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How Does a Multitrack Recorder Compare to Pro Tools?

Advances in digital technology give musicians many options for recording their music. Two of the most popular methods are with a digital multitrack recorder, or a computer program such as Pro Tools.
  1. Track Recording

    • Multitrack recorders allow for the recording of a limited number of channels, or tracks, usually no more than eight or ten. With a computer program such as Pro Tools, the number of tracks is limited only by the speed of your computer's processor and hard drive.

    Display

    • Multitrack recorders usually have on-board displays, but they are no larger than 3 or 4 inches, and display limited information. A user of Pro Tools, however, has access to significantly larger monitors, allowing the display of more information at one time.

    Storage

    • Multitrack recorders have smaller hard drives than one would use with a program such as Pro Tools. Larger hard drives allows more music to be recorded.

    Effects

    • You'll be able to process your recorded music with a multitrack recorder, but you probably won't have as many options as you would with Pro Tools. For example, Pro Tools users have available a number of "plug ins" that can be used for pitch correction, which are not available on multitrack recorders.

    Mastering

    • If you want to master your recording prior to having it replicated, Pro Tools offers more sophisticated tools than do most multitrack recorders.

Recording Music

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