PC Recording Box

[Dakine]

Question for those with alot more experience than me (thats NOT difficult at this point :)).

Ok, BKP's on way. Getting some cool riffs down. So time to think about recording.

Now, I have a Zoom MRS8 (not messed with it a whole lot). This was'nt my first choice but my first choice was getting bad reviews. Now my first choice has a HUGE free software upgrade and is getting RAVE reviews.

Anyway, take it I can sell my MRS8 if needed.

Which one will be better/more useful?

Zoom MRS8;
http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/mrs8/index.php

or

M-Audio Black Box;
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MAudioBlackBox-main.html

The Black Box was my initial choice,but had issues apprently. Now ver.2 update is getting great reviews.

I am not a computer recording expert by any stretch so PLEASE take a few mins. to lokk/let me know which you think is best bet.

Again, I have the Zoom but could trade for a Black Box.

Mucho thanks in advance,
Nick

[Bainzy]

Depends what features you want I guess. From soundclips that I've heard, the black box seems to have better sound quality. If you'd use the PC most of the time for editing, I'd say go with that. However, you might miss the real-time editing features that a DAW like the Zoom provides.

[sambo]

seconded...

im guessing the black box will be the better choice for PC based stuff... as in recording into the PC.... but thats awkward for me as my PC is in a TINY room, so i use the PS-04 in my room where theres more space, and it means i can take it anywhere and use it without a PC...

i dunno about sound quality being better on the M-audio though... some clips on that zoom forum nick, theyre pro quality... or at least they are to my ears...

just a question of what exactly you want to do with it...

anyway, keep me informed on where you go with it...

P.S feel guilty now for bigging up the zooms  :oops:

[_tom_]

i dunno about sound quality being better on the M-audio though... some clips on that zoom forum nick, theyre pro quality... or at least they are to my ears...

Yeah... well your ears also think Nickelback sound good :lol: sorry I just had to..

Anyway I think I prefer PC based recording to standalone devices, so I'd probably go for the black box, but you allready have that Zoom.. so if you can get good quality recordings with it then I'd probably just stick to that.

[jt]

:D Steve who posts lots of clips in the players section uses A Zoom 16 track he gets great results from it. Where as i use a Boss 8 track again digital & get mediocre to sh*t quality out of it. Back in the day i used analoge tape 4 tracks & got outstanding quality recordings from those. So it must depend on what Manufacturer you go for.

All the guys on this forum that use computers seem to get really good sounds out of `em so i`m looking at going that way myself in which case i have to agree with the guys get the black box,

{That was a bloody long way of saying go for the black box !!! }

 :D  8)

[Tellboy]

I bought a M-Audio Black Box on ebay a few months ago and was initially disappointed with it. However, I recently downloaded the V.2 firmware upgrade and it has completely transformed it. Much better amp.sims and more of them (plus compression, middle etc added). I also have a Pod 2 and would choose the BB over it. (Have not tried a P.XT).
I'm not a digital fan but would recommend the Black Box.

[Dakine]

Thanks Guys,
truly should probably get a firewire pc box so I can use a condensor mic (neither the Zoom or Black Box have Phantom Power) and mic a cab. However, I still have to buy a "real" amp when I return and this may not be immediately (due to family stuff) so...
Basically the Black Box always sounded a great idea, just flawed. Now ver.2 is out it seem's all/most concerns have been blown away!
Will let ya'll know.
Thanks,
Nick

[Dakine]

Well, for whatever reason I am def. drawn to the Black Box!
I have an offer on my Zoom.
Would like to get Black Box with me to use for my trip next week.

Anyway, with ver.2 firmware upgrade (as mentioned) it is meant to kick some serious ass! Only thing it needs a 9volt adaptor but should be easy to get one in UK.

Anyway, for anyone interested found a BLINDING deal on these in UK (same as US price, cept found one with footpedal and free microphone here),
Check this....

http://www.turnkey.co.uk/web/productAction.do;jsessionid=DFAC7A65844C5C524B8020402423202C?dispatch=showProduct&SKU=MMAN-BLACKBOX&context=WEB

Firmware upgrade is free from M-Audio site.

For those interested the amp models are supposed to be VERY good and you now get;

  - Fender Bassman
    - Fender Deluxe Reverb
    - Fender Twin
    - Fender Deluxe
    - Fender Champ
    - Vox AC-30
    - Vox AC-15
    - Marshall JTM-45
    - Marshall Plexi Super Lead 100
    - Marshall JCM-2000
    - Marshall JCM-800
    - Hiwatt DR-103
    - Soldano SLO-100
    - Mesa Boogie Mark IIc
    - Mesa Boogie Dual Rect
    - Bogner Uberschall
    - Diezel VH4
    - ENGL Powerball
    - Peavey 5150 MkII
    - Bogner Ecstasy
    - Budda Twinmaster
    - Matchless Chieftain
    - Acoustic 360
    - Ampeg SVT
    - Gallien-Krueger 800RB
    - SWR SM-500
    - Roland Jazz Chorus

Nick

[Johnny Mac]

I use a EMU 1820 soundcard and breakout box but you don't get none of the amp sim stuff but tonnes of in/outs XLR mic imputs with phantom power, optical connectors, midi plus it comes with cubase and wave editors ect and they take vst plugins like native instruments. More dosh than a black box though. I'm still getting my head around it but its making more sense now. You can record as many tracks as your pc can handle.

[Dakine]

Def. BEST bet JC, but need to get a decent amp to mic first :)
Think BB is a goodish idea for now anyways, but Firewire and Condensor mic in future :)

[willo]

They've got the Blackboxes in Soundcontrol for £99 too, if someone here fancies going and buying in a shop as opposed to (a predominantly) mail-order company. I've ordered from Turnkey before and they were fine, though.

[Dakine]

Cool, did not know that.
I think 99 squid for that is pretty much a bargain really.
Heck, a USB recording interface will set ya back that alone I reckon, not inc. amp sims, effects (beat synced) and drum loops!

[Johnny Mac]

Def. BEST bet JC, but need to get a decent amp to mic first :)
Think BB is a goodish idea for now anyways, but Firewire and Condensor mic in future :)

Sounds like the BB is right up your street then!

[Dakine]

Need summit to play when travel next week too, so this and my headphones will work :)
Maybe make me deaf but 1/4 way there I reckon anyway lol.

Just seems silly going the "mic cab" route when all have is a Micro Cube right now HAHAHA.

Still, not long and can join Big Boys with Head/Cab :)

[sambo]

nick if you do get the BB, let me know how you get on with it... could sell my PS-04 to get one you see...