Broken 488? Upgrade to Reel-to-reel?

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tiredofdriving

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All of a sudden track 8 on my 488 has ceased working. I haven't tried recording anything onto it, but after very little use (I just bought the stupid thing off of Ebay a couple months ago) nothing that I've previously recorded on two different cassettes is working on track 8. It's like there's nothing there. Also, when I power the unit up all of the levels briefly jump a little bit (which is a normal "waking up" thing) but track 8 doesn't do that. Is this a common problem? Is there an easy solution like demagnitizing or cleaning the heads?

I'm just getting frustrated. I do notice a lack of "thickness" in sound since I've upgraded from the 424mkIII to the 488. I guess squeezing 8 tracks onto a cassette is a questionable idea. I was thinking about real-to-real recorders and noticed that on some old threads it was noted that a mixer/recorder could be purchased pretty cheap ($300). Would this be a step up from a 488? I want to stick with analog for now. What other equiptment would i need? Are there any specific models recommended?

Thanks.
 
Did you do anything unusual, like using an outboard preamp direct to track 8?

Also, check the "sync" switch, that it's in the "off" or "normal" position, as this will affect track 8.

The individual tracks of the 424mkIII will sound a bit more robust than the individual tracks of the 488, but the overall, total & cumulative sound you get should be relatively the same. That comes with the territory, since you're squeezing 4 tracks onto tape with the 424, and 8 tracks onto the same strip of tape with the 488. Something's gotta give!

There's the Tascam 388, which is a Portastudio-format 8-tracker, with an awesom integrated 8x8x2 mixer, that records 8-simul onto 7" reels of 1/4" tape, @ 7.5ips. This is a heck of a nice machine in it's own right, literally one-of-a-kind, and is often found for about $300 on Ebay, depending on the day. The 388 would be a huge [heh, pun] upgrade to the 488, and is well worth seeking out & upgrading to. Finding a discrete mixer and reel 8-track for $300 total is a bit less likely, but search out the 388 & I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This is where I usually post a pic of the 388:
 

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Another view.
 

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388 back panel
 

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And,...

nothing screams "Hifi Audio" like wood side panels!! ;)
 
Hey man I feel for ya, I've been a 488 guy for about ayear and a half. I have to say that I am beginning to get frustratetd with the limitations of what I can do with it. I would say take this opportunity to go digital. When mine goes up, and eventually it will, I'm going DAW. The 488 is great for getting your feet wet and instilling the thrill of recording but linear analog strictly limits the range of projects that you can get involved with and in the long run will be prohibitively expensive. If you only plan to this as a hobby recording yourself for your own enjoyment then analog is a noble and romantic place to remain. If you have thoughts of maybe doing this professionally or recording lots of different genres for public consumption then it is time to bite the bullet and bow down to digital dominance and convienience. BUT FIRST, check your midi sync switch,clean your heads, de-magnetize, and cross your fingers. She might not be dead yet. Good luck. :)
 
Oh your gonna need.............................................outboard compressors, a reverb/multi effects unit, lots of expensive tape, at least two decent microphones, probably a few different equalizers, a computer or self contained CD burner to mix down to, tons of cables, probably a good outboard pre-amp, Some decent monitors, some decent headphones, some rigid fiberglass, some drywall, a coupla mic stands, a de-gauser, a big ass table, a spare room, a comfotable office chair, some music to record, a lot of patience, a lot of sparetime, an understanding domestic partner, and that should get you started. REMEMBER....it's not just a hobby, it's an expensive heavy tangled frustrating curse. If you can accept that, my condolences and welcome to the club ;)
 
OK, it was the sync switch in the back. So track 8 has been restored.

I'm still interested in upgrading, and the 388 looks like it's for me. There's one up on Ebay I might pursue, although I don't want to spend more than $300 on it. So we'll see.

Thanks!
 
Wow.... That is the COOLEST portastudio I've ever seen. I want one. I don't really need one though.
 
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