Just got a TEAC A-3340s. Oh and first post :)

[bprewitt]

Hello all! Glad to be here and hope it's all right that I just get right down to business

I have recently purchased a very well-kept A-3340s and I'm very excited. Been looking for a great quad reel machine for a while so...woohoo.

My questions today are few but I'm sure they might grow. First off, what tape would work best with this machine? Quantegy is running a special on 406 right now for $16 a pop - I'm not sure if that's cheap (is it? thinking of picking up pancakes, I have plenty of flanges), I haven't bought tape in 4 years, but I was thinking of loading up on it. Is this an acceptable tape for this machine or does it require something else - 456, 250 or the likes? I know it has a bias function but I'm not sure of what tape it is biased to on either setting.

Second, what is the best noise reduction unit to use with this? I've read that there are old dbx units worth picking up - is there a 4-track unit or do I have to pick up two 2-track units?

Also, what would be the best mixer to pickup for this unit? The Model 2-A or can I just use any generic modern mixer? I would like to mix for both stereo and quad and everything recorded with this unit will be eventually loaded onto a computer or laptop - there's no way around that nowadays, I guess. I've read that it sounds great with the Model 2-A and I think it'd be rather cool to have an old analog board right next to it rather than some gigantic silver Mackie

How well does this unit bounce?

I'm so very excited I can hardly think. Hope these questions aren't too silly and I'm very happy to finally be a member of this forum - it has answered numerous of my questions before! You'll have to forgive me if most of this has been gone over before - I searched and didnt' see anything. Probably blind with joy...

Thanks a bunch, everyone.

Bryce

 

[slidey]

I'm looking for education on tapes etc etc myself. Thomann do quantegy 10.5" pancakes for approx £16 in the UK

I don't have the machine in question but I do have a 2340 & can tell you it bounces really well. I'm currently using it for tape delay

does your machine have the simul sync allowing you to use it as a multitrack??

& as far as I'm concerned & aware a good quality modern mixer should do you just fine (stands by for correction from the analog gurus)

Oh aye, welcome to the boards

 

[cjacek]

what tape would work best with this machine?

It really depends on what it was setup for originally and if the previous owner reset it for another tape. No matter the answer, you really should spring for an MRL tape and set it up yourself, to be 100% sure.

From my research, I think your 3340S was originally setup for 1mil tape such as the older, mid-early 70's Scotch and Basf formulations. More reason to bias and calibrate for currently made tapes, many of which would be excellent for this recorder. I personally would get a 250 nWb/m test tape and set the recorder to +3. You then could use +3 tapes such as Quantegy 407 but also +6 tapes (but running them lower) such as Quantgy 457 and RMGI LPR35.

Quantegy is running a special on 406 right now for $16 a pop - I'm not sure if that's cheap (is it? thinking of picking up pancakes, I have plenty of flanges)

Yes, that's very cheap but that's a 1" tape and your machine runs 1/4".

I know it has a bias function but I'm not sure of what tape it is biased to on either setting.

More reason to rebias / realign, as per the above.

Second, what is the best noise reduction unit to use with this? I've read that there are old dbx units worth picking up - is there a 4-track unit or do I have to pick up two 2-track units?

If the machine is working well, adjusted to the proper tape type, the heads and tape path are clean, the rubber pinch roller and capstan belt is replaced then you don't need noise reduction, unless you want to have dead silence.

Also, what would be the best mixer to pickup for this unit? The Model 2-A or can I just use any generic modern mixer?

You can use any modern mixer but I personally would prefer the 2A. I have it and think it sounds great and is very simple to use.

How well does this unit bounce?

It should do a real good job but then again I only have experience with the 3440.

 

[Herm]

I would like to through in another option here and that is the tascam 106 mixer. They are on ebay all the time for less than 50 bucks and is head and shoulders above the 2a models. I have one here I use on my computer and stereo together.
For the money its a great unit.

 

[Beck]

Okay, first off, this is a completely wrong assumption. You will need to spend 3 months getting your ass kicked in the cave. After that, if you pass the test, you will be allowed to post outside the cave. Now please delete this post and get on with your ass-kicking.



..............................hehe...




Okay........hello.......welcome to hell....I mean welcome to paradise.



....................Oh, I have an A-2340 in mint condition. Really nice machine. I also have at least one 3340 someplace around my pad. I think I replaced one of the reel mounts in a makeshift manner several years ago when I didn't think they would ever be worth much. I'll have to dig it out and do it up right, one of these days.

I avoid the cave these days...

 

[louloomis]

hi. i have a 3340. does anyone know of any good sites for information like manuals, tape, takeup reels, etc.? does anyone know if there is a repair/restoration guru somewhere?

thanks,
LL

 

[Flangerhans]

I, too, am a 3340 user. First post here, btw...now I am off to lurk, and enjoy the wealth of valuable information here that has enhanced my work immeasurably...but before I go, thanks one and all, your discourse is helping lessen a very steep learning curve here.

 

[bprewitt]

Wowee. I've been having fun with this unit. Just trying to figure out all of the ins and outs is great! I've run into a bit of a problem, though. I have no idea where the bias trim pots inside the unit are. I've located one trim pot but I'm hesitant to adjust it as I've no idea what it is. I have the ability to put it on a scope but, unfortunately, no master tape. Oh well. My ears can do the adjustments as I have numerous known good tapes recorded when the unit was fresh.

So, where is the bias trim pot? If there is one. Also, what do the Record EQ switches do? I assume it's just a bias switcher for different kinds of tape. Anyone have any idea what the actual settings (1,2 on both switches) are?

Any other help on that would be great. I'm fairly sure the head alignment is correct.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Flangerhans]

The bias pots are accessible from the bottom of the unit, after you take the cover plate off. There should be a legend that tells you what each pot does and a rough indicator of it's location. Hope this helps!
BTW, I use a tone generator and an oscilloscope to adjust...I don't trust my ears on that delicate of a change.

 

[bprewitt]

Hey! Cool, thanks. I'll take a look at it tonight and at least find where everything is. That's a big step, thanks! If I don't feel up to the task of biasing it and aligning the head I'll simply take it to my local tech. Probably worth the $50.

Also, what dbx unit would work best with this reel? The dbx 155?

Thanks again! I really appreciate the input.

Bryce