Advice on setting up a Tascam TSR-8

[roboxoby]

Hello,
I recently got my hands on a Tascam TSR-8 and was looking for some suggestions on how to set it up with my board. In particular, I was curious if anyone had any ideas on whether I could somehow monitor off the tape? I'm guessing that this is not possible given that there are only two tape-heads (as opposed to 3 on the 38-8) but if someone could confirm this for me (i.e. not being able to monitor off of the tape) I'd appreciate it.
Also, any suggestions on the best way to go into the recorder? Using the inserts vs. a board with direct outs?
Thanks for your advice and patience.
Rob

 

[M1Fanatic]

I'm pretty sure you'll have to monitor what's going out as opposed to tape. With a two-head I don't think this is possible.

How many busses on your desk?

If you have an eight buss board I'd buss it out and use either the tape returns if you have them or another set of eight channels if you don't. If you're stuck with a four buss board like I am for the time being, then use the direct outs.

The really nice thing about an eight buss desk with an eight track is you can send the signal to any track on the machine with no re-patching. If you only have four busses and use the direct outs, each channel is hooked to it's own track on the machine.

I wouldn't use the inserts as this limits your ability to use dynamics processing while tracking if you chose to do so. Not everyone does, but I track with compression on the drums and usually bass.