My 688 Rocks!

[Sexy Heather]

I paid nearly $3,000 for my 688 new back in 1990, and it has served me incredibly well ever since. I have other Tascam recorders, including a new DP-01FX/CD, a Tascam MD PortaStudio 564 and a PortaStudio 424, all of which I have enjoyed using. However, I have enjoyed using my 688 more than anything else. Yes, it's cassette-based, and has inherent limitations due to that format, but I always find using it to be inspirational. I'm old school, I guess, but I have gotten some really nice sounds with the 688. I dabbled with software-based recording, but with my 20 year PortaStudio background, which began in 1988 with a Tascam PortaOne, I found that method of recording was not for me. I take advantage of my computers for mastering, CD burning and mp3 creation, but apart from that, I much prefer the PortaStudio concept. I vividly recall being excited beyond belief when I got my 688, a feeling that has never left me. Of course, it's an antique by modern standards, but it's also a work of art from another time. The 688 was the best cassette-based multi-tracker ever made, and it's packed with a lot of advanced features, that at the time of it's introduction (1990) had never been featured in a PortaStudio-type recorder. But really, it all comes down to what you like and what inspires you to create. I could get a "better" sound with something else, but I might not enjoy using it nearly as much. My 688 has also never broken down, which is amazing for a machine that has been used extensively for nearly 17 years!

[Bobby Darko]

Amen!

tascam 688 rule.......

[Bobby Darko]

hey sexy,
how about making this a 688 thread. I bet there are a few more around still using this old beast. We should benefit from that and share our recording tips! I always use tdk sa's from the late 80's. I like to believe they sound the best with the 688. How about you?

Can I listen to some of your recordings somewhere?

[A Reel Person]

I'm on board with that!

The 688 is a pinnacle of sorts in Portastudio design. I was also thrilled when I got mine, used/mint & $460/delivered in original box/packing with manual & works perfectly. Mine is apparently low use and as clean and like-new as can be! I've not done any recording projects with it yet, due to having an otherwise enormous collection of gear to work with and precious little time to record, but I will do some 688 recording, someday soon! Based on what I know I'm capable of with a cassette 4-track, I know intuitively that the 688 rocks! (I've only done simple test recordings with the 688, & they sounded great! Check: 1, 2, 3!!!)

8-tracks on cassette isn't as dreadful as the words put together might read to the average person. It's actually a great format. It's not limiting, but on the contrary, for someone (me) who's solidly based in cassette 4-track, it's liberating!

The only thing I see out there that's maybe a cut above the 688 is the 388, but that's an entirely different thread! SH & I have already discussed this point once or twice.

For cassette based Portastudios, the 688 is the bomb. It's the top of the heap, no doubt!

[Sexy Heather]

Yeah, the 688 is truly inspiring and an amazing piece of technology even now. When I first got the 688 in 1990, it was quite an upgrade from my PortaOne. The newer machines I gave gotten since (564, DP-01FX/CD) are great and digital, but I really still favor cassettes, as odd as that may sound. I recorded more on my Tascam 424 than anything, it's been a total workhorse, so I feel very similarly about my 688, even though I haven't used it as much.

[Sexy Heather]

As I mentioned, I have a Tascam DP-01FX/CD, which is a nice digital multi-tracker, with a built-in CD burner. About it's only real drawback is the lack of inputs, which I have rectified with a Behringer 1204 mixer. The DP-01 reminds me very much of my PortaOne, sort of a PortaOne for the 2000s. In that vein, I suppose the 2488/2488 mkII would be the 688 of the 2000s. I have been tempted by the 2488 mkII, but I'm more than good with what I've got. Again, the 688 remains my fave. I think it was a pinnacle of PortaStudio design, absoutely. The 2488 seems to carry on that tradition.

[the cool one]

Originally Posted by A Reel Person

I'm on board with that!

Hey Reel...how's this for the minimalist approach. No power lines, no cables, no hassles. Just pick it up, hit the record button and lay down 4 tracks, complete with effects, and a USB connection for shooting the files into Sonar. Plus a mic, a tuner, virtual tracks, speed changing, editing, drum beats and a built in mp3 player.

[A Reel Person]

It's micro, alright!

[A Reel Person]

The thing I don't like about the DP-01 line, is that it's A-in/B-in architecture assigned to 2-tracks. There's no front end mixer in this design. Sometimes setups demand front end mixing to the recorder, and so DP-01 and similar unit's owners get an outboard mixer, which solves the problem, but it's no longer a self-contained solution, (i.e., Portastudio). In these units, mixing is seen as something you only do when you play back the tracks. I think that's wrong. Designs like this generally get the thumbs down from me, 'cept if you're going ultra-low end like with the Porta 02.

The DP-01's moving design towards knob functions was good, but it's still menu driven at heart, and the knob section is hardly what I'd call a mixer. It's a great idea, but isn't fully implemented. It's a playback mixer only. I generally give a thumbs down to a menu driven system, anyway. YMMV.

On the other hand, (f/i), the Fostex FD-8 has an 8x2 analog mixer section that records to a 16/44.1k digital hard disc, up to 2-tracks simul (or 8-simul with ADAT I/O). With this design, you may do input-side mixing down to disc while recording, and output-side mixing at mixdown. It's an older but worthy design, & internal hard disc is optional. It's menu driven, but it's tolerable because the mixer section is fully implemented, (in that cheapie Fostex way).

Units that record only up to 2-tracks simultaneously are inherently limiting. Put that together with a straight A/B raw input, and what do you have? The DP-01 and the Porta 02.

When the DP-01 does flexible 8-input mixing to 8-simul recording,... call me.

Of course, the 688 has a fully implemented 8x8 recording mixer, with smart digital driven menu settings for patching and routing. You have a lot with the 688.

[true-eurt]

All of this talk has made me want to blow the dust off the 688 and have some more discovery fun....

I've got the lEGI/TYPEI high output tapes.

[the cool one]

Originally Posted by true-eurt

All of this talk has made me want to blow the dust off the 688 and have some more discovery fun....

No you don't! You want to go out and buy a Micro-BR!

[Bobby Darko]

Hey True eurt,
Dust it off already! But i would advise against the lEGI/TYPEI tapes you mentioned. Plain old type II is the right tape for the 688. I'm really not to fond bout those micro thingies too. Allright for a sketchbook but not for album making...not for me anyway

[true-eurt]

Originally Posted by Bobby Darko

Hey True eurt,
Dust it off already! But i would advise against the lEGI/TYPEI tapes you mentioned. Plain old type II is the right tape for the 688. I'm really not to fond bout those micro thingies too. Allright for a sketchbook but not for album making...not for me anyway

Could you please be more specific as why Bobby?

[true-eurt]

Originally Posted by Starzz

No you don't! You want to go out and buy a Micro-BR!

DON'T take THAT tone with me Mr Starzz!!!!








A trip to spankyland is in order!!



Hey...that is one of those recorders you attached to your guitar....

[the cool one]

Originally Posted by true-eurt

DON'T take THAT tone with me Mr Starzz!!!!

Oh ya!!! What are you gonna do about it!? Get Gorty to come over and beat me up!? Bring it on!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...

[true-eurt]

Originally Posted by Starzz

Oh ya!!! What are you gonna do about it!? Get Gorty to come over and beat me up!? Bring it on!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...

I just did it !! I took you to the SHED !!!





And yah...I will get the r00 to post his p00 pic in your rep box!!!!

[the cool one]

Originally Posted by true-eurt

I just did it !! I took you to the SHED !!!

And yah...I will get the r00 to post his p00 pic in your rep box!!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[true-eurt]

Originally Posted by Starzz

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Put your hands up and step away from the analog....

[the cool one]

[Bobby Darko]

The tascam heads are designed to work with type II (chrome) tapes as is (almost?) every other 4/8 cassette tracker. Type I will sound very poorly compared to the better type II tapes.

[MF688]

A 688 forum would be nice.

[Sexy Heather]

Originally Posted by A Reel Person

The thing I don't like about the DP-01 line, is that it's A-in/B-in architecture assigned to 2-tracks. There's no front end mixer in this design. Sometimes setups demand front end mixing to the recorder, and so DP-01 and similar unit's owners get an outboard mixer, which solves the problem, but it's no longer a self-contained solution, (i.e., Portastudio). In these units, mixing is seen as something you only do when you play back the tracks. I think that's wrong. Designs like this generally get the thumbs down from me, 'cept if you're going ultra-low end like with the Porta 02.

The DP-01's moving design towards knob functions was good, but it's still menu driven at heart, and the knob section is hardly what I'd call a mixer. It's a great idea, but isn't fully implemented. It's a playback mixer only. I generally give a thumbs down to a menu driven system, anyway. YMMV.

On the other hand, (f/i), the Fostex FD-8 has an 8x2 analog mixer section that records to a 16/44.1k digital hard disc, up to 2-tracks simul (or 8-simul with ADAT I/O). With this design, you may do input-side mixing down to disc while recording, and output-side mixing at mixdown. It's an older but worthy design, & internal hard disc is optional. It's menu driven, but it's tolerable because the mixer section is fully implemented, (in that cheapie Fostex way).

Units that record only up to 2-tracks simultaneously are inherently limiting. Put that together with a straight A/B raw input, and what do you have? The DP-01 and the Porta 02.

When the DP-01 does flexible 8-input mixing to 8-simul recording,... call me.

Of course, the 688 has a fully implemented 8x8 recording mixer, with smart digital driven menu settings for patching and routing. You have a lot with the 688.

I generally agree with you on the DP-01 range, Dave, but I did get a DP-01FX/CD because it's pros outweigh it's cons for the price. A 2488 would have been a better choice, but since I have a 688, a 564 and a 424, I elected to go with the DP-01FX/CD and I don't regret it. I still prefer my 688 to all them, however. I still think there's a lot of life left in the cassette format for those who have an open mind and are not totally brainwashed by the anti-analog crowd. I think both analog and digital are viable, rather like film and digital photography.

[Sexy Heather]

Anyway, back to my 688. It was the summer of 1989 when I first saw an ad for the machine in Guitar Player, shortly after NAMM. The 688 had not shipped and was not yet available. At the time, I was heavily recording with my trusty PortaOne, which served me well for many years and was my intro into multi-track recording. There was a contest in that issue of GP to win a 688, so I of course entered it. I didn't win. About a year later, in the late summer of 1990, I finally saw a 644 (the four track version of the 688) at Heart Of Texas Music here in Austin. I was impressed right off the bat. They didn't yet have a 688 in stock, so I asked the sales rep how much the 688 would be and how long it would take to get. He quoted me prices and and gave me several brochures on the 688 and 644 (which I still have!). I knew I wanted the 688 and went back on 9/8/90 and ordered and paid for my 688. It took nearly a month, but my 688 came in on 10/2/90. I was thrilled and raced to the store to pick it up. I couldn't wait to get home and start using it, which is exactly what I did. Man, I remember it like it was just yesterday. The audio quality and features were really impressive (they still are) and I spent every free minute pouring over the manual. I recorded my first serious band demo with the 688 in November-December 1990, and most recently I used it for one just last year. Time went on, and I added a 424 (much easier to transport), a 564 (my entry into digital recording) and most recently, a DP-01FX/CD. I've loved all the Tascam recorders I've had, but none more so than my 688. Last weekend, I cleaned/demagnetized it, got some new cassettes, plugged in one of my Telecasters and there it was, that same feeling I got when I first used it all those years ago. I know there's bigger and better gear, but I'll always have a special place in my heart for my 688. I'll never forget the feeling of easily and successfully actualizing possibilities that I once dreamed of when I first used it. It was a revelation for me.

[the cool one]

I wanted a 688 after I saw one a couple of years ago. Somebody bought it a few minutes before I got back to it. I bought a 488 instead. Very cool unit. Same as the 688 without midi.

[jjones1700]

Okay, please forgive me for being a newb and asking a dumb question. I've got a 424 mkii and love it. 4 tracks on cassette........cool. Now, how in the hell do you get 8 tracks on a cassette? Or is there something else I'm missing? The 688 looks awesome, but huge. If I had the money and the space, I'd probably have one.