I used to have a BOSS BR8 with the 100mb zip discs. I used it for a few years and moved over to the computer. I now use Reason for drums and keys etc with an Evolution MK49 usb keyboard and good ol' Cool Edit Pro for my multitracking. I'm also using the Line 6 Toneport UX2 (which is now POD Studio UX2) with Gearbox 3.0 (which is now Pod Farm) for my guitars, bass and vocals.
It is a pretty simplistic system but it gets the job done and it is a pretty good quality recording. I don't need anything too fancy. I'm content with my set up.

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Wow, I used to have a BR-8 as well.

So, lets hear some of your music .

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Tony Houston

Haven't tried it yet. Still trying to get things set up to record....much less burn it to a cd. Nothing spectacular....going to use the original song as a click track, then play the lead above it. I want to be able to listen to it without playing it...see if I've actually learned it correctly.

Also want to listen to it in 6 months....see how far I've come.

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Will

Well, keep at it, and you'll be rewarded.

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Tony Houston

Just got a email from Sam Ash, they have a 'Boss BR600 Digital Multitrack Recorder (Warehouse Resealed)' for $319.99 http://tinyurl.com/lcsdku, this is a great price, for a great recorder

I have one and use it for songwriting, and just general recording. I have three CF cards, it can record to max size of 1GB CF, but you can back up tracks using USB or the free BOSS BR Wave Converter with a card reader http://tinyurl.com/mszg8x.

I also made a few video tutorials for the BR-600 last Jan when we snowed in for a friend http://tinyurl.com/nr6h9a, now there are about 3000 hits on them, and people are recording music.

BOSS BR-600 site http://tinyurl.com/cz7txf.

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Tony Houston

I was using a TASCAM Pocketstudio 5 for recording before moving to a PC-based studio. I boxed it up, put it away and had thoughts of selling it, but maybe I could use it for songwriting and capturing ideas. My memory is like a sieve and I lose great (OK, maybe good) ideas all the time. Not a bad idea.

The BR-600 is great for this as well. I was watching a football game, and I play while watching. A running back was making some nifty moves, and I starting this riff to match his moves. I went and got my BR-600, and laid down a quick reference track, it's that easy.

But, here I must post that my brother Larry Houston works for Roland, and I don't any kickbacks, or whatever. The BR series recorders are great machines.

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Tony Houston

I got a email from a lurker about the availability of 1GB CF cards for the BR-600 (because of the firmware, the BR-600 will only record to 1GB CF cards).

There are still plenty around http://tinyurl.com/l3texv.

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Tony Houston

Reaper users, there is a new update available http://www.reaper.fm/.

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Tony Houston

Love Home recording. It is my only musical outlet at the time. You can get into it for around $100.00 and the gear acquisition is just as bad for Home Recording Gear as guitars and Amps.

I have a bunch of Back Track jams that I have done.

www.soundclick.com/zachrogers

Yo Zach! It's good to see you here, I've always enjoyed your backing tracks, and your playing.

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Tony Houston

Appreciate it Tony. Working with music from around the world is mind boggling because of the miles that these things cover and quite exciting. Playing those BT's that other folks create really helps develop playing styles and sometimes forces a player outside of their comfort zone which is a good thing.

Cockos Incorporated has released more new fixes, and enhancements for Reaper http://www.reaper.fm/.

You're looking at wanting to start recording at home using a PC, for just $60, you will not find a easier, or powerful recording software. I have it, and would use it a little more if I had drum loops/software.

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Tony Houston

I like having the flexibility of using a stand alone (BR864) or software (Audacity, Ableton Live or Sonar) for home recordings.

It's all good.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Me too. I think I would use Reaper more if it had drum loops. But, I have found a inexpensive drum loops, Kompound Drums http://pipelineaudio.net/products.html is only $15, and seems pretty versatile.

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Tony Houston