MSR-16S reviews?

[troutmask]

Considering that this unit records 16 tracks on 1/2" tape, I have to wonder about the sound quality. Do hot levels have significant bleed-over problems on this machine? How is the sound quality in general? Is this machine worth picking up, or should I hold out for a different r2r?

Any thoughts that anybody has on this unit would be appreciated.

 

[A Reel Person]

I don't have the MSR-16 1/2" 16-track, but...

I have the 1/4" 8-track 388 (running 7.5ips & dbx-NR). Track-to-track crosstalk on the 388 is not an issue. I'd assume the MSR-16 would be roughly the same (w/little or no crosstalk), 'cept twice the tracks & tape speed (of the 388). A lot varies on technique, of course, but crosstalk is not an issue for me, to date.

Note: When you run the 388 (or MSR-16) with it's original tape and specs (456 @ 250nWb/m ref.), crosstalk is minimal. It's when you go to higher tape specs and stronger print signal (499 @ 355nWb/m) that crosstalk may become more of an issue to watch for. Obviously, Tascam was well aware of the crosstalk issue when designing the (388/MSR-160), and so the design and specs compensate for it, or was designed to minimize crosstalk as a primary concern.

 

[petesong]

I have the 1/4" 8-track 388 (running 7.5ips & dbx-NR). Track-to-track crosstalk on the 388 is not an issue. I'd assume the MSR-16 would be roughly the same (w/little or no crosstalk), 'cept twice the tracks & tape speed (of the 388). A lot varies on technique, of course, but crosstalk is not an issue for me, to date.

I've done alot of stuff on a msr-16 and have never had crosstalk issues. As a matter of fact I own a msr-24 and have to be a little more carefull, I've had it occur a couple times. It's like you said though, technique is important. A good board and good connections make a big difference as well.

 

[hilltop studios]

troutmask,
I have also used an MSR16 for years and never had any crosstalk issues. One thing to keep in mind is many folks who are new to analog believe slamming the levels to tape is the holy grail of "that sound". The msr,tsr and even ms16 series of machines with their internal dbx were never intended to be slammed. A lot of people complain about the dbx noise reduction interfering with their sound but I think mostly that's due to people not setting levels properly when recording. Running levels too hot will cause the dbx to mis-track (especially low frequencies). That will turn your low end into mush. Stick with the factory recommended bias compatable 456 tape, (Quantegy 456 or RMG 911) with a machine correctly calibrated, set levels as the manual recommends and you will easily achieve excellent quality recordings Regards, Dave

 

[hilltop studios]

troutmask,
Just realized you were inquiring about the dolby"s" version I have not had any experience with the dolby version but I'm sure it is a quality machine certainly capable of excellent recordings. The only thing I have often read about in other post's from "s" version owners is it seems that their have been some issues with the dolby circuit cards themselves. You might want to search the forums for more info and certainly you want to check out any machine your considering in person to make sure it's operating correctly. Good Luck, Dave

 

[MCI2424]

Considering that this unit records 16 tracks on 1/2" tape, I have to wonder about the sound quality. Do hot levels have significant bleed-over problems on this machine? How is the sound quality in general? Is this machine worth picking up, or should I hold out for a different r2r?

Any thoughts that anybody has on this unit would be appreciated.

Keep all low freq stuff on outside tracks and don't slam the levels with dolby or dbx. 1st and 16th tracks are great for bass or kick.

The machine sounds good if your recording skills and outboard equipment are capable of producing good sound. Whatever goes in comes out.

 

[Seeker of Rock]

I still have the MSR16 Dolby version. It arrived via ebay with the Dolby not functioning, and after a few hundred dollars of a highly recommended TASCAM tech, no luck still. He believes the problem may be in the chip as he replaced some (capacitors??) or something on the boards. Anyway, the Dolby version, if you do a search, seems to have some intermittent problems...not every machine I'm sure, but that is what I can offer. I haven't given up on the MSR, it's just on the shelf until I decide to give it a second chance some day and maybe purchase some outboard NR units for it.
I did post some raw clips of the MSR recording drums vs. my HD24 drums at www.soundclick.com if you want to hear. There are other clips there, but the MSR and HD24 are clearly labeled. Search artist for Dale O'Brien and you'll find them. MSR tracks were a newbie attempt so the levels may be off, and the machine was calibrated by the tech for GP9 tape and that is what was used.
For what it is worth, I hear a lot of people saying good things about this machine. Also, have you considered the MS16 1" 16 track?

EDIT: I haven't listened to them for awhile but just did...if you do, the MSR samples 1 and 2 I believe I was indulging in some red wine both separate times I recorded the tracks. I think I was making the newbie mistake mentioned above of hitting the tape too hard, as well. Anyway, should give you an idea, if you ignore the playing and shitty recording technique, of a ballpark sound and "charactor" of an MSR, nothing fancy on outboard injected.