Recording compositions from a Juno DS 88

[Giocast]

This is a plea for help with a frustrating dilemma i am faced with. I'm not looking for "professional studio" quality as probably couldn't afford it anyway, but my attempts to record by close-mike-ing via loudspeakers using two methods have left me facing this:-

I can record on an Iphone with acceptable results and can then edit with incredible accuracy - however an in-built auto-noise suppression circuit (with no provision to turn off) means that results are compromised with varying volume, just when you don't need it.

I can record using a Tascam DR-05 with good results and no auto-suppression problems, but no facility to edit means that the recording must be totally accurate with no mistakes making this virtually impossible.

Any suggestions for a third alternative would be welcome, with the emphasis on simplicity as struggling to grasp a lot of modern alternatives due to my age.
Some sort of mixer/editor is hopefully out there..

[Hugh Robjohns]

If you have a computer, then record with the Tascam, transfer the file into the computer, and edit with one of the free audio editing systems.

[adrian_k]

Your Tascam has this apparently:

Functions as a 2in/ 2out USB Audio Interface for Mac, PC or iOS recording

So you should be able to use it to record directly into your iPhone using (say) GarageBand. I think this would avoid the issue with noise suppression. Don’t have time right now but will look at this later.

[resistorman]

I use Android, but I don't believe that noise suppression is an iPhone hardware issue, it is likely the app you're using, especially if it's for memos. I use an app called Field Recorder with excellent features that bypasses all the usual handholding, I'm sure there is an equivalent app for iPhone.

[Giocast]

I use Android, but I don't believe that noise suppression is an iPhone hardware issue, it is likely the app you're using, especially if it's for memos. I use an app called Field Recorder with excellent features that bypasses all the usual handholding, I'm sure there is an equivalent app for iPhone.

Thank you for replying but i promise you that it is, i don't know if they changed the phone software to make it possible to turn off on later models, but this is the case on my old 11.

[Giocast]

Your Tascam has this apparently:

Functions as a 2in/ 2out USB Audio Interface for Mac, PC or iOS recording

So you should be able to use it to record directly into your iPhone using (say) GarageBand. I think this would avoid the issue with noise suppression. Don’t have time right now but will look at this later.

Sorry, i might not have made the above clear - the Tascam DR-05 is fine with volume, can be set for maximum, no suppression problem etc, but the recording cannot be edited. If you could please tell me what dedicated hardware i could use to connect with the DR-05 so that i could then fine edit, then this is probably my best way forward.

[Giocast]

If you have a computer, then record with the Tascam, transfer the file into the computer, and edit with one of the free audio editing systems.

I think this is what i need to look at - and probably the simplest route?

[Giocast]

.....

[adrian_k]

Your Tascam has this apparently:

Functions as a 2in/ 2out USB Audio Interface for Mac, PC or iOS recording

So you should be able to use it to record directly into your iPhone using (say) GarageBand. I think this would avoid the issue with noise suppression. Don’t have time right now but will look at this later.

Sorry, i might not have made the above clear - the Tascam DR-05 is fine with volume, can be set for maximum, no suppression problem etc, but the recording cannot be edited. If you could please tell me what dedicated hardware i could use to connect with the DR-05 so that i could then fine edit, then this is probably my best way forward.

Ok but what I am suggesting is it might be possible to use the Tascam simply as a mic and DAC, connected to your phone using a suitable cable, and the iPhone will be the recorder. You can then edit the resulting recording in the phone.

I have some kit I can test this with I think, might have some time tomorrow afternoon.

[alexis]

I have the Juno DS 88 also, and what I do is connect the USB MIDI out directly to my computer. If I just wanted to hear the piano (i.e., not edit it), I do that through a downloaded/purchased app (PianoTeq, in my case, but there are many others).

To edit your playing (not just listen) that can be done relatively easily using any one of a number of low cost (or free?) apps (I use Cubase; Reaper, Garageband, and Logic are other common choices). Most of these (Cubase, Reaper, and Logic, at least) will be able to play back other instrument sounds if you are generating those from the Juno as well (horns, strings, etc).

Some additional comments:

1. I personally find audio piano to be much harder to edit than MIDI, so getting one of those apps I mentioned above (Cubase, Reaper, Logic, etc.) would help a lot in that regard (they vibe you the ability to edit audio, but MIDI as well)
2. I read that your Tascam has destructive editing (though with one undo), so one is kind of stuck with their redo/ overdub playing. The music apps I mentioned have unlimited redos (at least Cubase does).
3. Maybe not necessary, but it would be helpful to do your overdubs of the parts you wanted to replay via headphones

I hope that helps, it's just one way to get things done, please post with more questions!

[Sam Spoons]

With the Juno I would not be recording via the speakers, I would record midi into either Garage Band, Logic or (in my case) Reaper. If you wanted to record the live audio output from the Juno I would do that using it's USB audio facility unless you wish to add other instruments or voices. In that case you would need an audio interface of some kind and could then record the audio output using the L/R jack outputs.

[Michael Harrison]

Ummm, perhaps I'm missing something in how I read the original post; but you are/are you aware that the Juno DS88 has a built-in (USB) audio interface?

You can record directly from this into a computer software (DAW) platform where you can easily edit as necessary. Capturing your performances this way would be the easiest/most accessible way to review & edit, assuming you already have/use a computer. It would also likely be the highest quality as the signal isn't undergoing any further stages of conversion or potential degradation by other devices.

[adrian_k]

Yes agreed this would be the best approach, but the OP doesn’t mention a computer and implies the editing has been done on the iPhone. Sadly they haven’t been back to clarify so it’s hard to be more helpful.

[alexis]

Indeed, I recommended that early on (I also use the Juno DS 88), hopefully OP was able to get what he needed from the thread.

[Giocast]

Thank you everyone for your help so far. The reason i haven't mentioned anything via a computer is because i am running an old Dell which needs replacing before anything else. I ought to also clarify that i only referred to the Iphone to illustrate how close this came to ticking all boxes but it can be ruled out completely due to the noise suppression problem. If i had a stand-alone machine that was a blend of the two "devices" then that would be perfect. On my last visit to Andertons in Guildford i was encouraged to learn the GarageBand app so that is another route although i'm struggling to learn anything new these days, hence the post. If anyone can recommend any Tutorial Videos explaining DAW in layman's terms then that would be great also.

[alexis]

... The reason i haven't mentioned anything via a computer is because i am running an old Dell which needs replacing before anything else...

Can you tell us what Windows version you are running, and the computer specs?

Maybe you'll be surprised that you can achieve many/ possibly all of your goals without computer replacement.

[Sam Spoons]

For your professed needs Reaper on your old Dell could get the job done*. But, yes, Garage Band on an iDevice is also a very good solution. I'm not sure but I think recording into GB will bypass the over aggressive noise/dynamic control used by the voice recorder app. And, I think that recording using USB (with, in the case of an iDevice, an OTG adapter) will also bypass the noise/dynamics (again I'm not certain). For all Garage Band is aimed at people who choose not to delve deeply into the tech side of recording software it is still a sophisticated multitrack recorder with decent facilities and will not get in the way of you producing excellent recordings.

* I have used a 2008 Mac Pro and Reaper for quite a few years and have only upgraded to a 2019 Mac Pro a few weeks ago because the old machine could not run some non-music related apps I decided I wanted to have (and used 2019 MP prices and my available gear fund finally converged).

[adrian_k]

But, yes, Garage Band on an iDevice is also a very good solution. I'm not sure but I think recording into GB will bypass the over aggressive noise/dynamic control used by the voice recorder app. And, I think that recording using USB (with, in the case of an iDevice, an OTG adapter) will also bypass the noise/dynamics (again I'm not certain).

Yup as I posted above this is what I suspect but haven’t had time to test.

But also Hugh’s suggestion is good, record on the Tascam and transfer to the PC. Then edit using something like Audacity, which is free. Much simpler to learn than a full DAW. Almost any PC from the last 20 years will run Audacity.

[Sam Spoons]

But, yes, Garage Band on an iDevice is also a very good solution. I'm not sure but I think recording into GB will bypass the over aggressive noise/dynamic control used by the voice recorder app. And, I think that recording using USB (with, in the case of an iDevice, an OTG adapter) will also bypass the noise/dynamics (again I'm not certain).

Yup as I posted above this is what I suspect but haven’t had time to test.

But also Hugh’s suggestion is good, record on the Tascam and transfer to the PC. Then edit using something like Audacity, which is free. Much simpler to learn than a full DAW. Almost any PC from the last 20 years will run Audacity.

Indeed you did and yes not only will nearly any 21C computer run Audacity but there will be a version of Reaper that will run on it too (Reaper is thought to be not so user friendly as Audacity but there is a learning curve for both and when a mate came to me asking for advice on using Audacity I struggled and soon convinced him to download Reaper simply so I could help).

I would still advise Glocast to record either midi or audio over USB using the USB connection on his Juno direct into a computer or iDevice.

[Arpangel]

Use the line out or USB, this is the easiest route, with a cheap Behringer audio interface, and I'm sure your old Dell will handle all of this with a free copy of Reaper.

[Sam Spoons]

Good advice Arpy but, just for clarity, the OP should know that Reaper is not free as such. There is no free, 'lite', version, the demo is free, fully functional and not time limited (apart from a nag screen on start up) but if you choose to continue to use it you should pay the very modest $60 license fee.

[Arpangel]

Good advice Arpy but, just for clarity, the OP should know that Reaper is not free as such. There is no free, 'lite', version, the demo is free, fully functional and not time limited (apart from a nag screen on start up) but if you choose to continue to use it you should pay the very modest $60 license fee.

Sorry Sam, that’s what I meant, it’s good to see if you can get on with it before paying anything, and you don’t just have a week to establish that.

[James Perrett]

The reason i haven't mentioned anything via a computer is because i am running an old Dell which needs replacing before anything else.

If it is less than 20 years old then it will run Reaper fine (I do 24 track recordings on a 21 year old computer). The current version of Reaper will run on anything from Windows XP onwards. You can download older versions from their website which will run on Windows 98.

[Sam Spoons]

Good advice Arpy but, just for clarity, the OP should know that Reaper is not free as such. There is no free, 'lite', version, the demo is free, fully functional and not time limited (apart from a nag screen on start up) but if you choose to continue to use it you should pay the very modest $60 license fee.

Sorry Sam, that’s what I meant, it’s good to see if you can get on with it before paying anything, and you don’t just have a week to establish that.

Yes, I like the way they conduct their business... They give a generous 60 day demo period and when it expires nothing changes, you can still continue using Reaper but, for $60, you would have to be extremely hard up or IMO a bit of a d1ck to not buy a licence. If you buy a licence now for the current V7 it gives you access to updates to V8.99, if you then wish to update beyond V8.99 you will get the nag screen again but you can continue using V7/8 indefinitely.

[Giocast]

For your professed needs Reaper on your old Dell could get the job done*. But, yes, Garage Band on an iDevice is also a very good solution. I'm not sure but I think recording into GB will bypass the over aggressive noise/dynamic control used by the voice recorder app. And, I think that recording using USB (with, in the case of an iDevice, an OTG adapter) will also bypass the noise/dynamics (again I'm not certain). For all Garage Band is aimed at people who choose not to delve deeply into the tech side of recording software it is still a sophisticated multitrack recorder with decent facilities and will not get in the way of you producing excellent recordings.

* I have used a 2008 Mac Pro and Reaper for quite a few years and have only upgraded to a 2019 Mac Pro a few weeks ago because the old machine could not run some non-music related apps I decided I wanted to have (and used 2019 MP prices and my available gear fund finally converged).

Thanks Sam
It's an optiplex 980 but is unreliable at times hence hesitation to use, and constantly remind myself to look at a decent replacement. As you have all said, i need to stick with Tascam DR-05, and am using both again now. I just need to make that step into the world of Garage Band/Reaper etc.
Thank you all again for taking the trouble to post.