thoughts on the Roland VS-2480CD ?

[EL34]

I've owned the VS-2480CD for a while now, and the learning curve has been steep. I've definitely been underutilizing it, though one of my great resolutions this year is to spend more time recording. So, my question is whether the VS-2480CD's time has passed ? I know it was very revolutionary and powerful when it first came out 5 or so years ago....but how about now? Should I move on to a PC based recording platform or stick with the proprietary Roland VS system? What are the tradeoffs? TIA.

[FlyingVBlues]

I have an acquaintence who uses a VS-2480 with a meter bridge, along with some very nice preamps and mics.. He has recorded 2 CD's with his rig which have received excellent reviews in Blues Revue and several other blues magazines. Recording Magazine, which has a section devoted to reviewing user submissions, said that the 2nd CD was as radio-ready as any submission they've had heard in the blues genre. He learned how to use his 2480 through a lot of experimentation, and with the help of the folks on the VS Planet forum. Based on the recordings I've heard made with the VS-2480 I think it's worth investing the time to learn to use this system.

FVB

[football]

I would suggest moving to a platform like a Pro Tools (or DP, Logic, Nuendo etc...).

I had a 1680 and when I got Pro Tools it opened up a whole new world to me.

Of course you can do great work on any of these platforms though.

[jkr]

I use a Korg D16XD and have also worked with a 2480. Forget about "has it's time passed". If you can't record it a hit song on a 2480, you won't be able to do in a pro tools system. I'm not a fan of the data compression, but with a good mic and mic preamp, you should be able to get you results that would catch a record company's ear or get you radio air play. I'm not sure it sounds "as good" as some of the other formats, but a great song is going to rock people whether it was recorded on a 2480 or a Pro Tools rig.

[football]

I am wondering if you are mostly recording a live band or would you be interested in using soft synths, samplers, etc...

[Grun]

For portable live use it's very handy. I know a guy who has at least two of them. He and his wife keep fairly well occupied recording live stuff. Met his wife actually at a band/orchestra concert recording with a couple of Royers and RNPs.

[EL34]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I'm going to keep working at this unit, and see what I can do with it for the next several months. happy holidays!

[David R]

Since you own the 2480 I would keep it and learn how to use it properly. When I owned one I found a lot that was good about it. There were a few drawbacks (for me) which caused me to sell but I liked the design. I found it extremely easy to use, so I won't say that learning PT or Cubase SX will be a breath of fresh air if the 2480 seems tough.

[Big Boss Man]

I think Roland is discontinuing the VS recorders. I think the 2480 is still being sold in the US for now. Might be time to move on. The VS series are excellent machines, but do you want to invest of a lot time mastering something for which there will be very limited support in the future?