Fostex VF160

Ebay - $690

If, like me, you've recorded for years on a cassette four-track, or occasionally on big tape in a real studio, and you feel like you're outgrowing the 4-track but not yet ready to start knocking out walls in your house or investing thousands of dollars in a truly serious recording rig, then this is the unit for you. I could very easily have gone into a more complex computer recording situation but (a) I move around a lot and (b) I come from a very "analog" and 4-track/ guitar player background, with lots of live playing (no MIDI or sequencing etc.) and for that kind of person, this is a real step up in the right direction! The great thing about this unit is that, unlike recording with a home computer setup, I can take the unit and a few microphones wherever the drum kit (or backup singers, or vibraphone, etc.) is set up and just plug it in and rock, on location. Some of the operating features are a little obscure (there is some jogging through menus, and there is definitely more reading the manual involved than with a conventional 4-track, but if you have patience and the desire, the improvements are sooo worth it, it's incredible. I recorded a "test recording" one instrument at a time, and I must say it took me almost a week's worth of evenings to get the first recording finished and sounding right, as I was learning the features of the VF-160 and how to get good sounds as I went. So I don't think it's a "plug and play" kind of thing where you'll record a masterpiece in an hour after you take it out of the box.

This is a pretty complex recorder, it's not 100% simple, there's lots of scrolling and hitting keys in a certain sequence to get it to do what you want. For me, there was A LOT of reading the manual involved. I've only had it a few months, but I've found that the effort and extra work involved generally pays off. For instance, at first I had a real hard time getting a good bass guitar sound, or getting a really good mixdown, but by reading the manual and boning up and paying attention I got much better sounds pretty quickly. It's not as spontaneous as a 4-track, you do have to work and think a bit about what you're doing. There is a little bit of brittleness to the overall sound, sometimes I miss that feeling of "tape" where instruments start bleeding together and you reach a point where it all sounds good. But the editing features, punching in and stuff is just priceless. You don't like the punch-in guitar solo you just did? Just hit "undo" and it's forgotten. Can't do that with analog. I know to a lot of people that's old hat, but to a die-hard 4-tracker, it's very cool!

Seems to be well-constructed. The CD burner seems rather flimsy, though. When it ejects it just kind of spits the tray out, it's not very smooth. The whole unit itself is pretty solidly built, comparable to an older 4-track. The faders are very finger-friendly -- you can move them around very smoothly and organically (like on fade-outs) unlike many four-track recorders out there.

Awesome step up for somebody who is beyond a 4-track but not ready for a whole-hog Protools or Digi001 type rig. A solo recording person will never run out of tracks on this thing. A person who does most of their work on a computer could probably find a better tool, but for a guitar-player/keyboard player/singer like me, it's perfect.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

It was bought in New zealand. I bought it to record our bands first CD. It seemed like a cheaper alternative to getting the CD done proffesionaly and after trying other digital multitrackers from manufacturers like Akai, Tascam and Boss i decided that for me the VF-160 would be best suited. I paid NZ$2.500 without CD-R.

Easy to get a basic recording down, i got a song done in 1/2 hour, excellent features for money spent. Realy impresive sound, once you learn how to use it.

My band and some friends got about 4 days of recording/ mixing done, when hard disk developed a fault. We lost everything, this seems to be a common problem. Also the cut/ paste function is hard to use. Parts of the user's manual are imposible to understand.

Very solid unit. Well thought out design with good sized buttons (not too small). The sliders are very smooth . It certainly doesn't feel cheap, and it doesn't creak like some units.

A very good unit, capable of proffesional recordings. pleasant to use. But make sure you back up everything to either CD or other device. It realy is a shame about the hard disc.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The band I'm in decided that we wanted to record the music we have been working on for the last few years. We are all around 50 and felt like we should do it now before the arthritis gets us. We wanted more tracks to work with, and started looking around. The up front man who also did all the recording before with a four track picked out a few from the musicians friend and I picked the vf 160 based on price and it's capabilitys.

I like the way that you use the jog wheel to acsess the different settings. The number of different functions, and sheer volume of music that can be stored. This recorder is a computer really and the sound quality is great! I can't belive the quality of sound I can get right here at my house. I also like the layout of the controls. The thing I like best about this unit is the cd burner.

The vf160 did require a good amount of time in reading to understand how to operate. Since this was my first recorder, and my first try at recording. I think Itwas alot to digest at once. I imagine a person who had prior experience recording would find it easier.

The vf160 is very well made. All imputs and connections are solid. The buttons all have a solid feel. The unit operates quietly, and has done more that I expected. I was unsure of my choice due to lack of information and experience with recorders, but Now I feel confident in my recording abilitys. I have even recorded myself playing drums, bass, rythum, and lead .

I have enjoyed using this machine, and It has helped me to compose original music by allowing me to lay down a drum track, then go back in,using the pod direct,and with a minimum of setup time, lay down bass and guitar sometimes making up parts as I go along. I have never been able to do that before.This machine has opened me up to composing.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Mars Music, GA $999

First, you can record up to 24 hours of music without upgrading the hard drive. Built-in CDR, SCSI output, midi equipped, ADAT. Record up to 8 tracks simultaneously, 2 phantom powered jacks...the thing is a powerhouse. Cut and paste music, built in metronome...There's no reason to get anything more unless you want to record a full symphony orchestra.

The only thing I would change (Like the VF16) is the screen size...it could be a tad larger, but other than that, not a single complaint

Unbelievably light weight for its size, sturdy metal & plastic case...just can't say enough about it

If you are looking for recording gear, look no further than the VF160...you will not regret it

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com