Best Multitrack Recorders for Every Budget and Musician
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TASCAM Digital Portastudio Multitrack Recorder -
Boss BR1200CD Digital Multitrack Recorder -
JoeCo Blackbox Recorder - Multi-Track Recorder -
Zoom R16 Multitrack Recorder -
Roland R 88 8 Channel Recorder and Mixer -
Buyer's Guide
Multitrack recording is the foundation for nearly all forms of recorded music. But what was once a process that was solely relegated to tape and immersive recording studios has now entered a world that almost exclusively occupies the digital realm, and can be done with a device that can easily sit in a car’s passenger seat. There are many different types of multitrack recorders that exist today that occupy a very wide price range, so all of the items listed here have been selected keeping in mind that individual consumers have varying budgets that they are working with. Nonetheless, here are the best multitrack recorders in 2022 you can get today, with each one listed here equipped with USB connectivity, making it easy to transfer files and use the recorder with a computer, they can record multiple tracks at once which makes them great for live recordings, and lastly they contain onboard faders or knobs to give you the ability mix your audio live on the spot.
The Best Multitrack Recorder Models of 2022 in Detail
TASCAM Digital Portastudio Multitrack Recorder - Best Multitrack Recorder Overall
Tascam’s DP-32SD multitrack recorder features 8 mono tracks and 12 stereo tracks to cover any needs you might have in recording live bands. 32 tracks can then be played back, with eight inputs dedicated for monitoring and mixing. Up to eight tracks can be recorded live at once, which is another reason why the DP-32SD is an ideal fit for those who track live bands. This unit also contains handy recording features built-in, such as a metronome and chromatic tuner. Also included are a range of equalizers, compressors, and limiters, along with an onboard guitar/amp simulator that can introduce effects such as reverb, chorus, and more.
Boss BR1200CD Digital Multitrack Recorder - Runner Up
The BOSS BR-800 is a great tool for the musician or producer who wants to flesh out song ideas with a device that can easily sit in their own lap. You can record up to four tracks at the same time, and a total of eight tracks are able to be played back. In addition, there is also a dedicated stereo rhythm track that is powered by a built-in advanced drum machine that comes with its own editor software. Speaking of software, it’s easy to connect the BR-800 to a computer via USB, at which point it can transform into an audio interface and DAW control surface. As one might expect from a product stemming from the BOSS family tree, the BR-800 is also equipped with a slew of guitar, bass, and vocal effects that can be found in many of the company’s other effects pedals.
JoeCo Blackbox Recorder - Multi-Track Recorder - Popular With Consumers
The JoeCo Blackbox MADI multitrack recorder supports up to 64 channels of input, all of which are selectable between balanced analog and MADI digital formats. This makes this recorder a great choice for those who are recording performances or rehearsals that extend beyond the traditional band configuration, such as orchestras, big bands, and more. A USB 2.0 connection makes it easy to connect to a DAW and file transfer. The Black Box’s digital I/O offers a crystal-clear audio signal, employing high-quality balancing receivers and transmitters. The unit also provides numerous ways to keep audio in sync, including the ability to lock to clock data.
Zoom R16 Multitrack Recorder - Consider
The Zoom R16 multitrack recorder writes directly to SD cards, making it a perfect tool for those looking to record on the go. There are 16 channels here, and true to that traveller’s spirit, there are a few options you have to choose from when tracking. There are eight XLR/line inputs to connect instruments or microphones, but there are also built-in stereo condenser microphones to record using the device itself. The R16 easily connects to computer via USB for file transfer or for recording directly to the computer. Over 100 built-in studio effects are also contained in this unit, including reverb, distortion, delay, and more. And because the R16 also doubles as a control surface, you can mix down tracks solely with the device.
Roland R 88 8 Channel Recorder and Mixer - Best Multitrack Recorder
The Roland R-88 multitrack recorder can record up to eight microphones at once, and can also support SMPTE I/O, which is ideal for video sync purposes. A multi-channel touch display makes mixing events live a breeze, and the onboard 3-band EQ that is applied to each channel can greatly aid in the process of making everything sound balanced. The R-88 is also an audio interface once hooked up to a computer via USB. This device also supports metadata such as SCENE, TAKE, TIMECODE_RATE, and other forms of BWF and iXML, making it an obvious choice for professionals who are using the R-88 is part of a larger setup that includes editing systems like Pro Tools or Final Cut Pro.
Buyer's Guide
What Should You Consider?When shopping for the best multitrack recorder on the market, there are some factors that need to be taken in consideration to ensure that you get the ideal recorder tailored to your track needs. In order to do that, you need to consider the following:
Budget
You can always find relatively cheaper multitrack recorders out there if you are on a tight budget. These come with fewer fancy features and can accommodate 8 to 16 tracks. The number of tracks that are available along with recording functions can lead to a higher price.
On the other hand, if your budget isn’t as tight then you can opt for a high-quality, top notch recorder for yourself with more tracks available. Who knows? You might end up saving a couple of unexpected bucks after giving our guide a read.
Type Of Recorder
Once you have your budget all sorted out, the next thing you have to decide is the type of recorder you want. Since there are a few different types of multitrack recorders you can find, you might have your work cut out for you.
The type of recorder you want heavily depends on the settings and application you want to be using. Some of the most popular types are:
Small-format
These are usually used by home studios and others who aren’t in favour of buying a crazy expensive multitrack recorder with lots of bells and whistles attached. These can include a feasible amount of tracks as well as have a decent audio quality that is good enough for most recordings. They are also portables and can be easily connected to the gear you already own. You’ll find a few of these on our list too.
Large-format
These are more slim in size and are used by professionals that are looking for more of a full-format station that they can use as an addition to their studios. While these work for home studios as well, they can be quite pricey due to the excellent audio quality, plenty of in and outs and other more advanced features that you can get.
Field recorders
Multitrack recorders that are specifically designed to be used out in the field for those who don’t want to restrict themselves to a studio can opt for field recorders. These come with built-in tripod connectors and mics so you don’t have to worry about having a friend prop up the device for you. Again, we have a couple of options in our list for you.
Portable recorders
Several of the best multitrack recorders that are available on the market tend to be portable. However, these recorders are handheld, smaller-sized models that can be used for concerts, music videos, field recording, interviews and more, sky’s the limit!
Amount Of Tracks
An important element you should keep in mind when it comes to the best multitrack recorders is how many tracks you can record on it. While there are many possibilities related to this, the most common track numbers you’ll find include 8,16, 24 and 32 tracks. Now it is up for you to decide how many different tracks you need to record. A useful tip: when it comes to deciding how many pieces of audio you are going to record, you should always go higher than what you think, it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Additional Specifications
While additional features will almost always lead to prices increasing, some can be worth having in your multitrack recorders. But don’t go crazy when looking for fancy features and try to really see what you need in your recorder by putting the budget constraints out of your mind for a second. If there is a feature you cannot compromise on then try to find a cheaper alternative for it instead of just going for a recorder that doesn’t do anything that you need it to.
Uncompressed Audio Storage
There are many best multitrack recorders that love to compress the recorded audio in order to save storage space. Since this is poison for the sound quality, most people aren’t too ecstatic about it. So if bad sound quality is something that bothers you, as it should, then you should look into multitrack recorders that don’t compress your audio files.
Storage Space And Backup
Since the audio files you’re going to record are going to end up stored in the multitrack recorder, you need to make sure you have ample storage space. In most recorders, the disk that it comes with ends up being the general area of conflict. Therefore, you need to look out for the disk dimension that will be appropriate for you. Moreover, you should also examine the backup mechanism of the recorder before confirming your purchase. Since some of the recorders tend to use the CDR burners as backup media, you may also prefer to do that instead of the usual disk.
FAQs
What is the easiest multitrack recorder?
We have listed a wide array of multitrack recorders in our list that can help you determine the best one according to your needs. All you have to do is decide what you need the recorder for using our buying guide and you’ll know which one is the easiest and best multitrack recorder for you.
What was before multitrack recording?
While multitrack recording is now the most common method of recording popular music, it wasn’t always available. The technology happened to be first developed in the late 1940s after magnetic tape as a means of recording was introduced. So to answer your question, there wasn't much of a choice before multitrack recording. The songs would be written, prepared and then recorded in a studio for a lot of money.
What will you use multitrack recorders for?
Since multitrack recorders have a variety of uses, you can be sure you’re not going to waste your money. You can use them to record an album or just have it on you for whenever your creative juices get flowing. Since you can hardly predict when inspiration will strike, having a recording machine on you will help pen down your thoughts immediately.
