Buy R16 now or invest in PC setup for later?

[force3007]

OK, so I'm thinking of getting a Zoom R16. Basically asking everybody in my family to chip in for it as my Christmas present, since I'm seriously broke.

Right now, I have nothing to record with. I had to sell a bunch of things to get out of debt, and the only thing I have now is a few mics, my Sonors in the basement, and one Korg synth.

I work and get by on retail salary but it takes me forever to save for anything, particularly with a 15 month old running around.

I am going to set up a small studio when the funds allow it, based around a (new) computer and an interface, probably a Firepod. Something with 8 pres so I can do drums. But my basement sucks and isn't a terribly inviting place to record; the rest of the house (including the study where the first, i.e. this computer is) are all finished and carpeted and quiet. Room treatment for the basement is eventually on the agenda too, if my guy would ever get back to me with a quote.

This is all maybe 9-12 months away at a minimum and possibly longer.

So, one of these R16s solves a lot of my problems. It gets me recording RIGHT NOW. It lets me do things in any room in my house, not just the concrete jungle downstairs. It lets me use the computer I already have upstairs. It has 8 pres. It comes soaked in rich creamery butter.... OK...

(I should mention that I can't move this computer downstairs because it is my wife's work computer.... she does graphic design from home).

Is there any chance that this R16 will ever become redundant? Once I have a PC and a firepod (and maybe a 1640i), will this thing still be useful? I don't gig right now but I'd like to be soon.

I'd also like 16 pres eventually; is there any reason why an R16 and a Firepod can't work in tandem?

I guess the real question is, would I be spending $400 on something I'll only use religiously for 12 months or am I better off starting to assemble components of my PC setup even though I won't be able to use it for some time?

[oopfoo]

Weigh your desire to create the best recording system you can assemble against your desire to record. It's analogous to the guitar player versus the guitar collector.

While you might be able to start putting together a recording system, wouldn't you much rather be RECORDING?

Get the R16. It's both a mobile and PC interface. You'll get far more mileage out of it than you think you will. I've got one, and use it, even though I have 16 channels of Apogee on my Mac. There's always a use for a mobile system.

[Raytherat]

Get the R16 and get recording, definitely. I got one because I needed to record multiple tracks in the wild but I found it really gets me going at home. It's great to record with a piece of gear without the visual distractions that a DAW (computer) does. It's all about sound, just get your levels set and hit "record". Just be very cautious using the onboard FX. Get your sounds right. Invest time in proper mic placement, don't try to fix sh!tty sounds. Or be brilliant with the onboard FX, whatever, just get recording! ;-) How much is the R16 in the US? Here in Europe it's some 400 €uros.

[mattjew24]

The R16 is a great choice. Heck, you don't even NEED the firepod later since the Zoom serves as an 8track interface. I don't know if the zoom and firepod will work together. Are you on a Mac? If so, you can try to aggregate the devices together to work as one unit. I did this with my firepod and fasttrack and it worked very well.

Get recording now! If you are not comfortable with DAW software, it will just hinder your desire to record and frustrate you.

[vierge99]

Originally Posted by mattjew24

The R16 is a great choice. Heck, you don't even NEED the firepod later since the Zoom serves as an 8track interface. I don't know if the zoom and firepod will work together. Are you on a Mac? If so, you can try to aggregate the devices together to work as one unit. I did this with my firepod and fasttrack and it worked very well.

Get recording now! If you are not comfortable with DAW software, it will just hinder your desire to record and frustrate you.

Just a little correction here.

The R16 is NOT an 8 track interface.

It will record 8 tracks simultaneously away from the PC.

If you hook it up as an interface you only get one stereo pair of I/O.

The Boss BR series recorders AND the new Zoom R24 all suffer from this same drawback.

But you can always use the Zoom to record tracks simultaneously then transfer later to your PC for further mixing.

[mattjew24]

Oh my mistake, thanks for clarifying. Well, in that case...I do happen to love my firepod.

[force3007]

Alright, well, I think that's a very compelling case for "go get an R16".

So that's what I'm doin

Thanks for the clarity.

[bugg100]

Originally Posted by vierge99

Just a little correction here.

The R16 is NOT an 8 track interface.


If you hook it up as an interface you only get one stereo pair of I/O.

The Boss BR series recorders AND the new Zoom R24 all suffer from this same drawback.

Actually, the zoom functions as 8 in/2 out via usb, if plugged into computer directly.

Some people have used a usb hub and only gotten 2 in only to take the hub out to receive the full 8 in, same as I have used with mine.

[Jeffguitar]

Hmm, I paid $479 for a new HPlaptop, 4 gigs ram, win 7, and I would chose this all day long over the R16, which i used to own. Now I can use my plugins and edit right in my daw and it can go anywhere with me. i think you should have been told about that laptop option as well, too bad.

[bugg100]

but still not have an interface...

[kvmoore]

I've been looking into the laptop option as well. You can get a killer laptop for under $600 these days with plenty of horsepower. However, the problem is most new laptops don't have firewire or cardbus slots, not even expresscard slots!!!! Yet, you'll probably still find these features on some of the more expensive laptop models. Most of the better audio interfaces are firewire (especially the multi-channel ones). A USB interface is probably ok if you only need one set of I/Os but for multi-channel work, I'm under the impression USB is inadequate. I think it's just rediculous to spend over $1,000 on a laptop just because you want to hook up a pro-audio interface to it when you can get one for under $600 that will have sufficient CPU and RAM power to handle most audio application requirements. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. That's the dilemma I'm in right now.

You see, I wanna new laptop, but with limitations of only USB 2.0 and SATA, how would it be any good for multi-channel audio work. With no cardbus or expresscard slot, you can't just add a firewire card and buy a firewire interface. Sure, I could get an older laptop with these features for less money, but I definitely wouldn't get the benefit of the new Intel i3 and i5 processors.

Then again, USB 3.0 is coming out soon. They say it's suppose to be the "NEW" firewire for what I read a short while ago. I guess technology is just changing too fast and the audio card manufacturers needs to catch up. Either that, or laptop PCs need to accommodate the audio requirements of the cards.

I guess this is just a BAD time to buy a new laptop for audio if you want to use it with a multi-channel interface. That is, unless you have plenty of cash to dish on a laptop and you can actually afford a Macbook pro.

I guess one solution would be to buy a new sub $600 PC laptop AND a Zoom r16!!!

[Jeffguitar]

Not even close to right. You can get 8 inputs with usb 2.0 interfaces. i se a Line 6 Toneport UX2 and love it but I only need two inputs at a time. Here';s a 16 input usb inyerface for 68 bucks a month for four payments at zzounds.

Tascam US1800 USB 2.0 Audio Interface at zZounds

They also have an 8 input. NO WAY on earth would I choose a digital recorder over the power of a laptop and the abiltiy to edit on screen and use tons of plugs for my audio. Do the smart thing and get on Ebay and get an HP laptop. Got moine for $479 and hapily recording with Sonar and all my plugs and editing ability. I next want to get the Mackie 2 channel interface usb with onyx pres for only $199, bus powered and I can take only my laptop with that inetrface and run right off battery and have two fine preamps anywhere I go, I will even get an extra battery for twice the recording time. Read the reviews on that interface, not a thing wrong with it nor any problems. laptopis the way to go, don't screw up and do anything different. You can add up to 8 gigs ram with these HP laptops, win 7, Esata port for extra fast drive (haven't needed one yet), you get a 325 gig drive, 17 inch screen, just awesome and something to grow with. Haven't missed my R16, not even close



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Originally Posted by kvmoore

I've been looking into the laptop option as well. You can get a killer laptop for under $600 these days with plenty of horsepower. However, the problem is most new laptops don't have firewire or cardbus slots, not even expresscard slots!!!! Yet, you'll probably still find these features on some of the more expensive laptop models. Most of the better audio interfaces are firewire (especially the multi-channel ones). A USB interface is probably ok if you only need one set of I/Os but for multi-channel work, I'm under the impression USB is inadequate. I think it's just rediculous to spend over $1,000 on a laptop just because you want to hook up a pro-audio interface to it when you can get one for under $600 that will have sufficient CPU and RAM power to handle most audio application requirements. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. That's the dilemma I'm in right now.

You see, I wanna new laptop, but with limitations of only USB 2.0 and SATA, how would it be any good for multi-channel audio work. With no cardbus or expresscard slot, you can't just add a firewire card and buy a firewire interface. Sure, I could get an older laptop with these features for less money, but I definitely wouldn't get the benefit of the new Intel i3 and i5 processors.

Then again, USB 3.0 is coming out soon. They say it's suppose to be the "NEW" firewire for what I read a short while ago. I guess technology is just changing too fast and the audio card manufacturers needs to catch up. Either that, or laptop PCs need to accommodate the audio requirements of the cards.

I guess this is just a BAD time to buy a new laptop for audio if you want to use it with a multi-channel interface. That is, unless you have plenty of cash to dish on a laptop and you can actually afford a Macbook pro.

I guess one solution would be to buy a new sub $600 PC laptop AND a Zoom r16!!!

[kvmoore]

Originally Posted by Jeffguitar

Not even close to right. You can get 8 inputs with usb 2.0 interfaces. i se a Line 6 Toneport UX2 and love it but I only need two inputs at a time. Here';s a 16 input usb inyerface for 68 bucks a month for four payments at zzounds.

Tascam US1800 USB 2.0 Audio Interface at zZounds

They also have an 8 input. NO WAY on earth would I choose a digital recorder over the power of a laptop and the abiltiy to edit on screen and use tons of plugs for my audio. Do the smart thing and get on Ebay and get an HP laptop. Got moine for $479 and hapily recording with Sonar and all my plugs and editing ability. I next want to get the Mackie 2 channel interface usb with onyx pres for only $199, bus powered and I can take only my laptop with that inetrface and run right off battery and have two fine preamps anywhere I go, I will even get an extra battery for twice the recording time. Read the reviews on that interface, not a thing wrong with it nor any problems. laptopis the way to go, don't screw up and do anything different. You can add up to 8 gigs ram with these HP laptops, win 7, Esata port for extra fast drive (haven't needed one yet), you get a 325 gig drive, 17 inch screen, just awesome and something to grow with. Haven't missed my R16, not even close



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I do not disagree with you and you are absolutely right.

Maybe I used the wrong choice of words. What I meant to say, and I failed to clarify in my earlier post is that there ARE multiple input-channel USB interfaces. However, I've read on many forums that people were complainting about performance issues when running more than 2 channels through USB, even USB 2.0, because USB has a limited bandwidth which is why many people choose firewire over USB when recording more than 2 simultaneous tracks. Also, I bought a 2-channel tascam (US-122) several years ago to use with my laptop and and nothing but problems with it (clips and pops, audio dropouts, etc...). I took it back and got an echo Indigo io cardbus card on ebay which works flawlessly to this day. Now, it's time to upgrade and get a new laptop but I can't use the Echo card (cardbus is now obsolete). I think my problem with the Tascam US-122 was due to the chipset in the laptop's motherboard being incompatible with it. The laptop was a Sony VAIO. From then on, I have learned that I have to always take into account the motherboard's chipset compatibility anytime I consider buying a new interface. I've also read MOTU PCI424 interfaces work best on desktops with Intel chipset motherboards of certain brands (MSI or Asus I believe) but doesn't work well with others so go figure.

That US1800 does look mightly tasty. I'll definitely check out the reviews. If they are good, I just might consider an HP laptop along with the US1800. I've had the idea hammered in my head to avoid USB because of concerns about performance issues when running more than 2 channels over USB due to USB bandwidth limitations and I need to run more than 2 channels (I want to connect all my gear up at once, set it, and forget it). If the US1800, US1641, or US800, is good, maybe I'll reconsider. If this combo works well for others, there's no reason why neither one of these, shouldn't work for me. Maybe I had some bad influences from others. My bad experience with the US-122 doesn't help either.

[Jeffguitar]

That us122 is ancient and not even in the same league. never heard of any problems with these new usb 2.0 interfaces. I'm just saying, I would bet my last dollar that my Hp laptop for 4479 would work great with that interface. With the zzounds payment plan at 68 bucks for 4 months,and they ship it right out when you send your first payment, no credit checks. or anything. There are tons of free plugs and many good ones that don't cost much and there are always sales going on. Look on the computer section here and check out the thread on the Abbey road compressor plug. On sale, just killer stuff. Mine has a 17 inch screen, 325 gigs, 4 gigs ram, 4 usb ports, Esata port, tons of other options. You can get Reaper recording program for some ungodly cheap amount. I'm just saying, 500 bucks will get you a fine recording laptop and then 68 more and you'll have your interface on the first payment to Zzounds. You can add 4 more gigs of ram later, more plugs, an extra battery, use it for other things as well, add an esata drive, it's just the smart way to go.

Originally Posted by kvmoore

I do not disagree with you and you are absolutely right.

Maybe I used the wrong choice of words. What I meant to say, and I failed to clarify in my earlier post is that there ARE multiple input-channel USB interfaces. However, I've read on many forums that people were complainting about performance issues when running more than 2 channels through USB, even USB 2.0, because USB has a limited bandwidth which is why many people choose firewire over USB when recording more than 2 simultaneous tracks. Also, I bought a 2-channel tascam (US-122) several years ago to use with my laptop and and nothing but problems with it (clips and pops, audio dropouts, etc...). I took it back and got an echo Indigo io cardbus card on ebay which works flawlessly to this day. Now, it's time to upgrade and get a new laptop but I can't use the Echo card (cardbus is now obsolete). I think my problem with the Tascam US-122 was due to the chipset in the laptop's motherboard being incompatible with it. The laptop was a Sony VAIO. From then on, I have learned that I have to always take into account the motherboard's chipset compatibility anytime I consider buying a new interface. I've also read MOTU PCI424 interfaces work best on desktops with Intel chipset motherboards of certain brands (MSI or Asus I believe) but doesn't work well with others so go figure.

That US1800 does look mightly tasty. I'll definitely check out the reviews. If they are good, I just might consider an HP laptop along with the US1800. I've had the idea hammered in my head to avoid USB because of concerns about performance issues when running more than 2 channels over USB due to USB bandwidth limitations and I need to run more than 2 channels (I want to connect all my gear up at once, set it, and forget it). If the US1800, US1641, or US800, is good, maybe I'll reconsider. If this combo works well for others, there's no reason why neither one of these, shouldn't work for me. Maybe I had some bad influences from others. My bad experience with the US-122 doesn't help either.

[kvmoore]

Yeah, Laptops are the way to go. I do plan to upgrade soon and I have been shopping around. With that said, the HPs do offer the best bang for the buck. I just read a positive and encouraging review on the US1641.

The reviewer doesn't seem to have any performance issues with the US1641. Since the US1800 is an improved version, I suspect the performance should be even better. With this, I could run all of my gear (in my smaller setup) in a single pass, do away with my little mixers, and mix entirely ITB with my favorite DAW software and sweet arsenal of plugs.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely consider these options.


Note to Moderator: I submitted this post several times and it did not go through the first time and I thought something was wrong. It must've been the URL that I included in the post that threw it off. Looks like any post I make with an included URL must get approval first before it will appear. Anyhow, please ignore and delete any pending duplicate posts from me if you have them. Sorry about that. Thank you.

[kvmoore]

I know this thread is getting old now, but I finally got a new laptop. It's a Lenovo Thinkpad Edge with a i5 quad-core processor. So now I'm taking another look at the Tascam US1800 again. I'm basically doing research on it and trying to find out if anyone is having any issues with it.

By the way, I have 4Gs of RAM and running Win 7, 64 bit.

Has anyone ever used the Tascam US1800 interface in on a similar system with all of it's inputs loaded? If so, how well did it perform? The last thing I want to do is buy an interface and end up having to either return it or resell it because of performance issues (audio dropouts, pops, clicks, etc...).

Thanks.