That [laptop] is probably the cheapest and most simple solution.
Laptop solution is basically covered, and I'm not real familiar with 'em anyway, so I'll offer a couple other options.
A solution that takes S/PDIF coax patches will provide you with the most options since just about every gear combo includes a S/PDIF coax output. Keep in mind laptops are notoriously power-hungry and sometimes difficult to power for long enough periods in the field. If you can't power the laptop long enough via batteries and don't want to spend a good chunk of change on a portable power source for the laptop (not very likely you'll have access to AC power at the venue), I'd also consider:
Option 1- coax cable - inexpensive and easily found (~$10 at RS)
- RCA / 2xRCA splitter - this will take a S/PDIF coax output in one side and split it to 2 S/PDIF coax outputs. Radio Shack or a local electronics store carries these for < $5, so they're easily and inexpensively found
- Hosa ODL-276 - this digital format converter will convert the S/PDIF coax signal to a S/PDIF optical signal that will feed your recorder; available new at Full Compass for ~$55 shipped
- Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 - accepts a S/PDIF optical signal, hence the need for the ODL-276; getting more rare, but keep an eye open on eBay or the Yard Sale; available new / used for ~$150.
With the gear above, the patch chain would look like this:
Hosa ODL-276 > optical cable > JB3
/
Taper's S/PDIF coax output > coax cable > splitter
\
Next patcher
Option 2- coax cable - inexpensive and easily found (~$10 at RS)
- Oade or Pro-Digital 7-pin coax cable - necessary for the Sony portable DAT recorders; used $50-90, new ~$110 or so; not necessary with a DAP1 recorder
- Used portable DAT recorder (D7, D8, M1, D100, DAP1, etc.) - keep an eye out in the YS, there's usually one for sale ($150-$250), often sold with the 7-pin cable
With the gear above, the patch chain would look like this:
Taper's S/PDIF coax output > coax cable > 7-pin cable > Sony DAT recorder > 7-pin cable (same one) > coax cable > next patcher
or
Taper's S/PDIF coax output > coax cable > DAP1 > coax cable > next patcher