Anyone used a 788 or similar unit??

[Godsguitarist]

Hello everyone!! I've got a 424 I got for CHRISTmas, and I feel it's all ready hindering me. I need at least 8 tracks, and almost all of them are digital (of which is cool with me ). Does anyone have any comments on the 788? I'm thinking about upgrading within a few months (money is tight). I'm all ready sick of analog, plus I can get computer parts really, really cheap (hint..hard drives) because I am starting to build computers with my band mates soon (price lists for us are in the mail). If anyone could comment on this seemingly wonderful piece of equipment, I would be very grateful. I will probably post this twice, so look for it somewhere else, too. If you have any other suggestions on an 8 track (preferably digital) in the similar price range (around $800-$900 I think?), feel free to post it. Thanks in advance!!

[RobbeyRd]

I've been a home recording hobbyiest/enthusiast since the first 4-track cassette studios came out in the early 80s, and have graduated from that to mini-disk and most recently to the 788. It is the best 8-track on the market in it's price range.

Check out Tascam's web site. There's a very active forum (8800+ posts since last the 788 was introduced late last year) with a lot of knowledgeable folks: pros and amatuers. There are a number of posts with MP3s where you can hear what the 788 can do.

Get it. You won't be sorry.

[Godsguitarist]

That sounds awesome...I am really really wanting one and I'm hoping for the funds to get it. Thanks for your reply! Anyone else?

Brandon

[KaosDG]

I just recently bought a 788, upgrading from a 424 also.

I have to say if you are used to the 424 (or mainly any Tascam recorder) the 788's concepts will be easy to pick up.

There's a lot of cool features, and it's pretty simple to use and record with. My only gripe is the lack of XLR inputs, but since a I use a mixer when micing instruments, it doesn't matter too much. (but it does come with 2 XLR -> 1/4" adapters)

for ~$900, it really can't be beat. and it has outboard SCSI so you can attach external HDD's or Teac/Tascam CDR Drives.

Not having to wait for a tape to rewind for repeat or RTZ is quite convenient, and the MIDI Sync is top notch (you can play along without needing to track the other instruments right away)

[Godsguitarist]

Dude!! That sounds awesome....exactly what is or how would you use the MIDI Sync? I think the 424 has it too. Thanks for your reply!!

Brandon

[KaosDG]

The 424 is only capable of midi sync if you use one track (4 i believe) and write MTC to it. You also need a converter of sorts so your sequencer can chase that signal.

The 788 has a built in MTC/Midi Sync/etc generators, with regular MIDI ports so you can simply put it somewhere in your midi chain (although i think you need a dedicated chain for it, i don't think it has Midi Echo so instruments further down won't respond)

When I use midi sync, i usually have drums and like pianos/ambient instruments sequenced in cakewalk. then I can start cakewalk playing, and the the 788 will be in perfect time with it. this way i can lay down guitars and bass to the 788 without losing sync with the other instruments. I'll usually pan/mix all the midi stuff seperately, then lay it onto the 7/8 channels on the 788 when i'm happy with it. This way i only use up two tracks for something like 16 instruments from my keyboard.


(man that is a long description)

[Godsguitarist]

WOW!!! That sounds awesome!!! I don't COMPLETELY get it, but I get enough to get a general idea. Thanks for your explaination. Right now I'm having an amp emergency (my guitarist will be pushing 6x12"s and my bassist will have 6x10"s while I'm pushing 1x10" ), so my money is REALLY going to be limited...but I may be able to get one later. Thanks to all for their replies!! If anyone else has anything to say, feel free to do so.

Brandon