1/4" to 1/2" Is There an Improvement?

[SteveMac]

I'm sure this has been brought up before, but does anybody know if I go from a Tascam 1/4" 4 track to a Tascam 1/2" 8 track will there still be an improvement in sound even though the tape track width's will be the same? I'm thinkg about buying a used Tascam 38 I'd like to go with a 1" but I don't know if thats possible for me. Unless they make 1" 8 tracks.

 

[Han]

They even make two inch eight track recorders! http://www.jrfmagnetics.com/

There will not be a major improvement when you go from 1/4" 4 to 1/2" 8 as far as tape width is concerned, but the 38 is a pretty good sounding machine, at least the one I've had sounded great. The machine can be a little hissy though, which can be solved by DBX NR, but that spoils part of the sound quality, sheesh.

 

[cjacek]

I'm sure this has been brought up before, but does anybody know if I go from a Tascam 1/4" 4 track to a Tascam 1/2" 8 track will there still be an improvement in sound even though the tape track width's will be the same? I'm thinkg about buying a used Tascam 38 I'd like to go with a 1" but I don't know if thats possible for me. Unless they make 1" 8 tracks.

Provided it is the TASCAM 34 vs the 38, there will be NO sonic difference between 1/4" 4 and 1/2" 8 tracks. The only difference is that you got more tracks to play with.

Now, the question is: Do you need 8 tracks or only 4 ? Also, 1/4" tape is plentiful and cheap so take this into account (no pun intended ).

Daniel

 

[A Reel Person]

8 is better than 4,... with all other factors being equal,... do the math.

You're not talking a boost in fidelity, but you're talking about doubling your production value, nonetheless.

Go for it!!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Doing any kind of modern rock productions where you're gonna have stereo drums, bass, rhythm, solos, main vocals and backing vocals requires at least an 8 track to do productively and without bouncing.

16 tracks, and then you've really got some room to open up full blown productions with lush multiple backing vocals and additional tracks for separating a drum kit, adding percussion parts or whatever else the song requires.

I use a 16 track, one inch TASCAM MS-16 and although I don't always use up all 16 tracks on every song, (12-14 is my average), it's nice to have the room and not worry about running out of tracks.

True, one inch tape is expensive but if you break it down on a per song costing basis, it doesn't seem so bad.

Cheers!

 

[SteveMac]

Thanks all for the feedback.

I definately need at least 8 tracks. If not I would have went for this tascam 4 track It almost had me.