comment please, the guy has the manual but not the Demo CD (although does have a VHS video cassette for the 4416).

Thanks again!

[sleeper1400]

if your this new to the art of recording, id suggest a rolond vs840.

doesnt have too much in the way of editing, but, it has lots of effects and a simple interface to record into.

the manual is set up as a reference. so you use it when you need it per task.

hope that helps.

also, there cheap.

[Halloween]

Roland Vs series (shutters at the memories.)

The sound the VS layers on every track is enough to just make you want to buy a Radio Shack tape deck.

[sleeper1400]

Originally Posted by Halloween

Roland Vs series (shutters at the memories.)

The sound the VS layers on every track is enough to just make you want to buy a Radio Shack tape deck.

whatevr. every ones a critic.

[Michael_Joly]

Sufjan Stevens recorded "Illinoise" on his Roland VS 880.

[Byll]

I work with a two location studio. One of the rooms is built around DP, PT, Reason, Logic, Peak, etc. The other room is built around three AW2816 units - two cascaded, and a third for on-location work. The two rooms talk to each other through light pipe. We have delivered many projects, recorded and mixed on the AW2816s, without the data ever entering an external computer.

The AW2816 comes with a manual the size of a medium sized phone book. However, a large portion of the manual need not be tackled, unless/until one wishes to delve into some of the more intricate capabilities of the machine. Preparation for recording, recording, playback, and mixing are easily understood, using the manual, by any individual with curiosity and a reasonable understanding of the recording process.

I personally find the AW2816/AW4416 operating system to be logical and user-friendly. If you decide to go with the AW2816, and have questions, I will be glad to help, using PMs or e-mail. The price being asked for the unit is fair.

Good luck in your decision.
Byll

[kismet110]

^^^

I was gonna write thanks for pointing me towards the Rolands until I started seeing a difference of opinion I guess though these things are different for every user/usage/experience so who knows, could be OK for me?

Thanks Byll for your kind offer and words, if I do decide to go for this unit (have to make my mind up tomorrow) then I'm certain I'll be bugging you for information as you seem to be well acquainted with these machines; I do have lots of interest but no actual hands-on experience of recording/mixing hence my hesitance to start with something too complex/off-putting - don't wanna be scarred for life ....

[Byll]

Kismet: The AW2816 is not rocket science. However, it is a relatively sophisticated device. I have read a lot of equipment manuals in my time. Some are travesties... While I have some issues with the AW2816 manual, most of my issues are with its organization. The explanations themselves are first rate, and easy to understand. Once mastered, the AW2816 provides a very stable platform, and since it is based on the excellent Yamaha O1V mixer, the skills learned by its use transfer nicely to other Yamaha digital mixer products.

Again, I wish you the best with your decision.
Byll

[mslim]

Originally Posted by Michael_Joly

Great sounding machine, really powerful FX, cumbersome editing. Really really steep learning curve - not really intuitive. Makes fine recordings and mixes (automated faders included) but be prepared to slog through the manual.

+1 Michael hit it on the nose. However... Even if you're a newby but serious about wanting to learn, it might be worth the sizable investment of your time and attention to learning the 2816. I think a lot of the learning curve can be applied to other digital boards and systems. I've got a 4416 and I keep the manual nearby but it can do a lot and is very versatile. It's great for tracking but the editing does suck. I use AWExtract to convert to WAV and dump into the computer for slice and dice.

[lord toranaga]

I just scored an AW2816 for Just over $100.


who else is still using aw2816?