Good reel to reel for Tascam M30?

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Roozter

Roozter

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Would anyone have suggestions on which reel to reel would be the best match for the Tascam M30? Im getting it cheap and decided I might as well begin converting my studio to analog. Ive been recording in general enough that Im knowledgable on almost everything I should be, but recording to tape, and using a reel to reel itself, is still a mystery to me, so I have no idea what I should be looking for.

If someone does suggest a good reel to reel, could someone please explain what else Ill be needing (proper tape, noise reduction, maintenance, ect)
 
The M-30 is a -10dBv board, so I would start with matching a tape machine to that. Tascam made some nice 8 track machines that are the perfect match for this board. Im familiar with the Tascam 38, they made improvements on that machine over time... The mixer is an 8X4 configuration if memory serves, BUT you can record to all 8 tracks of the recorder using the direct outs from each input channel.

Dolby noise reduction modules are made specifically for this range of machine too, which makes interfacing a snap.

Maintenance? Start reading the threads around here, tons of good advice and tips. And if you get stuck, you can get help here.

Proper tape? Subjective but keep in mind that these consumer/pro-sumer(?) decks generally cant handle the hotter tapes. Also study up on the sticky shed syndrome talked about in several good threads. Read them and save yourself some headaches.

*edit: reason for edit: Shameless pitch. The 38 I have is very near mint and is available. Distance is the issue as they are heavy and expensive to ship.
 
-10dBv...

The Tascam 38 is the targetted match to the M30 mixer, as is the Tascam 34, 34B and/or 32. Targetted Noise Reduction units were the Tascam DX-4D dbx NR, of course using 2 units for the 38, and comparably the DX-2D dbx unit used for the 32. The 34/34B are 4-tracks if that floats your boat. The 32 is generally a mastering deck, but it will also do (L-R) seperate overdubbing, if the need arises or for the most basic production capability. However, the Tascam ATR-60/8 recorder would also be a compatible fit for the M30. As with the 38 & ATR-60/8, 1/2" inch tape is a good sounding format with rather pricey tape cost. With the 34/34B & 32, 1/4" reel tape is more affordable. Let's not forget to mention the 22-4 and 22-2, which have good reputations in general & run only 7" reels of 1/4" tape.

OTOH, Fostex had an entire line of compatible 1/4" 8-track recorders. The Fostex A8 is the most basic 1/4" 8-track, but since it only records 4-tracks simul/max, people see it as more limiting than not. The Fostex A8LR is virtually identical to the A8, but records 8/simul. Likewise, there is the Fostex Model 80 & R8, which are 1/4" 8-tracks that are comparatively more modern. All these units run only 7" reels, but there's the E-8 which runs 10.5" reels & is generally more professional looking. Filling out the line is the harder to find A4 (4-track) and A2 or Model 20 (mastering decks with L/R overdubbing capability), each running 7" spools of 1/4" tape. Way more professional is the E-2 mastering deck with timecode, of course also providing independent L/R overdubbing, if the need arises. The corporate choice NR for Fostex was internal Dolby C. The A4 has no internal NR, but requires an external NR unit. Fostex made an external Dolby C unit, but I'm forgetting the model number ATM. In general, 1/4" tape on 7" reels is more affordable than either 1/2" tape or 1/4" tape on 10.5" reels. However, 8-tracks on 1/4" tape, in general, pays a slight sonic penalty as compared to 1/2" 8-track or 1/4" 4-tracks.

I think there are still a fair amount of choices. On the tail end, something to consider is that Tascams are generally more well built than Fostex, and Tascam still supports it's older products with parts and service, while Fostex support is basically *void*.

PS: I have several of the above mentioned recorders for sale in the Los Angeles area.

:spank::eek:;)
 
A TSR8 is also a very good option. Built-in DBX, smoother transport, more modern.
 
Yep!

A serious omission for me to forget that!:facepalm:
:spank::eek:;)
 
So, I came across an add for a Tascam Teac 80-8 Unit, would this be a good match, or should I go for the 38? I'm about to buy the M30 on Monday, the reel to reel Saturday, and some Yamaha NS10's on Saturday as well. If I got the 80-8 what would I be looking for in terms of accessories?
 
From all the half inch 8 track recorders, that will be the last I'll look for. Early design, older, likely in worse condition. Parts hard to find. However if it is in very good shape and you have a way to confirm that, then I'll get it. How much are they as,Inge you for that ?
 
Apparently its in good condition, having just been cleaned, ect. Theyre asking 550, but im offering 475.
 
The 80-8 has a more vintage/colored sound that some people prefer compared to the newer Tascam 8 tracks.

If everything is working and machine is in 'plug and play' condition (and you can verify/test this) then I think the price is fair and it's worth getting.
 
Okay. So I bought the m30. Does anyone know where to get knobs/caps for the faders? Or old Teac/Tascam Parts in general? Also, Im currently trying to get one of two 80-8's. Both of which are in good condition.
 
...

Call Tascam Parts @ (323) 727-4840 & try your luck. If they have what you need in stock it's usually for a reasonable price. Some old stock parts they may be out of. You don't know til you call.
 
A Reel Person said:
Call Tascam Parts @ (323) 727-4840 & try your luck. If they have what you need in stock it's usually for a reasonable price. Some old stock parts they may be out of. You don't know til you call.
Click to expand...

They had them at 1.99 a piece. M30 is all set to go.
 
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