converting a T38 to 1/2 master

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daddyK

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Hi i currently have an old Tascam T38 1/2 inch 8 track and am in the process of up grading to a MSR 16 or fostex E16 - I was under the impression that i can convert the T38 to a 1/2inch 2 track master by changng the heads? does any one have any information on this? or will i just end up having to use the T38 as an elaborate 8 track tape echo?
many thanks
K
 
daddyK said:
Hi i currently have an old Tascam T38 1/2 inch 8 track and am in the process of up grading to a MSR 16 or fostex E16 - I was under the impression that i can convert the T38 to a 1/2inch 2 track master by changng the heads? does any one have any information on this? or will i just end up having to use the T38 as an elaborate 8 track tape echo?
many thanks
K
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I don't think anyone has done it, although it's something I was contemplating doing to my '32 (it would need '38 guides and a '38 headblock mount, but I have one of those).

It should be possible, except that you'd have to get the heads. JRF or Phi magnetronics might make them for you, but you would have to pay through the nose for them. It might be possible for them to adapt stock 1/2" heads to suit the Tascam head mount but it's probably not something they do every day so it won't be cheap.
 
right - thanks i'll look into it - would you say it may be cheaper to but a new (old) 1/2 inch master machine instead? in your (or anyone else reading this) experiance do many mastering plants cutting 45's & LP's take 1/2"?

Peace
 
daddyK said:
right - thanks i'll look into it - would you say it may be cheaper to but a new (old) 1/2 inch master machine instead?
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To be honest, I haven't got any quotes for the heads so I don't know. The Fostex E22 could probably be had for less than the heads, yes. But from what I've seen, 1/2" mastering units are pretty rare - most people buy a B67, Otari or something and a JRF upgrade kit - which means you'd probably be paying for the heads anyway unless you can find one that's already been converted.

I wanted to convert my '32 for the novelty value :p

in your (or anyone else reading this) experiance do many mastering plants cutting 45's & LP's take 1/2"?
Peace
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Someone else will have to answer that..
 
To the original poster: Many would argue, including yours truly, to get a 1/4" half track deck instead of the wider 1/2". You can get a TASCAM 22-2 or 32-2 for peanuts on the used market and sonically you'd be very pleased, provided the machines are in good, well maintained condition.

Don't quote me on that but I've heard most mastering plants prefer the 1/4" standard half track.
 
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