688 vs. 238 w/ mixer

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willslack

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I want to buy a cassette 8 track that can record up to 8 tracks at once. I don't know if I should get a 688 or a 238 w/ a half decent mixer. Any suggestions? Also, what should I expect to pay for a used 688 these days?
Thanks
 
They are both good solutions.

It probably boils down to cost and whether or not you'd prefer an all-in-one solution. The lower cost and all-in-one solution would favor the 688.

A used/mint 688 might go for appx. ~$400, give or take a few & depending on the day.

A used/mint 238 might bring appx. ~$250 by itself, then you're considering maybe another ~$150 for an M30 mixer, which is the minimum level of mixer I'd suggest for a 238.

By that analysis, cost is about the same, but the mixer cost could escalate if you'd prefer something fancier than the M30. An M-512 or M-520 would be much bigger 8-buss mixers, for an additional cost.

Aw heck,... buy one of each!! :eek: ;)
 
Since cost seems to be almost identical, is there one unit of the two with a better reputation for quality/reliability? It seems to me that the 238 might be more reliable since its simpler.

Thanks
 
They both have a similarly excellent reputation.

A lot of it boils down to whether you want a Portastudio or modular components. ;)
 
238/Mixer Vote= 1

I liked the 238/mixer over the 688. I had both for awhile.

The 688 had a bunch of menu sht I didn't use. It looked cool and was compact. I went to the 488 which I loved shortly after having the 688.
the 688 had funky bouncing menus, kinda like todays digital units.

the 238/mixer was up and running in a flash. no questions. i had a nice Tascam mixer that was a package deal at the time...better sound than the 688..IMO. 238 was more like the Alesis HD24 and ADAT's..you just press the button on each track to ARM/DISARM... I love simplicity tho.

i read somehwere the 238 was designed or at least used on the space shuttle recording noises and sht.

damn..thats some old memorys... 88-92ish?
 
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