1/2" 4 track??

[Ding Dong]

I have a tascam TSR-8 and its driving me up a wall. I want to get rid of it. I want to switch to a four track reel to reel. I want something more sturdy, less likey to explode during a recording session, and better to transport. Idealy, I'd like to get a 1/2" four track so i get more space on each track, but im not sure how rare those are. any suggestions??

 

[Dr ZEE]

I don't how rare... pretty rare, I guess
from what I've read otari and studer had some versions of MTR/A80
found couple examples:
otari mtr-12 (second from the corner-down)
studer A80 (?)
...those are heavyweight category players

 

[cjacek]

The Ampex AG-440 (A, B or C) and the Otari MX and MTR series come to mind.

I had a chance to look, up close and personal, at the 440 and was amazed.

 

[Muckelroy]

The MCI JH-110 is a nice deck, which is capable of being configured into 1/2" 4 track. More often than not, you'll find them configured for 1/2" 2 track, or 1/4" 2-track, though, because they're primarily used for stereo mixdowns.

Film studios, and post-production studios are where the 1/2" 4 track format was most used, as they needed that fourth track for a SMPTE time code track for film sound.

Firestation recording studios has one, but 2 of the 4 track electronics modules are shot. However, I THINK we still have the 4-track headstack laying around somewhere. They MAY want to sell it if you're interested. However, you'd have to either find a machine with 4 track modules already in it, or find your modules elsewhere.

It's one beast of a machine, but when well kept, it'll never let you down. If you can find one in good shape, and you're willing to invest into the tools needed to keep it pampered and running smoothly, go for it.

good luck!

-callie-

 

[A Reel Person]

Tascam made the ATR-60/4, and the Model 70/4,...

but they're rare and hard to find.