Better 4 track for bedroom: tascam or yamaha

  • Thread starter Thread starter jymander
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jymander

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So I'm going to buy a little cassette 4 track to do some bedroom demos, mostly to use for reference, but hopefully i'll record some stuff i want to use.

I've got two people selling units, each for $50. One is a Tascam Porta 07, the other a Yamaha mt4x. Both in good shape, tested.

Firstly, I only know so much about recording, and nothing about tape. As I understand it, stereo cassettes have 2 tracks per side, four total. So does it record front and back at the same time? Or do I have to record two at a time and then flip it over. But then, I couldn't hear anything from the other side, so how it's more like a 2 track.

And, would either the Tascam or the Yamaha be a better unit. Given the price, and assuming they work the same, whichever sounds better would probably be my choice.

Anyway, sorry for the usual newbie routine. Any advice is totally appreciated.
 
I'm not familiar with either of those models.

4 track tape recorders can record up to 4 tracks in the same direction. You can bounce tracks and keep on truckin'. Some models allow you to record at higher speeds (3 3/4" ips vs. 1 7/8" ips).

I'll let the pros field more specific answers.;)
 
yes they record 4 tracks (2 on each side) without flipping the cassette. Always get type II cassettes and max 90 minutes, but 60 is better.

I would always advice to go with tascam, you should look into the models: 244, 246, 644, 488 (8 track), 688 (8 track). These models are better quality overall and have some nice recording options.

Porta 07 should be ok too by the way...

Have fun with cassette recording!
 
keep in mind that a four track will record on both "sides" at once- e.g. the whole tape. So when you flip the tape, you hear the music backwards. and it will usually, but not always, record at double the speed of a normal tape deck. So you will get 15 minutes recording time out of a 60 minute tape.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up deciding on the Tascam, but I waited too long and the unit was already sold. So, now I think I'm going to wait until I find another one I like. Maybe spend the extra cash to get an 8 track.

Bobby Darko, what kind of tape do those other models use, out of curiosity?
 
every portastudio (as far as i know) use type II cassette tape. I always use TDK SA or if I can get my hands on it: SA-X.

Maxell is fine too by the way, but I like to stick to the golden TDK tapes made in the 80's. I used dozens and only one or two was faulty..and that's pretty good I think. The really sound nice too
 
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