Belkin TuneStudio Portable Digital Multitrack Recorder

• uneStudio is an audio mixer that allows direct recording onto an iPod
• Four channels can be mixed simultaneously
• Records uncompressed WAV files directly to the iPod at 16-bit, 44khz
• Each channel has controls for 3-band EQ and pan and level
• Compact and rugged design makes it easy to transport

I was in the market for a cheap recording device that would let me record some conversations between two people, keeping each person's voice contained to a separate track. I also wanted something that would let me use XLR mics and would provide phantom power. I went to several stores and looked at several field recorders (from Sony, Tascam, Edriol & MAudio) and some desktop digital multi-track recorders (Tascam, Fostex & Boss).

However, I then came across this little mixer/recorder from Belkin, costing several hundred dollars less than the other devices I had been looking at. I already had an iPod that will work with the Belkin recorder, so I figured I would give it a try.

I was immediately very impressed with the quality and design of the device. As it happened, I was running late to my first recording session, so I didn't have time to work with the Belkin before I had to use it for real. Fortunately, the Belkin was extremely simple to use. The controls are intuitive, and the mixing board is well-designed and easy to read. (I should mention that several of the other recorders that I looked at were extremely difficult to use, with lots of menus and settings that didn't make sense.)

I then downloaded my recordings and started working with the audio. The audio is recorded as uncompressed WAV files at 1411Kb/s. The sound quality was excellent. There was no hum/hiss from the board, the control knobs did not create any noise when adjusted, and the on-board compressor did its job (there is an adjustable compressor that will keep the audio within the limits of iPod's recording capabilities).

Although I think I will still get a field recorder for true portability, the Belkin works wonderfully as a desktop mixer/recorder.

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Got this to do recordings without having to interface with computer. Does a good job of getting what you're singing/playing to digital audio. Easy to sync with itunes and then edit on your computer. So you still need a computer to edit your audio. Unavoidable unless you can hit record button, not make any extraneous noises and start playing, singing immediately. Also the file is saved on your ipod as wav file so it would need a computer anyway to be converted to mp3 which takes up much less space than a wav file. Also it is not a multitrack recorder. The 4 inputs are mixed together into one stereo track. The unit does require external power supply which comes in the package.

Didn't find out til I bought this that the recording button featured as being an ease-of-use feature of this unit doesn't work with the ipod classic. It's not a deal breaker but why don't they get it working or at least mention that it only works with 5th generation units? If you are releasing a product to record on ipods, you'd think it be fully working on current generation units.

Update found that when using condenser mic with phantom power, I was getting some buzzing noise in one channel. I only used this 4-5 times, now I'm sending it back. I did like the mixer part of the unit and the compressor. It did make make good sounding recordings before the buzz started. And it was easy to get the recordings into the computer for editing as it was just syncing the ipod. I might purchase another in the future.

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I've been recording four-instrument live performances with my MacBook Pro and Logic Express for a couple of years, using an M-audio FastTrack Pro 4 and a Behringer 802 mixer. Great control, but it was a lot of stuff to set up and get cabled, and goofing with the trackpad and on-screen controls was always a little tedious. And then exporting tracks to get iPod or CD rips was an extra post-production task.

The Belkin TuneStudio changes all that. A single box I can take to the gig, patch into the house audio or our own mics, and record everything without messing with a Powerbook perched precariously on a music stand putting out a ton of ghostly screen backlight. The TuneStudio is way more convenient, and although the recording quality drops from 24-bit 96 KHz to 16-bit 48 KHz, that's plenty good enough for cutting CDs or iPod listening. (In fact, I can't tell the difference, which makes me wonder if the M-Audio was really giving me 24-bit).

The build-quality is pretty nice for a box this cheap -a step up from the fit and finish of the Behringer and way cleaner audio than I was getting from the Behringer/M-audio combo. Pots are smooth but with minor fuzzing during motion -common in low-end mixers. The compressor is just plain wonderful -it's great at preventing distortion yet affects overall ambience very little. Separate headphone and monitor volumes are super convenient too for live work.

I haven't tried this hooked to a Mac yet, but I don't intend to use it that way normally. It's just refreshing to pull this one box out of a gig bag, plug in the inputs, and hit Record at the start of each set. Capacity will never be an issue -the 30GB 5G iPod I'm using holds 400 hours. Post gig I sync the thing with my Mac and it slurps the tracks into iTunes, where I can easily slice, dice, and burn to disk -or push to a web site or whatever. Way more convenient than Logic.

A few minor glitches: the "standby/recording" lights are three glaring white LEDs that I had to cover with black electrical tape (through which they shine with no problem but at least they're not so overpowering in subdued stage lighting). A couple of the knobs' center detents are off a notch. And as others have reported, the TuneStudio records only two tracks, despite having four inputs -even when connecting to a Mac via USB.

For studio work I'll still use Logic, but my Macbook and its cable snarling interface entourage stays home from now on!

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I purchased the Belkin TuneStudio after doing a LOT of research. This was the most affordable option to podcast from home. I work in broadcasting and the engineers helped me set up a telephone hybrid converter, so I could record telephone interviews for clients.

The system works great. It is very easy and intuitive especially for folks who have never worked with a standard board.

However, I have a buzzing noise in the back of every recording. It isn't terrible, but not great, either. I don't get that in the studio. I am working to see if I can get it to go away, but after testing with some engineers, we discovered that it does that with all telephones, all microphones, etc. We changed the mic cable from a plug to an XLR and that made a LOT of difference.

This little unit also does not have your overall channel on/off switch, so if you need to turn off your mic while someone is speaking, you have to manually turn the knob. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is. If you have to change your levels and forget to see the last level, you might not get it back in the same place. Also, the button is easier to push if you get a coughing spell. The knobs are close enough together that you could hit another one and jerk the levels when you turn it down.

I have had no issues working with the iPod Classic. Overall, it is a good unit for the price. It can definitely get you started. Would like to know if anyone else has the buzzing issue when recording.

Tunestudio works great, but realize it's limitations. The recordings are made with the voice note app in the ipod and are mixed down to stereo. Additionally the usb interface mixes all inputs to stereo. For recording jam sessions or live performance ( for very long periods ) it is terrific. It's easy to use, simple to set up and the mixer provides the functions you would expect from a device in this price range. Good product.