Is a Tascam BR-20T a good mastering deck?

[sweetbeats]

or do you lose a lot of track width/fidelity with the center timecode track?

What kind of connector is used for synchronization (i.e. ELCO?)?

[jpmorris]

AFAIK the centre track is recorded in the middle of the guard band between the L/R tracks, so the overall track width is the same as other machines. I don't know if this gives increased crosstalk, though.

[SteveM]

Pretty cool feature. I never heard of that. Is there one you're thinking of buying Sweetbeats? How Much?

[sweetbeats]

$200 + 50 for the rolling stand. They say it has just minor scratches but I have yet to see pictures...

[SteveM]

Originally Posted by sweetbeats

$200 + 50 for the rolling stand. They say it has just minor scratches but I have yet to see pictures...

Nice price compared to what I've seen them on Ebay. Do you know if that feature is only on the "T" models?

[sweetbeats]

I believe so...'T' for timecode...I have a manual but haven't ever looked at it, and I'd read it now but I'm busy trying to get to Burbank before tomorrow ...been on the road since 0500...

[evm1024]

Snatch that thing up.

The BR-20 is perhaps the best mastering deck that Tascam ever made. It holds its own next to anything.

The NAB (Read US issue) version and the timecode version both have the same track width and thus the same performance.

0.079" (2mm) audio tracks with a 0.015" (0.38 mm) timecode track.

You don't need to record the timecode....

The DIN version is desirable because it uses the DIN standard 0.106" (2.7mm" audio tracks. Tascam never made a DIN + timecode version that I know of.

FWIW I have a NAB version.

--Ethan

[SteveM]

Originally Posted by sweetbeats

I believe so...'T' for timecode...I have a manual but haven't ever looked at it, and I'd read it now but I'm busy trying to get to Burbank before tomorrow ...been on the road since 0500...

Well, put your laptop away while your driving FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!

[jpmorris]

For $200 it should be a no-brainer, unless it's broken or something.
The BR20 is kind of weak for part availability, though... the capstan motor, for example was discontinued about the same time as the machine itself.
Apart from that, they're supposed to be kick-ass machines.

[sweetbeats]

My car is very full...

the guy had two BR-20T's...he said one was kind of rough, and one that was 'virtually new'. Well, it is pretty good but not what I'd call virtually new. I think we have different standards, but hey...I bought it.

Some wear on the heads, but not much, everything mechanical seems to work, razor marks on the face, came with the RC-402 remote and a really cool Tascam rack stand. Not a CS-607. Also threw in a mystery box cables. total price 350.

good deal?, bad deal? so-so deal?

BUNCH more stuff there guys...I'll get the craigslist reference later but:

Soundcraft delta 32-2 board (i think that was the model)
otari mx 5050 8 tracks (x2) and a 2 track, 2 remotes for above and an auto locator
didn't see it but he says there is an 'old ampex 4 track' too
a pile of mineral fiber panels, about half are the 4 inch thick variety
Lots of other stuff...

[sweetbeats]

This is the aboe mentioned cragslist posting:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ele/860874379.html

[SteveM]

I'd say you got a pretty fair deal. If it's all in good working condition. Congrats. That a really cool feature on a deck like that plus you got the remote.

[Richard King]

Originally Posted by sweetbeats

didn't see it but he says there is an 'old ampex 4 track' too
...

You are a lucky guy. Congrats on the find. The Ampex is probably one of these:

The amplifiers alone are worth a fortune to the right person if you can get the machine. The picture is from the old studio that I used to work out of 35 or so years ago.

[sweetbeats]

Here...

Got home tonight. What a journey.

Richard, I was wanting to know more about the Ampex deck, but I knew my hands (and car) were full, and apparently the "not good" BR-20T, the Ampex 4-track and one of the Soundcraft desks were in storage offsite.

I was pressed for time...I left, but not without a curious mind.

The stuff is being sold off by a video production firm that is downsizing. They've been in business for I think 34 years.

Anyway, Richard, those pics are simply awesome.