In this issue, we discuss the production environment.
In today's DAW-dominated world, I also started music production with a DAW and a laptop, but I have found many unexpected benefits from the introduction of an MTR (multi-track recorder).
I'm using ZOOM's Live Track L-12 here.
Advantage #1: Easier to work on production in the gap time.
What I mean is that with the laptop and DAW style of recording, you inevitably have to take several steps before production can begin.
Connect the laptop to the audio interface, turn on the power, and launch the DAW.
It is only a few steps, but when you are having a hard time finding time for production and want to play with sounds in your spare time, the psychological hurdle changes depending on whether or not you have to do this. It takes a surprisingly long time to start recording on a DAW. When I open the screen, I notice an e-mail and have to process it, or an update has started, or something like that, it takes a few minutes.
On the other hand, the MTR can start up and record sound immediately in about 20 seconds.
Advantage #2: Less likely to be distracted
Related to the above, a DAW gives you access to a variety of functions, for better or worse, due to the use of a computer. You are always tempted to interrupt your work with email, social networking, etc.
MTR separates us from such information.
Advantage #3: Good sleep quality even when used before bed.
This may vary from person to person, but I clearly have trouble sleeping if I use a computer, ipad, etc. before bed. I like to "use the MTR for bedtime production" to avoid staring at strong light before bed and to avoid disturbing good sleep.
On the other hand, what are the disadvantages?
This is especially true for the DAW generation, for whom editing material can be a hassle. Although the process of taking out the SD card and transferring the data to the computer is a hassle, the flip side is that it forces me to separate recording and mixing, so I can concentrate on coming up with ideas while recording.
Although we live in an age when DAWs can provide all the functions necessary for music production, many producers still see the benefits of using MTRs, as seen in the continuous release of new MTRs today.
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