8 track speed

[SilentSound]

I'm recording a rock band and instead of our usual digital set up, we're going to record some of the basic tracks on a Tascam analog 8-track and transfer it to computer at very high quality. Does anyone recommend what speed to record it at? Thanks,

Matt

[The Ghost of FM]

Most TASCAM 8 track open reel recorders run only at 15ips so choosing a speed is a moot point.

If it is a two speed machine by some chance, run it at 15 ips if that speed is an available one.

Running at 7.5ips would increase the hiss level slightly and roll off the high end by a few thousand hertz.

If you are referring to a cassette 8 track like the 238 or the 488, 3.75 ips is the top speed and it should be used for the same reason as above.(should a speed option be available.)

Which model of recorder is it?

[SilentSound]

i'm actually not sure the model number. my only dealings with 1/4 inch tape was a few mixes i did at the beginning of my recording stages in 1995. i ran it at 15ips for best quality then.. i was just wondering if anyone preffered a speed sound wise on an 8 track. i actually don't know the model number and haven't had luck finding it as not many tascam 8tracks that are 1/4inch also have VU meters... i've also only searched a few times

thanks for reaffirming what i believed time to record!

[The Ghost of FM]

If it is a TASCAM 8 track open reel recorder that runs on quarter inch tape, the only model they ever made in that format was the 388, which was a gigantic portastudio that only ran at 7.5ips.

It doesn't have a speed option other then the pitch control which won't speed up anywhere near 15ips.

Is this the machine you have?

[Track Rat]

With a small format tape like 1/4", I'd run the machine as fast as it will go (probably 7 1/2 I.P.S. but if it will do 15, go for it).