M-512 Mixer

[BeatleFred]

Hello all:

I just won a bid on Ebay for a Tascam 512 mixing board ($299.95). The seller said its in excellent condition, which I hope is true (manual is included). I know the 500 series Tascams were their upper-level models, so I imagine its very full-featured. Actually, I already have an M-308 board, I had bought quite a long time ago, and never had a chance to use it much with my Tascam 48 recorder, so I'm still a bit of a novice when it comes to using the equipment. But I am planning to have some home remodeling done soon and then setup all the recording gear properly and begin to use it.

I was wondering how the 512 compares to the 308. I know it has 4 extra output busses which should be convenient to connect directly to all eight inputs of the 48 recorder. But otherwise, is the 512 a very significant upgrade to the 308? Does the 512 have a good reputation, or is it problem-prone in any areas? I'm surprised that there were no other bidders, $299 seems like a very good deal, especially if its in excellent operating/cosmetic condition.

I was also wondering about the power supply- was this an optional accessory or it came included? I dont know yet if the one I'm getting has it, if not, what are the limitations of not having one? Thanks in advance for all replies,

Regards,

Fred.

[cjacek]

OK, you are seriously screwed if the power supply is not included. It's not an off the shelf product. I know the 520 uses an external PS and it's proprietary and very difficult to find, if not included with the sale. If, for some reason, the 512 is different then you're golden. What's the link to that 512 that you won?

Please don't take any offense but one should never purchase merchandise of this type, that you have not seen and actually touched. It's too risky and when shipping is involved.... well..... I just hope it was placed on a pallet / crated and shipped freight. If not, chances are it'll get damaged.

Yeah, it's a great mixer, the 500 series but it's a moot point if you don't know its condition (first hand), don't know if the PS is included and if it'll survive shipping.

[cjacek]

OK, found it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tascam-M-512-12-...3%3A1|294%3A50

The lights seem to be ON so it's powered. Also and this is strange, it looks like it has a regular power cord. That's interesting. I think you're good here.

[BeatleFred]

Yes, thats the auction. I contacted the seller and he assured me that he would pack it very carefully. He said someone in his store checked the board to make sure its working ok. (to what extent it was checked and tested I dont know, but hopefully there are no problems, and the seller's feedback record shows many previous buyers seem pleased with what they bought from him).

I tried to look through the 512 Operating Manual (turns out I already have one that I bought a while ago, so I guess I'll soon have two manuals), but I dont see much mentioned
about the PS-520 power supply other than the voltage selector plug.

I asked the seller about it and he just said it doesnt come with a supply, just a standard ac cord. So hopefully that means it can be used in a normal way, though I am still interested to know more about the power supply and what its used for, compared to not having one.

[BeatleFred]

ps: I noticed another 512 for sale online, the cosmetic condition doesnt look that great, but I was wondering about getting it as a backup Parts unit. But its such a large board and very cumbersome for one guy to move around in a house, so I was wondering: Is the 512 easily disassembled, which would make it alot more convenient to bring a spare console home?

[cjacek]

I wouldn't get ahead of myself if I were you. First make sure the original mixer arrives safe and sound.

[BeatleFred]

The 512 I bought on Ebay arrived yesterday in an enormous box. Took a while to unpack, but eventually I managed to do it and temporarily put the console on table thats almost big enough to accomodate (enough table width, but not depth) it. I thought the 308 was a big board, but this thing is a sight to behold, wow. According to the s/n in the back, its a 1984 model.

Fortunately, the seller packed it carefully, so no damage that I can see except a slightly bent fader, and two green knob caps are missing, but I can order spares from Tascam for 68 cents as they informed me in their email reply when I contacted Parts.

I was also informed that the power supply was used only with the M-520, not 512, though I dont know why its used with one and not the other, since they have enough in common to share the same Operating Manual binder.

[cjacek]

Hey, great news! Always a bit of a nail-biter when dealing with eBay and shipping but I'm glad all's well.

[BeatleFred]

Hopefully, the 512 is reliable. If something goes bad and I need a shop to fix it, it'll be a real effort to bring it there due to the size and weight of this board. I guess thats the main drawback to getting a board so big. The 308 isnt small either, but its atleast carry-able, whereas moving the 512 to another location is a two person task.

I looked in the 512/520 Manual, and noticed Tascam made a CS-512 pedestal table for it (with wheels on the bottom), and a CS-513 table with wooden board enclosure. Both look nice, but I get the feeling if I ask Tascam Parts, they are probably long discontinued.

I'll have to look around for a good table or recording equipment stand of the proper size to accomodate the 512 whose dimensions (W x H x D) are: 31-9/16", 9-7/16", 31-7/16"), anyone have any recommendations?