affordable ADAT or recording device PLEASE HELP!

[airheadwd]

Before you read on, please note, my terminology may be off a bit. So in this case, correct me if im wrong. I am just trying to find the right equipment for my location recording. THanks!!

Anyway, I am looking for an affordable ADAT or multitrack recorder for live recording. Right now I plan to use a mixer with decent preamps, which then spits out a stereo mix to some sort of recording device.

Many have suggested just getting a flash recorder like the Zoom Handy H4, which, I do like, but i feel i could get something a bit better, maybe rackable, maybe not, or just something that is a bit more professional...

anyway, if anyone knows of a cheap hard disk recorder, anyone selling an older one, or if anyone knows of any discontinued ones I can get off of ebay that would be great!!

Any and all suggestions welcome... I am looking at tops $300, unfortunately, but maybe i can find something worth using. Thanks!!

[airheadwd]

also, a tascam SS-R1 is what i am looking at also, something that I can record to live that is rackable either as a harddisk or flash memory recorder

or should i just spit it right to a CD recording rack? help me out!

[wax808]

Fostex MR8 MkII. $250 new can use batteries. Has a built in condenser mic, has phantom power, and the easiest interface you could ever want.

[Corran]

It seems like as soon as you rackmount something the price doubles...

For the budget, it's best to get one of the handheld recorders with line-ins: Zoom H4, M-Audio Microtrack, whatever Fostex model, etc.

I will say the H4 does something funny with line inputs - that is, they still go through the preamp stage but it's buffered or something. Doesn't sound quite right and is easy to clip. I don't know the other units and their issues. It might be easier right now to get a cheaper USB interface to record to a laptop, assuming you have a stable laptop.

[mrsteaks]

Did you say you have the mics? If so, you may be able to find a used Masterlink HD recorder on eBay for around $300. Then there is always an ADAT - a Blackface ADAT or similar, which can be had for around $300. They're eight channel, 48KHz. Beware, though - the ADATs are "tape recorders", VCRs in fact, and they need to be fed GOOD QUALITY S-VHS tape (40 minutes recording time per tape).

[corworld]

I would say get a Roland VSR-880. Search Ebay. They can be had for under $300.

[GZsound]

I've got an ADAT LX-20 with low hours which works great as a live recorder.
PM me if you are interested.