85-16 or B model

[Gavin137]

I am looking at a couple of Tascam 16 track machines to use in conjunction with my ProTools rig (LE 8.0.4, Digi002). I don't plan on using tape for everything: mostly I would just like to have the option of a different sound, and hopefully some analog warmth here and there. That and I flat out love tape machines, and have been missing the days of messing around with my old 388, now in pieces. I'm just a hobbyist, but I do like to work on achieving good quality recordings, working on everything from country and acoustic to full-on metal.

There are 2 machines available in my area right now: a 85-16 and and 85-16B. The B model I have not seen yet, and the seller has yet to get back to me with any pictures or additional info other beyond model and price of $1100. The original 85-16 is being offered for $1100 also, but includes a Tascam M520 mixer in pretty good shape. The seller told me that the heads were replaced in the early '90s, and that the machine was put out of work shortly thereafter in favor of a digital system.

The 85-16 seemed to operate properly, although I didn't try all of the functions such as punch-in etc, but the transport seemed to work very well. I did notice some "clicking" noises from the bottom case area when the machine was not running. I got a few pictures of the heads, which I'll post here.

I'm not sure I'm going to buy either of these machines, or necessarily any machine at all right now, but I would be very interested in anyone's opinion who has had experience with either of these decks.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[RRuskin]

I had the prototype & 3rd production example of the 85-16. The prototype was a gem. The production machine was garbage. They bean-countered the capstan motor control circuit on the production units which resulted in the machine hunting for the right speed at a furious and unmeasurable pace. A flutter meter could not read the errors but you could hear them loud and clear. Avoid this machine like the plague and go for the B version or the MS-16.

 

[BRDTS]

I've owned both and still have my B. If the regular 85-16 you're looking at is all dark grey in color (no orange side parts) and above serial number #13012, it'll be exactly the same as the later, beige 8516-b ... except of course, the B included a newer function selector with 16 extra buttons for setting up punch-ins a better way than existed on the older non-B models.

Dunno about clicking...If the tape is loaded, the machine stopped, take a look at the capstan at the right. Maybe it's intermittantly rubbing against the frame hole there. Which it shouldn't.

You'll have lots of fun using tape with Pro Tools. I've been doing that for years with my machines and Nuendo.

If you're in S California, I may be interested in selling my B (just sold my msr24) as I'm moving to an atr80-24

 

[glenn taylor]

I owned a used. 85-16. Never got it working. almost bought one back in the 80's when they first came out. got a 2" 16 track instead. I would get a MS16. Some run at 30 ips some run at 15ips. Not both speeds. If I remember right I believe Jim finch from Tascam told me to stay away from the 85-16. I had a ATR 6o 1" 16 track which was nice. After a few MCI OLD decks I ended up getting a ATR80 24 track . My taste for analog machines usually is for the newer designed machines like the ATr 60 or 80 desiged in the mid 80's as opposed to a 1976 MCI that costs a fortune to keep running. GT.

 

[Gavin137]

Thanks for the input. Based on the advice I've gotten here and my other research I'm going to hold off on making a decision right now. BRDTS - I'm not in So Cal but I might be there in the future. What are you wanting for your deck?

Rick - I've read some of your other posts regarding the 85-16, and it definitely raised some red flags on this deck. BTW I think we may have some mutual friends in the folk music world.

I guess I'll just keep doing my research and wait 'till the right machine comes along.