788

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John Gillard

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I am considering getting the tascam 788. However i have come across a few problems. firstly there appears to be different models, which is best? secondly do I really need a cdr, I already own a pioneer 'audio' cdr is this sufficient. Thirdly is the 788 really any good

Ta, John
 
Well,

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but I don't know of more than one model of 788.

The 788's matched CDR gives many advantages to the 788. It is very useful to have, 'cause it gives you more flexibility of mixing and mastering all in the digital domain. Record onto the 788 in all-digital, then master and burn your songs directly to CD. Presto.

BTW, the 788 has total record time of [I think] 1 hour and 45 minutes. When the disc is full of songs, what are you going to want to do?

With the CDR, you can dump all the 8-track data to CD, [clearing the hard disc for more recording], and go back later and reload, and continue on the same project in 8 track format.

If you don't have the CDR, you can't do that. You'll have to make a "final" stereo remix, through analog stereo outputs, or spdif to a standalone CDR burner, and that's that. Then, when the 788's disc is full, you'll need to permanently erase all your primary 8 track data, and start all over, recording more material.

The CDR allows you to dump all your digital song data out of the 788, with the capability to preserve and reload the entire project, preserving the 8-track multitrack format.

There's NO off-loading song data from the 788's hard disc, then going back later to the primary 8 track format, unless you dump it to CDR.

I think, if you go the the point of actually getting the 788, you'd definitely be best off with the matched CDR, or an approved TASCAM compatible SCSI CDR, items sold seperately.
 
Hey, I've got a 788 and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about it. There is a pretty good forum at TASCAM.com devoted to the 788. Many prospective buyers go there to ask questions. I was recently kicked off for voicing intense unhappiness with the 788. The moderator said it bordered on slander...but that is not true...they are quite sensitive there.

Anyway, the machine seems to have some fairly major pitfalls when it comes to hard drive and cdr problems and many updates are required. I have had a lot of problems with mine, and yet, I absolutely love it! You can't imagine what this little machine can do. It is really really amazing. My thrill with the machine and it's functions has a great deal to do with why I get so unhappy at it's malfunctions and holds me back from working.

Anyway....I don't know what info you're looking for. But ask away.
 
I don't have the 788, I'm just a bystander/audiophile,...

but just by my observation, the 788 has a great sound, and packs a lot of features into a very small package.

Obviously, being so small, etc, there are some drawbacks to the 788. Also, being a cutting edge technological device, it's subject to unexpected failures, having bugs and updates, like any other technology you'll find, these days. I think that just comes with the territory.

The 788 has many complex functions, down in those submenus, that's for sure. You definitely have to be comfortable and happy in the LCD-menu-driven environment, if you're not, then the 788 is not for you.

No doubt, when a technologically based device like the 788 fails, or has problems, your song is more likely to go *poof*, into thin air, a way-more likely a pitfall on digital workstations, than on simple analog recorders.

I'm analog. I would not like the 788, or buy it, but as an audiophile, and having heard one, I know the 788 has pretty astounding sound, especially for such a small box. Other than that, I would not like it, I do not like LCD-menu-driven control environments. The 788 is not for me.

However, having said that, I think that if you were to choose the 788, it's a fair choice, a personal choice, and I do believe you'd be best off getting the compatible CDR drive.

The 788 is a decent product, if you like small, digital workstations. As with any device like the 788, you'll be dealing with updates and bug fixes, and eventually the MKII version will come out, likely making yours obsolete.

That's modern technology, for you.
 
From what I've seen on the Tascam forum there are a lot of bugs with backing up to their burner. As a recorder it's great, so since all I want is a stereo mix, it beats the hell out of computer multitracking (I've got Logic Audio, Cakewalk and Power Tracks) for ease of use. Bottom line? I've got a ton of stuff done with it.
 
Cool,

For what it is, and it's size, the 788 is pretty cool, and it does sound awesome.

The exact technical issues, I would not be very familiar with, but the Tascambbs 788 forum is a great place to start, if you have a problem.

Just remember, when checking the Tascam 788 forum, that almost all the posts are from people who have technical problems or questions, and hardly ever will you see posts from happy/trouble-free users.

/DA
 
Phil, I agree 100% with your post, having done some research on my own,...

The 788 is nice for an 8 track, and the new Yamaha 2816 is also a very nice 16 track. My opinion follows yours, and I've been doing my homework. 788 for 8 track, and 2816 for 16 track.

I'll agree again, that the 788 is a lot easier to record on than the typical computer recording software. Computer based recording may give you more options, but the 788 is targeted at the Portastudio [portable] market.

Thanx. I agree with phil. ;)
 
I'll probably switch to the Yamaha AW 2816 in about a year or so if the 788 can bring in half it's purchase price of $900. If it breaks down, sooner. At that point I'll feel it's given good service and move on.

What I like about the Yamaha is the larger display, new dsp, motorized faders, and better and more logical back up capability to an internal Yamaha burner. And I like Yamaha burners. And the motorized faders. And the motorized faders.
 
Im thinking about splashing out and buying a 788
Previously ive been recording mostly on my pc using Cakewalk 9
and have bought a few decent plugins. Is it possible to back up to pc in a format that is accessible and editable in cakewalk. I dont care if i cant get the tracks back into the 788.

Thanks
Paddy
 
Paddy,
You can run a 24 bit stereo mix through the s/pdif back to the computer for futher processing and it works great. I use sound forge 5.0.

Also, there's a free program written by a 788 user (I think it was Karltin Sly) that allows Cakewalk to control the 788 via midi, you'll have go to Tascam's forum and do a search.

Good luck.
 
philboyd studge said:

You can run a 24 bit stereo mix through the s/pdif back to the computer for futher processing and it works great.
Click to expand...

Thanks for replying
That sounds great but Its just that its a lot of money so id like to investigate fully
So can you transfer individual tracks all at the same time if i prefer to mixdown on pc? Or would you have to transfer them individually? Thinking about it... can i make a Cd-RW backup from the 788?

thanks
paddy
 
Last edited:
Paddy said:


So can you transfer individual tracks all at the same time if i prefer to mixdown on pc? Or would you have to transfer them individually? Thinking about it... can i make a Cd-RW backup from the 788?
Click to expand...

You would have to transfer the tracks two at a time through the stereo outs...either analog or SPDIF. Then, you'd have to sync 'em up somehow in your computer.

The current CD burner for the 788 is a CD-RW....the CD-R drive is no longer available. The backup disks you make with the 'RW won't be readable in a PC.

HTH,

Lee
 
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