need backup advice

[mrufino1]

Hi, I am revising my recording rig, as I mentioned in another post. I am going to be using 2 presonus firepods with a third borrowed unit if I need 24 inputs. For the gigs I have been doing 16 is usually plenty of inputs though. I will be using my rackmount computer and reaper. Currently, I have 8 channels of transformer iso splits (ewi, from audiopile- decent, they definitely do the job I need to do) and will be getting 8 more channels. Each splitter has a direct out and 2 iso outs, so my backup question is this: Originally I thought the firepods had direct outs from the preamps that would run while recording, but this is only partially true. It will function standalone but not while connected via firewire, so I figured I would use the extra out on my splitter into my smpro pr8e preamp, then get a recorder for backup. I am thinking of getting a da-38 for 8 track backup, that way if the computer crashes I would at least be getting something recorded multitrack. Is this a good, reliable plan? I was told that adat's are not too good when moved around and that the tascam can take being moved a little better. Another option would be something like a fostex d80 or d90. I have a fostex vf160 that I have been using to record live, then transferring in via scsi, but I think I'd rather do it directly to the computer and run a backup just in case rather than knowing I have a long time waiting for track transfer every time. I appreciate any input from people here. Thanks.

[bishopthomas]

Since you're looking at potentially recording 24 tracks, why not something like the Alesis HD24?

[mrufino1]

Hi Bishop Thomas, I have been following your hd24 posts for a while. I was strongly considering it but for what I am doing it really isn't going to work- by the time I got enough preamps, a board to monitor, etc., it would be way too much money (and that is scarce!). I sold or am in the process of selling all of my gear to revise my setup, moving away from protools m-powered, so whatever money I get from the sale is what I have to invest in new stuff. The firepods fit right in there. At some point though I may be looking at the hd24. My very good friend has one and he swears by it. Where are you in Central Jersey? I am in North Jersey, Nutley to be exact and play in quite a few bands- maybe we have crossed paths at some point. Thanks for your reply.-Mark