should I buy a tascam 4 track?

[thommo09]

Hi all,

ok well I'm very new to the whole home recording thing and don't really want to sink huge amounts of money into a setup if I'm not going to use it in a few months. So, I was having a look on eBay and saw two seperate tascam 4 tracks that grabbed my attention. They both look pretty old school, but that really doesn't worry me. Basically I just want to know everyone's opinion of these two units (and if they'll be good to start out on?) Also, I'm really not sure how old they are or what they are really worth. Any help you guys can give me is greatly appreciated, I don't know where to start here

here's the links:
PORTA TWO
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....312207349&rd=1

Porta07
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....312862327&rd=1

thanks
-Jimmy

[andyhix]

I don't know anything about the machines you are looking at, but I would say for the current retail prices offered, it's hard to beat the 424mkiii brand new or factory resealed from zzounds or a similar place. Expecially when you consider the free shipping, which is where most ebayers will get ya. the 424 is a great machine. I have the mkii, and am trying to scheme a way to justify buying the iii. Check this thread for some links to sellers and opinions:

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=150121

[kq300325]

I agree with andyhix the 424 machines are great. I also have the MKII and it has been great for me and helped me learn alot of techniques.

One drawback though, if using condenser microphones you will have to get an external phantom power supply.

They dont cost too much though.

[thommo09]

thanks for the replies guys,

I'm actually in Australia and am able to pick up either of the above units if i won the auction. I've looked at a few 4-tracks new from a local retailer (the only one that still carries four tracks in that I've been able to find) and even on special the 424 mkiii is well over A$500 making it too expensive for me at the moment.

Has anyone out there used either of these units? otherwise what are TASCAM units like in general (realibility and everything?)

alternatively there's a 424 mkiii currently on ebay aus. that is very cheap at A$190, would it be worth spending a bit more to get a newer unit?

thanks again
-jimmy

[MadAudio]

TASCAM is generally well regarded. I think they invented the first portable multitrack machines, both reel and cassette. My first foray into home multitrack was the PortaOne, and I learned a LOT about recording with that baby.

Of the two models you posted, I would go for the Porta Two. It's like the PortaOne but has six input channels and I think you can record all 4 tracks at once. But here's a caveat - they haven't made those models in many years, and you should get absolute assurance that it works. Getting it serviced might be difficult. The Porta 07 is newer but has less features.

[A Reel Person]

The Porta 07 and Porta Two are older, vintage low end units. The Porta 07 is the lowest of the two, and the Porta Two is a lot better on overall features. Both of these units were relatively low end in their own product lines of their time. They'd be fun and functional, but there are better 4-track Portastudios out there. If it's between these two, I'd defintely get the Porta Two over the 07. The Porta 07 is stripped, and the Porta Two has a full complement of features, by comparison.

The other used Tascam Portastudios I'd recommend would be the 244, 246 and 424mkII. Either of these units can be had for a relatively low price. For as much as you'd probably spend on the Porta Two, you could get either the 244 or 424mkII, on most days. The 246 might be a bit higher price, but not by much.

/DA

[arjoll]

Originally Posted by thommo09

alternatively there's a 424 mkiii currently on ebay aus. that is very cheap at A$190, would it be worth spending a bit more to get a newer unit?

If you don't mind dealing 'over the ditch' there's usually a number of Tascam multitrack cassettes on Trademe.co.nz.

(I've also just spotted a 32 there currently going for NZ$152.....so tempting!)

Cya
Andrew

[thane1200]

YES!

You should buy mine. I have a *like new* TASCAM 414mkII w/manual for sale. Great shape, no scratches that I'm aware of, all faders/knobs clean etc.

PM me if interested......

[billyshuler]

From my own experience with the tascam 424mk111 I'd say go get yourself one. I was recording digital and having all kinds of problems until I got my cassette portastudio. There's nothing like having hands on control of knobs. Also they are very forgiving. Four tracks might not seem like much and it isn't, that is what makes you more creative by working with what little you have. That's what recording at home is all about isn't it, catching your creativity.

[A Reel Person]

The 424mkIII's the topline mofo on the block, in new Portastudios,... but only available from selected retailers for a limited time! Get yours before they're gone!

[gtar02]

I've got a tascam - a 246. It's supposed to be about the best they ever made, and I would agree. I had heard that these were good, and bought two of them, and was realy surprised at the great sound they got, and all the routing options, And it's for sale- If you're interested

[A Reel Person]

You're the man, to have bought two of them. I did too! Mine's not for sale, though.

The 246 is arguably the best 4-track cassette Portastudio, in used/vintage Portastudio equipment. It really is all that! It's the bomb!

[acorec]

Originally Posted by thommo09

Hi all,

ok well I'm very new to the whole home recording thing and don't really want to sink huge amounts of money into a setup if I'm not going to use it in a few months. So, I was having a look on eBay and saw two seperate tascam 4 tracks that grabbed my attention. They both look pretty old school, but that really doesn't worry me. Basically I just want to know everyone's opinion of these two units (and if they'll be good to start out on?) Also, I'm really not sure how old they are or what they are really worth. Any help you guys can give me is greatly appreciated, I don't know where to start here

here's the links:
PORTA TWO
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....312207349&rd=1

Porta07
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....312862327&rd=1

thanks
-Jimmy

Yes, it is a cheap way to find out if recording is for you. Buy the cheapest one and forget about the sound of cassette recording. Use it to see if you like recording at all. If you find that recording is not your bag then sell it and be happy.

If you find that you are addicted to recording, then you can sell it and but an open reel deck and a good small mixing board. This is where the good sound will be for ya. Better to find out the cheap way if you like recording but you will not be going gold with the sound of a 4-track cassette.

Good Luck.

[Tim Brown]

Originally Posted by gtar02

I've got a tascam - a 246. It's supposed to be about the best they ever made, and I would agree. I had heard that these were good, and bought two of them, and was realy surprised at the great sound they got, and all the routing options, And it's for sale- If you're interested

Okay, so which one was the 426?

I had a Porta 2 (6 channel's, 4 tracks at once, with an effects send) for over 10 years. It ran me $600 in 198? whenever it came out, so it was definitely a great unit - actually, it still works, but the local "Tech" screwed it up. I think it needs a new set of heads, because it won't erase track 1 anymore.

Anyway, it was nice to have just for songwriting purposes....and if you used a mixer with it for recording drums, you could get some great recordings out of it.

Heck, we recorded 4 albums on that thing that were released! (not released by us, but actually released by independent labels.)



Tim

[Tim Brown]

Originally Posted by thommo09

Hi all,

ok well I'm very new to the whole home recording thing and don't really want to sink huge amounts of money into a setup if I'm not going to use it in a few months. So, I was having a look on eBay and saw two seperate tascam 4 tracks that grabbed my attention. They both look pretty old school, but that really doesn't worry me. Basically I just want to know everyone's opinion of these two units (and if they'll be good to start out on?) Also, I'm really not sure how old they are or what they are really worth. Any help you guys can give me is greatly appreciated, I don't know where to start here

here's the links:
PORTA TWO
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....312207349&rd=1

Porta07
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....312862327&rd=1

thanks
-Jimmy

Hi Jimmy,

the Porta 2 is a great little machine. I'll attest to it.
One great feature that it has is insert points so that you can patch compressors or noise gates into the 1 & 2 channels.


Tim