Suggestions on a 1/4" four track open reel beast

[hungovermorning]

Okay, I posted here a while back about a new tape machine and I appreciate all of your suggestions but I've made up my mind to get a 1/4" four track. Coupla questions. 1. Did Otari make a 1/4" four track. 2. Did Ampex? 3. Are there any others worth mentioning that do 15 IPS? I appreciate any imput in advance.

cheers,
scott

[_DK]

Ehm, I'm trying to sell mine right now. Although it's an 8 track 1/4", 15 ips. Will sound awesome, besides there's no wear on the heads.

[themaddog]

Originally Posted by hungovermorning

Okay, I posted here a while back about a new tape machine and I appreciate all of your suggestions but I've made up my mind to get a 1/4" four track. Coupla questions. 1. Did Otari make a 1/4" four track. 2. Did Ampex? 3. Are there any others worth mentioning that do 15 IPS? I appreciate any imput in advance.

cheers,
scott

The Tascam 22-4 and 34 both great machines that can do 7.5 or 15 ips. These are both 1/4", 4 track machines. However, only the 34 can handle up to 10.5" reels.

-MD

[Herm]

I have both the 22-4 and the 34 and they are great machines. I like the 22-4 most cause of its smaller size and varible input and output controls.
The only thing that i dont like about the 22-4 is that it does not have a place to plug in a punch in/out pedal.

[hungovermorning]

How's reliability on those Tascams? How's their sonic performance? Sorry about all the questions, at least I'll reward you with green chicklets

[ofajen]

Originally Posted by hungovermorning

Okay, I posted here a while back about a new tape machine and I appreciate all of your suggestions but I've made up my mind to get a 1/4" four track. Coupla questions. 1. Did Otari make a 1/4" four track. 2. Did Ampex? 3. Are there any others worth mentioning that do 15 IPS? I appreciate any imput in advance.

cheers,
scott

Otari did make 1/4 4-tracks in the MX-5050B series, and probably other variants. That was my first open reel machine, back in 1983. Cost me $2000 as I recall. A good transport, but 1/4" 4 track running 15 ips NAB is kinda hissy w/out NR.

Cheers,

Otto

[evm1024]

Don't forget the A-3440 which was/is a fine sounding machine.

[Herm]

Forgot to mention also the 22-4 has a headphone output which comes in real handy with the adjustable outputs.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by hungovermorning

I've made up my mind to get a 1/4" four track. Coupla questions. 1. Did Otari make a 1/4" four track. 2. Did Ampex? 3. Are there any others worth mentioning that do 15 IPS? I appreciate any imput in advance.

Buy what is typically easy to get and maintain, preferably local. I'm strongly against having something shipped. Chances are it will get damaged.

TASCAM and TEAC are your best bets, especially certain models such as the ones already mentioned. I'd look for a TASCAM 22-4, 34 / 34B and, as evm1024 points out, the TEAC A-3440. A great machine. If you still insist on having it shipped contact Rolf from this site: http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/
He actually restores and packs these with amazing care. You get what you pay for and his machines are typically more costly than the typical junker on eBay. It's well worth it though, if you want a headache free deal.

Btw, we wouldn't praise the machines if they didn't sound great!