Tascam TSR-8 v 8-80

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signman

New member
My first post here... I'm thinking of buying my first tape machine.
The BOSS br1600 is just not doing it for me!

Disscovering Analog recording reminds me of when I first played my Les Paul
though my 59 Deluxe Tweed :D

After countless hours on the internet and several phone calls I have narrowed
my search done to one of two machines.

I've found a tidy looking TSR-8 with spare tape and leads..
Posted a similar question on the Martin guitar forum and have been told the
8-80 would be a better move..

Can't find one here in the UK for sale.

I only plan on recording in my home studio..
Guitar's, drum machine, bass, harp. Is the TSR suitable or should I be patient and wait for a 8-80..

Appreciate anY advice.

Thanks

Paul
UK
 
Hi,

The TSR8 is a fine machine, I owned one not long after they came out and only sold it when I bought a 16 track,

It is also a later model than the 8-80 (released in late 1970's) so it will be newer. The TSR8 has inbuilt DBX noise reduction and if I remember correct the 8-80 had a separate BDX unit (somebody will correct me if I am wrong).

If it's a good TSR8 I would grab it.

Cheers

Alan.
 
Tsr-8 value

Thanks Alan..wonder what they are selling for..
 
No contest.

The TSR-8 is light-years ahead of the 80-8 in every way… sound, transport tape handling, features… you name it. If you find a good condition TSR-8 you won't be disappointed. I have one myself, as do a couple others on the Analog Only forum. I'd be happy help you get acquainted with it once you have it, so feel free to post questions in the analog forum.

~ Tim

:)
 
Thanks you guy's...

I'm off to see it tomorow, 200 miles each way :(
 
Is this unit a quarter or half inch tape? If I remember right I think it's 1/4 just wondering. I have a tascam 38 1/2 8 channel and am looking for a 1/4 2 track for mixdown.
 
TSR-8 Rule!

Hi Newbie,
I have 3 TSR-8's. I bought one brand new in 1993, used it for years. I also bought a brand new MSR-24 in 1995. I abanoned the TSR-8 and only used the MSR-24. I had sold the TSR-8 to a friend who left it in the box for years, I just recently bought it back but to my surprise it didnt work right. I was dissapointed and also found out my MSR-24 didnt work right either. I was frustrated with 2 machines that I gave up hope on. Later I saw a TSR-8 in good condition on e-bay with a lot of extras, so I bought it for $600. I used it for a while and was amazed how great it sounded. After reading about old tape and the sticky shed syndrome, I went back to my faulty machines and inspected the heads with a magnifying glass, I saw alot of junk stuck on like paint that didnt come off with normal cleaning. It was the residue from my old tapes from the mid 90's. So I carefully cleaned both sets of heads with Isopropyl Alcohol until they were spotless. Both machines now work. Lesson here, keep the heads absolutely clean and inspect with a magnifying glass. Now I was completely impressed with my machines and was about to start a recording project I have been putting off. Well I was browsing e-bay when I saw a new in sealed box TSR-8 on e-bay for $1000, I couldnt believe there was one out there, well that is now my third machine. I highly recommend the TSR-8, I favor it over my MSR-24. It is very dependable and if you use the new RMGI 911 tape it sounds amazing. I have had problems with wobbly reel tables because of factory defects in the machining of the hubs. If your tapes rub on the reel flanges I can help you with a remedy. Sorry for the long reply but I get very enthusiastic about these machines, good luck in your endeavor.
Victory Pete
 
Tsr-8

Thats funny, I have been searching for a remote and come accross another
TSR-8.. not ' BRAND NEW & BOXED '.. you lucky ****

I'm paranoid about mine breaking and being without it for some time.
Having a spare seems like a good idea :eek:

Tracked down some new BASF PEM 468 too..

Paul

' Ain't it funny how you feel when your finding out it's real '

Neil Young :cool:
 
"You pay for this but they give you that!"

I am obsessed now with these machines, I recommend having spares. By the way old Neil is an Analog advocate, he described recording with digital like looking at a beautiful landscape through a screen. goodluck with your gear quest.
Victory Pete:cool:
 
Last edited:
Victory Pete:
Very interested in how you dealt with the rubbing flanges. I seem to have that problem with my TSR-8 a lot...be curious, if you can spare the time, as to your cure...tia!
 
Tsr-8 wobbly reel hubs...

Victory Pete said:
Hi Newbie,
I have 3 TSR-8's. I bought one brand new in 1993, used it for years. I also bought a brand new MSR-24 in 1995. I abanoned the TSR-8 and only used the MSR-24. I had sold the TSR-8 to a friend who left it in the box for years, I just recently bought it back but to my surprise it didnt work right. I was dissapointed and also found out my MSR-24 didnt work right either. I was frustrated with 2 machines that I gave up hope on. Later I saw a TSR-8 in good condition on e-bay with a lot of extras, so I bought it for $600. I used it for a while and was amazed how great it sounded. After reading about old tape and the sticky shed syndrome, I went back to my faulty machines and inspected the heads with a magnifying glass, I saw alot of junk stuck on like paint that didnt come off with normal cleaning. It was the residue from my old tapes from the mid 90's. So I carefully cleaned both sets of heads with Isopropyl Alcohol until they were spotless. Both machines now work. Lesson here, keep the heads absolutely clean and inspect with a magnifying glass. Now I was completely impressed with my machines and was about to start a recording project I have been putting off. Well I was browsing e-bay when I saw a new in sealed box TSR-8 on e-bay for $1000, I couldnt believe there was one out there, well that is now my third machine. I highly recommend the TSR-8, I favor it over my MSR-24. It is very dependable and if you use the new RMGI 911 tape it sounds amazing. I have had problems with wobbly reel tables because of factory defects in the machining of the hubs. If your tapes rub on the reel flanges I can help you with a remedy. Sorry for the long reply but I get very enthusiastic about these machines, good luck in your endeavor.
Victory Pete
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. I'm curious to know what your remedy is for wobbly reel tables...
 
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