basic 788 questions

[WraithOfHorror]

im thinking seriously about getting a 788 unit sometime within the next couple of weeks. it's an 8-track recorder with 4 main inputs and 2 aux inputs. are both aux inputs assignable to tracks 5 and 6 for a total of six true simulaneous tracks? or is it really only 4 true simultaneous tracks?

if i can record 6 tracks simultaneously, this will be sufficient for now. until i upgrade to the 2488 anyway.

but 4 simultaneous tracks just wont cut it. i need at least 6 minimum to record drums and have a decent mic placement around the kit.

how does the 788 record 6 tracks simultaneously ?

[songsj]

I think you could do this if you pre amp the mics that will go to your aux. ins [ tracks 5&6 ]. But why bother, the 2488 will soon be out and at 1199.00 I would not pay more than 300 or 350 bucks for a new 788. I own a newer 788 and it's a nice machine but I would have waited if i"d known the 2488 was coming out.
Since my 788 is so new I plan on using it to refine my digital recording abilities and move up to the 2488 in the fall or as soon as the price drops to around 999.00

[trigger]

WraithOfHorror,

You can record 6 inputs at once. The difference in inputs A-D and the AUX-INS is the pre-amps are included on Inputs A-D.

You can use a pre-amp or mixer into the AUX-ins for sufficient levels.

When you assign the AUX-INS(stereo ins) to a pair of tracks, by default, the 788 links the two tracks you choose. Simply unlink the two tracks to have individual fader control for each track.

By the way, you can assign the AUX-INS to any channel pair, not just 5/6.

Works great!

[gitguy78]

Not only can you do this...

But if you've got 8 tracks already recorded, you can bring in 6 (assigned to the Submixer) more for a total of 14 available tracks at mixdown.

I think if you assign the AUX inputs to the Sub-Mix you'll have some more level control/boost but it is always best to run the Aux input thru a preamp first.

Well I think I'd like the 2488 but I haven't seen one in person. I wonder how solid the "feel" of the knobs and the unit overall are? The 788 is OK (in "solidness") but I wouldn't make a habit of taking it on the road (even with a case). It seems Tascam had to cut some corners to get the 2488 out at such a low price! Let's hope not... I'm rooting for Tascam.

Scott

[trigger]

Hey, Steve,

I've been using the 788 for 3 years. It's on the road 2 or 3 times a week and not always in the best environments (smoke & beer anyone!!!???).

The only thing that's been a problem is the scsi connector on the back, it's made of butter, some sort of metal would have been a better choice, so care in connecting/disconnecting that cable is always top of mind.

as far as the 2488 is concerned, have ya seen this?
http://www.readybb.com/tascam2488/index.php
Independant site, not Tascam. Not really much info yet, but he's got it!