8-track cassette-based recorders

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dogwomble

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Hey guys,

I'm looking at adding a multitrack cassette recorder to my collection of audio gear. I'm having difficulty finding any sort of good information though - go to any music website and it's all "Digital this that lolzor roflmao". Not that I have a problem with digital, it's just I'm wanting to go to analogue to recreate that sound.

Anyways, if you guys can help me find something then that would be excellent! Here is a list of what I want:

  • 8 mono channels
  • 3-band eq per channel
  • dbx noise reduction (although I think it's pretty standard anyways)
  • The ability to mix on the box itself without having to run back to an external mixer
  • Something that isn't going to break the bank (I'm already working an insane amount of overtime at work to purchase some other equipment that I want too - and if you're in the big brown land of Australia and have something that fits the bill and are willing to part with it I'll definitely consider it)

So if you guys can help me out, lemme know!
 
The Tascam 488, 488 mkII and 688 would do nicely.

488mkII and 688 also have XLR inputs and channel inserts.

Do a search on ebay...they're everywhere, quite reasonable, and very robust.

I've owned a 488 for years...it's been a real workhorse and the sound is very good. :D
 
Or the Tascam 238 syncaset and a mixer. If you don't mind separates.
 
Do you know if these units are still available new? I've just tried searching Australian sites on google for both the 488 and the 688 and it's not pulling up much useful info at all. :( :(
 
I believe both have been discontinued for sometime now....Tascam having abandoned the 8 trk analog format.
Yamaha might still make the MT 8X which was also a pretty decent recorder.
 
I bought a used 488mkII about half a year ago. They have sweepable mids which I like. I get a kick at how the tape counter is still so damned accurate after all these years. I'd like to get another one, just to keep as a spare. New parts are still available from Tascam. And yes, you can get 8 separate track outputs.
 
I have dug my 488 MKII for a couple of years, though I have only used it spargingly. If you want to hear the final sound (mind you, I have some outboard gear it goes through and this is NOT a troll to listen to my song) go to soundclick.com and type in artist search "Dale O'Brien" Only listen to "wild-eyed jim's" as the other tunes were of my old band. That was completely recorded on my 488MKII.
They sound great!
 
Dale,

u get a lot out of the 488...impressive...im back to considering it cause of the cool sound quality here..

i was really afraid it might not keep up with the sound quality in the 424MKIII, Dave told me that individual tracks might not be as strong in the 488, and i trust him to no end...but what im hearing here in terms of quality is more than good enough for me!

thanks!
 
If you can find a 238, they do sound pretty good considering it's a cassette.
 
diogo said:
Dale,

u get a lot out of the 488...impressive...im back to considering it cause of the cool sound quality here..

i was really afraid it might not keep up with the sound quality in the 424MKIII, Dave told me that individual tracks might not be as strong in the 488, and i trust him to no end...but what im hearing here in terms of quality is more than good enough for me!

thanks!
Click to expand...

There is a loss of depth when you add more tracks to a finite width of tape, but I always, and still do, love the sound of the 488. One thing I found I need to do though, was use two tracks for drums to double up the thickness. Usually do a second vocal track as well, but as a complete separate track, not a double of an existing. Other than that, everything is single-tracked.
Again, I think this is a GREAT machine, and considering for what you can buy one for these days!!!
 
...

Each ~/individual track/~ on the 488 would likely sound less robust than an ~/individual track/~ on the 4-track Porta's, but /total~cumulative/ sound should be roughly the same on each.

That's my common quote on the subject & I stand by it. :eek: ;)

People have done nothing but rave about the 238, from what I've heard. :)
 
good old 238 wont come around these parts Dave :D (idd need the great M30, and i lack the patience to play the ebay waiting game :eek: )

im set on the 488, and the 246 to mix down to...i figure i can track the less critical tracks on the 488 (double track guitars, drums, bass, etc) and leave the rest (acoustic guitars and vocals) to the remaining tracks on the 246...good plan? ;)

either way, im sure that in time ill own a 244 or a 424 to add to those and use on less complex mix scenario ;)
 
A Reel Person said:
Each ~/individual track/~ on the 488 would likely sound less robust than an ~/individual track/~ on the 4-track Porta's, but /total~cumulative/ sound should be roughly the same on each.

That's my common quote on the subject & I stand by it. :eek: ;)

People have done nothing but rave about the 238, from what I've heard. :)
Click to expand...

I have learned Dave is the expert around these parts and he is correct in what he says and offers GREAT advice( as well as having, as I recall, quite the collection of vintage cassette 4 and 8 trackers!). The 488 is a good choice, though, Diogo, as is the 424...just depends on your tracking needs. You'll love either one! Good luck!
(Dave, still looking for that TASCAM M-520 btw...haven't seen one available but still looking!)
 
Which Tascam? I won't rest until...

I have it all!!! :eek: ;)
 
A Reel Person said:
Each ~/individual track/~ on the 488 would likely sound less robust than an ~/individual track/~ on the 4-track Porta's, but /total~cumulative/ sound should be roughly the same on each.

That's my common quote on the subject & I stand by it. :eek: ;)

People have done nothing but rave about the 238, from what I've heard. :)
Click to expand...

Brilliant logic there. How can each individual track sound less and the whole cumlative sound be the same?
 
Because they're both cumulatively 1/8" cassette,...

troller!............... :eek:
 
I said "roughly" the same, trollboy!

That means "approximately", dumbass.

I've not heard any gems of wisdom from you, trollboy, other than 2" is all there is to analog recording, which is sadly lacking in any scope or real perspective. :)
 
Nice quote, Mark!

(Dr. Strangelove)......... ;)
 
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