Best portable cassette four track?

[death boogie]

For the last couple of years I have recorded my demos on my computer but have recently decided to return to recording on a trusty four track cassette machine. I am looking for something portable, so the 424 is out. I had my heart set on the 414 until I realized that it only records in high speed. So at this point I think my only option is the Porta 02. (To me, the only real drawback about the Porta 02 is the fact that it doesn't have any XLR inputs.)

Please spare me the advice about recording on cassette as opposed to digital recording. I am still going to use my computer to mix down my four track recordings.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[death boogie]

Also, has anyone heard any rumors whether Tascam will ever unveil any new cassette four-track models? Perhaps a redesign of the current lineup?

[A Reel Person]

No.

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Ok, pls help me clarify. You want something "portable" but not the 424? Last I checked, the 424 was portable. What's your limiting factor or extent to which "portable" is or isn't "portable"? Do you mean it has to run on batteries or a cigarrette lighter/adapter?

Ok, and why not the 414? What's the limiting factor of a transport that runs at double speed??

The Porta 02 is no great shakes, so it's puzzling why you'd somehow prefer it? It's no more "portable" than the 424 or 414, is it??

Do you mean fit-in-your-pocket-portable?

[Strryder]

If you want a really good, new, 4 track cassette machine, I would say it's time to jump on a 424mkIII before they can't be found new anymore, AMS seems to have 'em in stock and selling for 279 dollars, it's only about 30ish bucks more than, and is a whole level of features and quality up from a 414mkII, it's a great price on this machine.

The 414mkII is soon going to be the last of 'em (I think), as far as the good ones go, and for how much longer it will be available is anybody's guess.

Get 'em while you can...

[A Reel Person]

I've posted similar info previously. Also, Zzounds dot com has the same new Tascam 424mkIII for $279, & that's INCLUDING shipping! For high tech features and topmost sound quality on cassette 4-trackers, the new 424mkIII is the one to get,... soon, while supplies last!

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Ok, that still doesn't answer my previous questions,... if our friend is looking for a "portable" cassette 4-tracker, how is the 424 or 414 technically not suitable, and the Porta 02 somehow the unit of choice?

Have you thought this question entirely through?

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[A Reel Person]

Thanx again, guy, for a righteously timed good tip!

[Herm]

Are you even going to take it out of the box Reel?

[A Reel Person]

Yeah,... eventually. Heh.

Or, on the other hand, I might leave the new one in the sealed box, & find a road worthy one on Ebay, for cheap, that I can just kick around!!

[MadAudio]

Actually it's $269.95 at zZounds. As Geddy Lee once said, "Hey, ten bucks is ten bucks."

[A Reel Person]

Thanx, Mad, for the great update.

Now, folks, how can you not jump on this deal? If you were ever on the fence about getting a cassette 4-track Portastudio, now is the time!!!

Heck, I might get another one!

[Strryder]

Originally Posted by A Reel Person

Ok, that still doesn't answer my previous questions,... if our friend is looking for a "portable" cassette 4-tracker, how is the 424 or 414 technically not suitable, and the Porta 02 somehow the unit of choice?

Have you thought this question entirely through?

ARP,

As far as size goes, the 424 is about the size of a laptop, and the 414 is even smaller, weight is not enough to be an issue, so both fit into "my" definition of portable.

The Porta02 and that new POS (MFP01) they have out are unacceptable machines, IMO.

If running on batteries is a requirement, I think I would opt for one of the older Porta's, with the full 4 channels of mixing, cue sends, 2 band EQ, and the VU meters, a friend of mine has one of those, it's a good machine.

If getting the 4 tracks into a computer for software editing/mixing is a requirement, I would make damn sure that the machine I bought had the ability to send all 4 tracks out at once, so they could be routed into a multi input soundcard and transfered over all at the same time, I think this is possible on the 414mkII, but only in a roundabout kind of way, (L+R+aux1+aux2), the 424mkIII actually has direct outs for all 4 tracks, so the signals don't even have to go thru the on board mixer to get out, a much better option I think, the lesser machines would require 2 passes to get the tracks out, that just wouldn't cut it for me.

[Strryder]

Originally Posted by Herm

Are you even going to take it out of the box Reel?

LOL!!

Whenever I feel that my own gear obsessions are out of all reasonable contol, all I need to do is think about the thread where ARP posted all the pictures of everything in his "warehouse", of mostly TASCAM gear!

[A Reel Person]

That still doesn't answer why death boogie considers the 424 not portable, the 414 at 2x speed not suitable, and the Porta 02 the ideal choice.

Stryyder & I agree on all points covered, so far.

[death boogie]

Ok I guess I will explain my reasoning, even though it will probably lead to more ridicule. The 424 is too big for what I want. I want something very small, as I said, and the 424 is just not small enough. The 2x recording speed of the 414 just isn't economical. I'm not looking for sound quality here. Fire away.

[DigitalSmigital]

Originally Posted by death boogie

Ok I guess I will explain my reasoning, even though it will probably lead to more ridicule.

ridicule
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -culed; -cul·ing

: to make fun of

synonyms RIDICULE, DERIDE, MOCK, TAUNT mean to make an object of laughter of. RIDICULE implies a deliberate often malicious belittling <consistently ridiculed everything she said>. DERIDE suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule <derided their efforts to start their own business>. MOCK implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference <youngsters began to mock the helpless wino>. TAUNT suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge <hometown fans taunted the visiting team>.


I think you used the wrong word, no one has done anything but attempt to understand your definition of "portable". I use a 424 mkIII every week to record band practice. The TASCAM is the most "portable" unit in my truck!


Is this what you are looking for?

[analogfreak]

Recommendation: Go with the 414, buy cheap (non-chrome) tapes, and/or re-use the tapes after you dump to computer. That would give you the best of economics and XLR input capability.

[Strryder]

Originally Posted by analogfreak

Recommendation: Go with the 414, buy cheap (non-chrome) tapes, and/or re-use the tapes after you dump to computer. That would give you the best of economics and XLR input capability.

I agree with analogfreak about the 414mkII, I also think that with any lesser of a machine you'll probably have "issues" trying to get all 4 tracks into your computer in sync, while the 414 doesn't have direct outs for the 4 tracks, they can be routed out seperately.

I implied no ridicule towards you, I was only discussing the different features and portability of the machines.

[A Reel Person]

Death Boogie,

I agree with the above, that a brand new 414mkII would be your best compromise between the size of the 424mkIII and the ultra-stripped and lofi Porta 02mkII.

The 414mkII's 4x-simul-direct recording is a HUGE competitive factor in capturing recordings in their best possible scope, given the known limitations of cassette 4-trackers.

The 414mkII runs at 2x normal cassette speed, for express reason of boosting high fidelity, which it does to a noticeable degree. The tapes are not interchangeable with "normal" stereo format cassettes, but by your post, you already know that.

ALWAYS use Type-II cassettes, & don't skimp on this. Type-I cassettes won't work properly, and you're cutting yourself off at the knees on that one if you do. Spend the extra buck.

Buy the 414mkII (424mkIII & Porta 02mkII) BRAND NEW, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, while limited supplies last! Brand new is always your best bet for trouble free, no-worry service, performance & FUN!

No ridicule! I understand and am in full support! I love ALL you analog die-hard guys!!!

I will NEVER forsake my 4-track cassette Portastudios. Who's with me??

Aye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!