Newbie looking for advice on multi-track recording

[tputland]

Hi all. I am in need of equipment advice.

Here is what I do: I do Court Reporting for The Division of Hearings and Appeals for a state government. I am fairly new to this job and am stuck using a very heavy Sony BM2 (transcription machine) four track analog cassette recorder. The unit works fine and the (up to eight high quality) microphone inputs is essential. I get a poor quality digital recording for quick archiving to the server and computer access by running a cord to a small hand help digital unit from the earphone jack.

Here is what I am looking for: I would like to find a digital recorder that has microphone inputs with a minimum of four tracks that can be replayed indiviually if necessary for transcription purposes. I also have to have the ability to record many hours at a time. Hearings can last for days and days and go on for 8, 10, 12 or more hours in a day so I would like a recording medium that holds more than an hour or two per disc, memchip, etc.

I would also wonder if something were available that could amplify (and record) a person's voice who was testifying?

Thanks very much for any and all help!!

Tim

Edited July 13, 2007 by tputland

[Strungup]

The only products that will give you exactly what your looking for are high end . Here is a list of them .

Fostex W/6 channels

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/pr...ducts/pd6.shtml

Tascam 98r 8 channels each channel seperate

http://www.tascam.com/details;8,11,32.html

Edirol R4 Pro W/smpte and time code locking , only 4 channles though , but very nice features , removable media . Fast link etc

http://www.edirol.com/index.php?option=com...&Itemid=385

And here is a Link to a page at Fullcompass , I would browse around on Full compass web site if I were you , better yet call them and talk to Ron Vogel , he will definately point you in the right direction .

http://www.fullcompass.com

This wont be a cheap fix , but among the B stock stuff at Fullcompass , there is bound to be a recorder that will fit that bill.

The other opition is to have an Interface connected to a computer that is running software that will record 8 channels simultaniously , if your on a Mac I can help with that I have some software for that purpose , not bells no whitsles , just 8 tracks , each saved as individual wave files.

Edited July 16, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[ozpeter]

Korg D888 must be the smallest and cheapest 8 track digital recorder around (with 8 mic preamps and can record on all at once for about 25 hours with 80Gb hard drive) - but it's none the less about 40cm wide and 35cm deep. Transportable rather than portable.

[tputland]

The only products that will give you exactly what your looking for are high end . Here is a list of them .

Fostex W/6 channels

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/pr...ducts/pd6.shtml

Tascam 98r 8 channels each channel seperate

http://www.tascam.com/details;8,11,32.html

Edirol R4 Pro W/smpte and time code locking , only 4 channles though , but very nice features , removable media . Fast link etc

http://www.edirol.com/index.php?option=com...&Itemid=385

And here is a Link to a page at Fullcompass , I would browse around on Full compass web site if I were you , better yet call them and talk to Ron Vogel , he will definately point you in the right direction .

http://www.fullcompass.com

This wont be a cheap fix , but among the B stock stuff at Fullcompass , there is bound to be a recorder that will fit that bill.

The other opition is to have an Interface connected to a computer that is running software that will record 8 channels simultaniously , if your on a Mac I can help with that I have some software for that purpose , not bells no whitsles , just 8 tracks , each saved as individual wave files.

Ok, thanks for the reply.

I must add that I forgot to mention the need for transcription capabilities.

Transcripts are typed using a foot pedal for forward, backward and playing of the audio while typing the transcript on the computer. Voice recognition software does not work for us as it needs to be trained and we have hundreds of witnesses every year so training of voice recognition software is not feasable.

Any one have any suggestions now that I have tossed a spanned in the works?

Thanks

Tim

[Strungup]

Again fullcompass.com , call and talk to Ron Vogel he will set you up .

Edited July 18, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[tputland]

Again fullcompass.com , call and talk to Ron Vogel he will set you up .

I talked to Ron this afternoon. He didn't have anything much to offer and didn't sound very enthusiastic while trying to help me. He made it sound as if there was nothing out there to help me. I find that hard to believe.

Try this, I can use something that records in .WAV format and we can use the transcription software we have. Any ideas?

Thanks

[Strungup]

I talked to Ron this afternoon. He didn't have anything much to offer and didn't sound very enthusiastic while trying to help me. He made it sound as if there was nothing out there to help me. I find that hard to believe.

Try this, I can use something that records in .WAV format and we can use the transcription software we have. Any ideas?

Thanks

all of them record to WAV basically , I am sorry Ron couldnt help , that is the first time he has been without an answer for me .

Interesting , ADAT machines , with the Remote ( not a footswitch , but full shuttle control ) on the desk and the ADAT under or in a Rackmount .

[A440]

I just Googled "transcription software." There are programs that will let you use a pedal with a .wav or .mp3 file.

Here's a free one, but be careful--ONLY let it install the one free program rather than the whole NCH suite of programs, some of which will nag you when their trial period expires.

http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/

You may have confused the hardware guy with the transcription question. You can make your recording with some piece of hardware, but you don't need the hardware to be controlled by a pedal--just your software. Now all you need is an 8-track recorder, and then a software method to copy each track separately for transcription. I would think an 8-track recorder would allow you to do that fairly easily--even Audacity will allow you to mute all but one track and copy it.

[Strungup]

440 ur probably right about the confusion thing , Ron is mostly used to dealing with studio freaks like me an TV people . I didnt think of that ,

To far for me to call him , kind of an expesive call otherwise I would.

[A440]

You might be able to do this with software alone!

http://www.transcriptionbuddy.com/LR_main.htm

[Strungup]

You might be able to do this with software alone!

http://www.transcriptionbuddy.com/LR_main.htm

That does look to fit the bill , 1 - 32 channels recording , All he would need is a Firewire mixer , or Usb Mixer that would recognize seperate channel inputs.

good find.

[srizvi1]

this is yet another thread I wonder what happened in. no feedback from tputland.