2-track for tracking

  • Thread starter Thread starter Golden
  • Start date Start date
Golden

Golden

New member
I'm not really pleased with the sound quality of my R8. I only use about two tracks when recording songs, so I was thinking about using a Tascam 22-2 in place of the R8 for tracking. Note: I do not have a 22-2. Would the move to a 22 be a significant sound quality upgrade?
 
Golden said:
I'm not really pleased with the sound quality of my R8. I only use about two tracks when recording songs, so I was thinking about using a Tascam 22-2 in place of the R8 for tracking. Note: I do not have a 22-2. Would the move to a 22 be a significant sound quality upgrade?
Click to expand...

Any 2 track using 1/4" tape will outperform an 8 track on 1/4" tape. Wider track widths with no noise reduction is the ticket. It is not always track width that limits the sound, it IS the noise reduction that sounds like ass. Both DBX and Dolby slaughter the sound. People are just used to using it (you kind'a have to) but they really don't realize how much it affects the sound. I worked with David Blackmer at DBX back in the 70s (I was just out of college, first job) and he came about noise reduction quite by accident. It was not really intended to exist, but he ran with it anyway. I always thought it sounded horrible. The DBX companding method kills the transients and limits the frequency response of the entire audio program. Get a 1/4" 2 track (real 2 track) and use no noise reduction at 15ips. You will hear a huge difference in audio quality.
 
Golden said:
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
The 22-2 is quite popular here. The snag is that it only takes up to 7" spools. That may or may not be a problem for you.

The Tascam 32 is another good one, also the Revox B77 or PR99 (make sure it's a high-speed version). I've got both of these (B77 and '32). Hard to say which I prefer.

Now we come to machines I've not used myself. The Tascam BR-20 is also worth looking into, although I've heard that the capstan motor is now very hard to obtain (there are a lot of Revoxes out there, though).
The Otari MX5050 is another. I've probably forgotten some others too, but that covers most of the desk/semi-pro units.

After that you're looking at the professional machines, which are usuall cooker-sized. These include the Otari MTR-12, the Studer B67, A80, A810, A820 etc.
(Having said that, the A810 and B67 can sometimes be found in desk configuration too). The professional machines will be somewhat more expensive to run.
 
So the 22-2 will be good for tracking? For example, electric piano and vocal... I realize that these decks are primarily used as mixdown decks, are they suitable for tracking?

Anyway, I'm really disappointed with the Fostex R8. I've been experimenting with it for a few years now, and I'm just disappointed. To me it sounds like a clearer version of a cassette deck.

I'm hoping that a nice 2-track will be a big improvement.

Thanks guys!
 
The 22-2 does not have the ability to overdub to an already recorded track. For example, you can't record piano and then overdub your vocal using that same machine. You'd either have to do it "live", both parts at the same time or ........ get 2 TASCAM 22-2, record piano on the 1st one and then dub that onto the second machine's track, while doing a vocal to that same 2nd machine's other track. You'd then, for instance, have piano on on the right and vocal on the left, both which can be mixed later. Actually, you can even track both to the one track and leave the other for other parts. Quite a bit of possibilities there, with 2 decks. Bouncing like that once or twice will not degrade the signal significantly. Tape hiss will not really be an issue if you know what you're doing. Personally I would not use a dbx NR system with such a setup. Try it first without and see how you like it.

As far as the TASCAM 32-2 is concerned, I'm fairly certain that it has the overdub capability (simul-sync) and in which case you don't need a 2nd deck. Can anyone please confirm this ?
 
I'm a big fan of the TASCAM 22-2 myself; I have two of them. Yes 1/4" half-track is a big step up from 8 on 1/4", with or without noise reduction.

I use noise reduction or not, depending on the dynamic range of the music. I don't have problems with dbx or Dolby C. My outboard Dolby C units made by Sony are available when needed for mastering and do a great job. The key with companding NR is lining it up properly for accurate encoding and decoding. Once it's right it's easy to work with in my experience.

DBX 150X is a good bet for NR.

Tim
:)
 
Last edited:
The 32 will do left/right dubbing independently with sync.

.................. ;)
 
Yep, that's right... if you want it for tracking as well as mixdown you'll want to look at the 32.
 
Oh.. it's for tracking? Sorry, I thought you wanted a stereo mixdown machine. The 32 and the Revox will do that (unless you get one where some bastard has smashed the record-enable switches off, and even that can be repaired). I'm not so sure about my other suggestions.
 
thanks for all the help, gentlemen. one last question I gotta stick in here, "live off the floor" acoustic guitar and vocals (for example), 22-2 will get the job done nice?

That's how I like recording. As for dubbing, well I think I might be able to improvise if need be. That's half the challenge.

Again, thanks very much.

So again, 22-2 would be great for "live 2-track recording"???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top