The
Yamaha MD8 is a relatively
inexpensive mini-
studio for the budget-minded
musician. It features 8
tracks on a
data MiniDisc, and it is
digitally recorded. You can record 8
simultaneous tracks, individual tracks, or
ping-pong tracks down to one or more, which would allow you to record more music over it, like adding
background vocals to a
session.
Because the recording is digital, you can get precise editing of tracks, fast searching and location of sections, and quick punch in/out using a footswitch with up to 99 takes. A large jog/shuttle wheel and a bright flourescent display help to navigate through the features swiftly. The MD8 also features MIDI in/out/thru jacks along with balanced and unbalanced inputs.
For the really budget-minded musicians, Yamaha also made an MD4, which recorded four simultaneous tracks.