The HD-P2 is probably a useful machine (check out SoundOnSound for review: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul06/articles/tascamhdp2.htm... SoS is a great resource for sound engineering – use it!), but (unless you plan on sending the final mix on the HD-P2's Compact Flash card) if you want the mix on a CD, you still need to transfer your mix files to a computer (via Firewire or a card-reader), which in turn entails some sort of audio software... Not necessarily a DAW (I'm a Mac user, and as an example their included iTunes software would be sufficient to create a digital file), but for the mastering stage, this software should allow 24bits. Maybe something like Audacity?.. http://download.cnet.com/Audacity/3000-2170_4-10058117.html
To get the most for my money, I always try to figure out exactly what features I need, or don't need in a piece of equipment, so in this case you should ask yourself if you want to pay for the portability and the ability to record to a CFlash card – great features for live recording, but superfluous if you're just buying the HD-P2 for AD conversion.
So; if you already have an adequate computer, your money might be better spent on an audio interface (needed for the AD conversion) with a couple preamps/channels, and a DAW. This will give you added editing possibilities, and also provide an entry into the world of digital multitracking. Incidentally, most interfaces will come packaged with software.
DAW simply refers to software designed for recording and editing audio... http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/the-15-best-daw-software-apps-in-the-world-today-238905
Don't think you need to worry about the mysteries of AD as long as you get yourself aquality audio interface... : http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/
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Ryan Thomas LeGere said:
I figure I'll invest in something that will make my life a little easier after the recording stage. A digital mixdown option is sounding like a better option than the 2 track machine Then I can just throw the songs on Cd and send it over to the mastering house.
dubiE: Is there anything I should know about A/D converters? I hear that you need a good conversion to take place when transfering between "mediums." To me, the concepts of bits and sampling rates make sense but are a little alien because I never had to worry about them 'til now.
I'm looking at the the Tasam HD-P2 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HDP2/?utm_source=Google&...
What do you think? Overboard? Also, what is DAW exactly? I just associate it with digital audio but don't have a clear definition.