Best all-in-one HD system?

[Vince]

I'm in search of the best all-in-one unit that I can easily transport to record remotely when necessary.

So far, the Roland VS products seem to be the best choices on the market (especially the 2480, in terms of bang for the buck and overall quality).

I've used the 880 and 1880 previously so I'm pretty familiar with the feature set but...I'm really not hip to other units on the market right now (I've been using DP for recording at home but don't want to be tethered to my studio). Ideas?

[Kenny Bergle]

Vince,
Hi! Kenny Bergle here. I work at Sweetwater at will be moderating this forum (ok AM moderating this forum!). What are your needs for recording? Do you want to do live bands, or score films, or do song demos or what are you doing? There are a bunch of DAWs that are awesome (including the Roland VS series, imho) but determining which one is best for you hinges on how you want to use it. Are you a computer nut or a computer-phobe or ambivalent? That will also have something to do with it. http://www.sweetwater.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Thanks for posting this question, btw. We've just begun the forum and this is one of the issues we hope to clear up for people. (Also feel free to call me at 800 222 4700 ext 1270 if you'd like to talk person-to-person about it.)

Kenny Bergle

[Rishathra]

My songwriting partner in Denver uses an 880 with some success.. his stuff sounds OK (he could use better mics and pres, but it just ain't in his budget). His main beef was the stupid manual. I don't know myself.. maybe they are easy enough to get around on without the manual, but i am a bit of a manual freak.

[Kenny Bergle]

OK! I really like the VS Series from Roland. Also the D1600 by Korg is becoming very popular. The VS1880 actually has XLR inputs with Phantom power so you can use GREAT condenser mics, like the AKG C414 or a pair C12VRs even, for that special off-site piano. You can check these out by searching these product numbers on our homepage search engine in the upper left-hand corner of the homepage. Also check out the VS2480, Roland's 24-track. How many tracks do you envision needing/using?

[shaneperc]

If you have a music store that stocks em', listen to the Yamaha model (I don't know which model #, but it's the only one they make). I haven't heard the new Roland, but the others I've listened to didn't sound great. To me, the Yamaha sounds noticably better. Just something else to consider.