A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
At least half the charm of the 388 is the phenomenal mixer section,...
but if you don't need the mixer section, you're still probably best off with a 38.
The 38 will have more raw impact in the recording section than the 388, especially if you get the [2] DX-4D's as the 38's matched dbx units. The TSR-8 would also have higher fidelity than the 388, comparable to the 38/DX-4D's, but the 388's recording section's not too shabby!
In many cases, the 388 is worth considering for the mixer section alone!
YMMV!
but if you don't need the mixer section, you're still probably best off with a 38.
The 38 will have more raw impact in the recording section than the 388, especially if you get the [2] DX-4D's as the 38's matched dbx units. The TSR-8 would also have higher fidelity than the 388, comparable to the 38/DX-4D's, but the 388's recording section's not too shabby!
In many cases, the 388 is worth considering for the mixer section alone!
YMMV!