Fostes Mr-8 versus Korg

[MetalCricketMode]

Fostex Mr-8 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240239/)
Digital 8 track

Korg CR-4 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/242149/)
4-track Cassette

Which would you all recommend. I plan on editing on my computer, so with a four track I would have to run it into the line in and record right? Since my soundcard sucks wouldn't it sound like crap?

On the otherhand the digital one doesn't have much memory.

[KKKKKocaine]

Stick with the cassette, but I'd go for something like a Tascam 414 MK2 instead, it has 4 1/4 instrument jacks, a DI for guitar and two XLR inputs.

Look at it this way, the Fostex MR8 Is an entry level digital, You are mostly paying for the flashcard and memory and effects, The 4 tracks that are around that price are more often than not more advanced.
Another thing, if you wish to record drums on either of those, you will need an extra mixer, because you will need the XLR inputs.
The 414 MK2 has two inputs so you could get away with mic'ing the bass and snare, It's bigger brother the 424 mk3, has 4 XLR inputs.

The Fostex mr8 is on sale most places for $300 right now.
I found a Tascam 414 mk2 http://www.djdepot.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_37/products_id/847 for $249

You also get an 8 track mixer built into it.

Alot of people will start telling you to buy the fostex purely because it is digital, which is just nonsense, You can get great sounds of cassette when you use mics properly, and when put through a pc and editted, you can remove any noise (even though the multitracks all have built in tape noise removal)

Buy the higher end cassette trackers over the lower end digitals, the sound slight sound difference and convenience with the flash card is not worth the expense of having no XLR inputs :)

I have a Tascam 424 mk3 by the way (or at least I'm getting one this christmas)
I used a Tascam MFP01 before, their lowest end, and it still gave good results.

Hope this helped, :)

[MetalCricketMode]

Yes, but the tascam mk2 doesn't have any amp simulators? Won't my guitar sound like crap if I directly connect it? I am too cheap to buy a good mic to record my amp.

[KKKKKocaine]

Yes, but the tascam mk2 doesn't have any amp simulators? Won't my guitar sound like crap if I directly connect it? I am too cheap to buy a good mic to record my amp.

It will if you connect it to just any 1/4 instrument input, The Tascam mk2 has a special guitar DI designed to avoid this, if mic costs are going to be a problem, aim for Stagg MD- 1500 they are good mics and fairly cheap, after all, you will need some mics to mic up the kit and vocals, The cheaper 1/4 mics won't cut it, and will give you alot of background noise, trust me, the XLR's are more than worth it :)
I'm off to college now, with any luck my sound recording teacher will be here and I will learn about patch bays! :) But I'll get back to any questions and comments you have :)

[MetalCricketMode]

I wish there were some classes on recording where I go.

[KKKKKocaine]

I wish there were some classes on recording where I go.

I'm currently taking a diploma in it, If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer to the best of my abilities, there were alot of things that confused me when I first started the course, (i.e. When I started the course, I knew you put mics in a mixer and you could have 4 tracks on a 4 track :P)

[MetalCricketMode]

What are some good sites for me to learn about either cassette recording, digital/ computer recording?

Also, although this really isn't about recording, do you know what the best way would be to be able to play my electronic music live? I like to make beats on fruity loops and what not, and me and a drummer want to be able to have those beats on stage.

[KKKKKocaine]

What are some good sites for me to learn about either cassette recording, digital/ computer recording?

Also, although this really isn't about recording, do you know what the best way would be to be able to play my electronic music live? I like to make beats on fruity loops and what not, and me and a drummer want to be able to have those beats on stage.

http://www.homerecording.com/newbies.html
They have a few faqs and guides to the left hand side on things.
http://www.bownie.com/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=51&op=page&SubMenu= Some more things there.

As for your second question, I am not too sure myself, but there will definately be a user here who will know :)
Hope that helped.