Link a Tascam 424 and 388

[carquinez]

I want to link up my Tascam 424 4-track and my Tascam 388 8-track. Don't even know where to begin but know it can be done. What extra equipment do I need? SMPTE?

Question Part 2: Track 1 of the 388 is out at the record head. The channel recieves and plays back just fine. Can I use this channel as part of the link up?

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[ssscientist]

This may solve your problem. On the other hand, it may not.

What you need to sync a cassette 4 track and an open reel 8 track is a device that will read a SMPTE, DTL or Smart FSK code track that you have printed on, say, track 1 of the 388 and convert it into something the 424 understands and can syncronize to. At the very least you'll eat up one of the tracks on the cassette machine, as well as the track on the reel you printed the code track on. Now you are down to 7 tracks on the 388 and 3 on the 424 for a net gain of only two tracks.

I strongly recommend you plan a different way to use the two machines together. The most obvious way would be to record eight tracks on the 388, mix them down to 3 3/4 ips stereo on the 424, then bring the resulting mix back to two tracks. This will net you a total of 14 tracks with only two bounces.

 

[A Reel Person]

I want to link up my Tascam 424 4-track and my Tascam 388 8-track. Don't even know where to begin but know it can be done. What extra equipment do I need? SMPTE?

Question Part 2: Track 1 of the 388 is out at the record head. The channel recieves and plays back just fine. Can I use this channel as part of the link up?

Thanks,

Ryan

1) You'd need a SMPTE synchronizer and a DIY-cable for the 388, on a 50-pin Elco type connector. The cable is probably the most difficult piece of the puzzle. The 424 can output a sync code, which would be read by the SMPTE synchronizer, which in turn would control the transport of the 388 as Slave. The 424 is not capable of Slave-sync, only master.

2) The SAME ELEMENT in the head is responsible for Record AND Play, for each channel. IF your Track 1 will recieve signal and Play back, then the head is fine, and the Record-side of the electronics most likely needs adjustment. Before determining this to be the case, a thorough head cleaning with alcohol soaked swab and scrubbing motion would be in order. Repeat cleaning, if necessary.

I attend to 388 related repairs/calibrations in the Los Angeles area, for fun.

 

[A Reel Person]

Ps:...

Unfortunately, Track 1 on the 388 can NOT serve as a Sync track, as the dbx noise reduction is active on that track.

Track 8 on the 388 is specified for sync code, as there's a dbx defeat switch for track 8, and you'd always have to track sync code WITHOUT dbx.

 

[acorec]

Unfortunately, Track 1 on the 388 can NOT serve as a Sync track, as the dbx noise reduction is active on that track.

Track 8 on the 388 is specified for sync code, as there's a dbx defeat switch for track 8, and you'd always have to track sync code WITHOUT dbx.

So. these machines are really useless for anything other than toys?

I think that synching these two woule be fun and educational. Like those little lab projects in the 3rd grade, remember? This would serve as a small lession should you ever have a real tape machine to record with.

 

[A Reel Person]

Troller!

....................

 

[acorec]

....................

Is this the best you can do, Dave?

Love your songs..........they sound really super professional.

 

[A Reel Person]

The criticism of a troll...

means nothing.

 

[acorec]

means nothing.

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You see, Dave, you have violated the copyright laws and put nowhere radio in jeapordy. You are a low life weasle at best. Pay the royalties.

 

[A Reel Person]

Thank you for the advice.

God bless you & have a nice day.

 

[acorec]

1) You'd need a SMPTE synchronizer and a DIY-cable for the 388, on a 50-pin Elco type connector. The cable is probably the most difficult piece of the puzzle. The 424 can output a sync code, which would be read by the SMPTE synchronizer, which in turn would control the transport of the 388 as Slave. The 424 is not capable of Slave-sync, only master.

2) The SAME ELEMENT in the head is responsible for Record AND Play, for each channel. IF your Track 1 will recieve signal and Play back, then the head is fine, and the Record-side of the electronics most likely needs adjustment. Before determining this to be the case, a thorough head cleaning with alcohol soaked swab and scrubbing motion would be in order. Repeat cleaning, if necessary.

I attend to 388 related repairs/calibrations in the Los Angeles area, for fun.

In your words: "Nobody specifically asked for your help"

Right Dave?

Shut up Dave.