First Post: Tascam TEAC Model 3?

  • Thread starter Thread starter QuinnS
  • Start date Start date
Q

QuinnS

New member
Hello, this is my first post and my first question, hopefully somebody can help me. I have a home studio with some low-level gear, which I hope to improve as I record more bands and those bands pay me. I use a Spirit FX8 board into Behringer ADA8000 AD/AT --> Emu1212. I do not own a single dedicated mic pre.

Anyways, I found a Tascam TEAC3 in a pawn for about $200 CDN. I need something that is going to give me some good mic-pre options into the Spirit board. The local music shop people tell me I don't even need expensive mic-pres with my board, but I know that this is bullshit. I am only 19 and am trying to build a studio and aquire practical working knowlege of the craft.

I don't mind colouration, I just want to add some analog character and body to my guitar/vocals/drum sounds. Is the old Tascam a good way to go or should I save my money for something expensive like a Neve clone? What is a good first pre?

Last question: What would be the best way for me to test the functionality of the board, seeing that it is in a non-reputable pawn that most definately won't let me take it home to try out.

Much thanks.
 
You will find the 3 to be too noisy. Had one years ago - 1975?. Worked well with good sound and versatile functions but made primarily to interface with 4 track reel deck. You would be better off and spend less for a new 1 or 2 channel dedicated mic pre. To test the 3 just take a mic, cable and headphones to the pawn shop and start testing. If you still want it offer them $50 which is what it is worth.

Good luck.
 
Yeah - the Teac Model 2a and model 3 were pretty good back in the day (30 years ago), but they have electrolytic caps in them that tend to dry out after 10-20 years, and I'll bet more than one channel in that board either doesn't work, or will go bad very quickly when it's powered up. If it was me, I'd pass on the model 3 and buy an M-Audio DMP3 preamp (or any other decent preamp you like and can manage price-wise).
 
I just read some reviews of the DMP3, they said it is really transparent, whereas I'm looking for something that will warm up a competely digital signal. I will spend anything up to $500, 2 channels at least.
 
QuinnS said:
I just read some reviews of the DMP3, they said it is really transparent, whereas I'm looking for something that will warm up a competely digital signal. I will spend anything up to $500, 2 channels at least.
Click to expand...

"Warm up" is in the ears of the beholder IMHO. I'd try to get the "warm" vibe happening at the source if it was me. With that said :

If you want to color the sound, you could use a preamp noted for "coloring" the sound. In the price range you're looking for, check out a pair of Studio Projects VTB-1 preamps (clean or colored), or a pair of JoeMeek 3Q units (clean to very colored, depending on what you do with the built-in compressor), or a pair of ART MP's (fairly clean to very colored; these are low voltage "starved plate" tube preamps).

Enjoy!
 
Would I benefit from going up to something as expensive as a real Neve clone such as a Great River if I'm using something like the Behringer? Should I look at improving my interface before blowing a huge wad on an elite pre?
 
QuinnS said:
Would I benefit from going up to something as expensive as a real Neve clone such as a Great River if I'm using something like the Behringer? Should I look at improving my interface before blowing a huge wad on an elite pre?
Click to expand...

That's up to you. IMHO, I'd continue on the path you've started on and choose a reasonably priced preamp that you feel good about, buy it, record, learn and enjoy, and keep going. Have fun!!!

:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top