Found this description on eBay:...
Tascam M-1508 Mixer Specs
Mixer Master Section:
Aux sends (1,2,3, 1&3 can be summed)
Dual master (linkable with busses 1&2 and 3&4)
Effects return (1 and 2 are stereo and assignable to busses 1&2 and 3&4. 3 and 4 are mono and assignable to busses 1&2 and 3&4 with a pan control)
PFL master send
Monitor selection (mono, 1-2, 3-4, aux 1, aux 2, aux 3, dual, ext in)
Volume faders for busses 1, 2, 3, and 4
6 LED meters (1, 2, 3, 4, mon l, and mon r, mon l doubles as the PFL meter)
Each Mixer Channel
3 inputs, tape (rca), line (1/4"), and mic (xlr)
Insert
Direct out
Trim
3 band EQ with sweepable mids
Overload LED
3 effects sends (send 1 is selectable pre/post, sends 2 and 3 are selectable post/dual)
Dual sub mixer section
Buss selection (direct, 1&2, 3&4)
Pan
PFL
Volume fader
==========================================================
MY COMMENTS:
Based on how this reads, the M-1508 is an 8-input/4-buss mixer with good aux/io and options, including direct-outs and tape returns. It would support the 38 just fine, based on this picture showing that each buss output has two jacks, like the other Tascam recording mixers. This mixer also has direct-outs, which is a plus.
The thing about busses is relative. You don't need 8-buss outputs for an 8-track recorder. 4-busses will do, based on using each buss to support two tape track inputs. When a 4-buss scheme doesn't suffice for your particular production needs is when you'd employ the direct-outs. However, the distinction between 8-input/4-buss mixers with direct-outs and 8-input/8-buss mixers is a moot point, 'cause you're only talking about 8 channels. When you increase the scope to 12 or 20 channels, the difference between 4-and 8-buss mixers widens a bit.
It's more a matter of whether your mixer has the number of outputs, both buss and direct outs, and tape returns included. All Tascam recording mixers you've considered have that, because they're
recording mixers. It's when you venture outside of that that you have to be very careful when looking at features. Some mixers are more geared toward live sound & don't provide an isolated tape return or cue section. Not all mixers are
recording mixers, which doesn't mean they absolutely can't be used in recording, it just means they might lack some critical features that
recording mixers are supposed to have. You need inputs, outputs and a tape return section, preferrably 8 channels of each, minimum. That doesn't mean you need 8 busses, or necessarily 4, but at least 2 would be good for stereo tracks and mixing. However, the midline you want is at least 4. More busses means less patching. Routing and changes are all done with the flip of a switch & turn of a knob. The better recording mixers provide adequate features, flexibility and function to streamline the recording process, which inversely live sound mixers don't always provide. On the other hand, recording mixers are more than adequately equipped to do live sound, but that's another post. (Blah, blah, blah).
That dissertation may seem like gibberish to you, but the 1508 for $125 seems like a fairly good deal. I can also see by this pic that the M-1508 requires an external power module, so make sure it is included.
