Yes, well,... I think you mean the new 414mkII, and it's a fine little machine,...
but the Yamaha has a somewhat better equipped mixer than the Tascam. It's kinda like comparing apples & oranges,... but what I can tell offhand is that the Yamaha has a better EQ section, & a slightly better 4-group assign matrix, vs. the Tascams 1/2 in buss mode and 1-4 in direct mode. Considering there's only 4-channels and 4-tracks, that's not a huge difference.
Anyway, the MT4X looks like a worthy machine, if you can find one in v-good condition that runs perfectly. The Tascam 414mkII is a good machine, and although buying brand new recorders is a great thing, I've been getting tremendous value in 414mkII deals fo $65-$85 a pop, used on the Ebay scene. I'll tell'ya,... the 414mkII is a tremendous machine for avg. $75, if u can find it.
In many respects,
the MT4X is more roughly equivalent to the Tascam 424mkII than the 414mkII. However, the 424mkII is a little better equipped than the Tascam MT4X.
If I had $150 to blow on a used Yamaha, or $250 to blow on a new Tascam, I'd probably be more inclined to purchase a used 424mkII (~$100) or a like-new 424mkIII (~$175), and call it a day. That, or the above mentioned used 414mkII for $75.
The Yamaha looks good, but I'd try to get them down to $100,... the comparable worth of the used 424mkII.
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http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA...tail/0,,CNTID%3D125%26CNTYP%3DPRODUCT,00.html
http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/pa/english/recorders/MT4XE.pdf
Variable Microphone/ Line Gain on Every Channel
The MT4X offers continuously variable gain adjustment from microphone to line level on all four channels so you can achieve perfect matching with just about any source.
3-band Channel EQ
Three-band equalization controls on each channel, incorporating shelving high and low bands and a peaking mid band that offers precise control over the critical midrange frequencies at which vocals and many other lead instruments are centered. You can individually modify the sound of each signal while recording the original tracks, and again when mixing down for extensive tonal control.
Dual Auxiliary Sends and Assignable Stereo Returns
The MT4X gives you two for extra signal processing flexibility. Instead of just one effect unit, your MT4X can be connected to two and the channel signals routed to either as required- without the need to re-patch whenever you want to change effects. Two-way Aux controls on each channel let you send the channel signal to either of two external signal processors, and the output from these can be individually fed back the MT4X's two stereo auxiliary returns.
Dual Auxiliary Sends and Assignable Stero Returns cont.
Both Aux returns feature level controls and track assignment switches so the left- and right- channel processed signal can be mixed into tracks 1 and/or 3 and 2 and/or 4, respectively.
4-track Assignment and Panning With Independent Stereo Buss
Each mixer channel has two group assign switches and a pan pot that allow the channel signal to be assigned individually to any of the recorder's four tracks or to either or both stereo pairs (tracks 1-2 and/or 3-4) with continuous stereo pan control. In addition to the four track "busses", the MT4X has a separate stereo buss that receives its signal directly from the channel pan pots.
Precision Two-speed Transport with pitch Control
A precision 2-speed transport gives you a choice of standard 4.8 cm/sec tape speed or a high 9.5 cm/ sec speed. The transport is also designed specifically for high-bias (Type II) tape. A +/-10% pitch control that lets you vary the playback speed to match the pitch of the recorded sound to other instruments, or change the overall playback length of the recording.
Punch-in/Punch-out Recording with Auto Punch I/O Function
"Punch-in" and "punch out" to selectively replace a segment of a previously recorded track. The MT4X gives you three punch-in/out options - you can punch in and out manually using the panel controls, using an optional FC5 Footswitch plugged into the Pinch I/O jack, or automatically using the sophisticated Auto Punch I/O function.
3-point Auto-locator
The MT4X lets you locate counter "0000" or two other programmable points at the touch of a button.
Direct Tape Outputs
Independent Tape outputs for each recorder track permit direct transfer of the MT4X's four tracks to a second multitrack recorder, or the tracks can be directly fed to an external mixing console.
Built-in Noise Reduction with "Sync" Mode for MIDI Synchronization
A built in dbx noise reduction system effectively reduces tape noise to below the threshold of audibility. The dbx system can be switched off if not required, and has a "sync" mode in which dbx is not applied to track 4 so that track can be used to record a Midi synchronization.
Central Mult-function Display
This attractive two-color fluorescent panel makes operation easier and more efficient by concentrating all the information you need in a single display. All operating modes and signal levels can be read at a glance so you can grasp the overall status of the entire MT4X system without having to scan the panel for separate displays and indicators.
SEE: YAMAHA MT4X
