My first R2R Deck. How many tracks do I really need?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MAXRB
  • Start date Start date
Is the MSR16 a 1/2" or 1" format? cost of tape is something to consider there.

when you say "DAW" what exactly do you mean? that AKAI unit looks like a standalone hard disk recorder, no? not exactly what I think of when I hear "DAW" these days...

anyway, if you want an interface for your PC which would allow you to mix your tracks ("in the box") with multi-tracking software (like Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic, Reaper, etc) then you should look at a firewire interface. Start with a Presonus Firestudio and go up in $$ from there. if you need 16 ins then you would prolly want to daisy chain two interfaces,

I dunno if that AKAI will your tracks into a PC, or even if thats what you are trying to do, your intention is not exactly clear. I wouldn't worry too much about bypassing the preamps tho...
 
The MSR16 is 1/2 format.


The DPS24 is a standalone unit, although via USB/ADAT you can work in conjustion with a PC (for example, using VST plug-ins in realtime). The native Audio file is .wave so I called it a DAW.
I'd like edit and mix in the DPS24 instead of the PC because I like real 100mm faders and the jog/shuttle wheel.

Anyway, I was asking about the best method for making a digital copy with the AKAI of the analog tracks in the Tascam.
Is it as easy as sending the audio tracks via the MSR16/TSR8 outputs to the AKAI 12 inputs and press play in the deck and record in the AKAI?
I'd like to avoid smpte sync at the moment.

Thanks
 
MAXRB said:
Anyway, I was asking about the best method for making a digital copy with the AKAI of the analog tracks in the Tascam.
Is it as easy as sending the audio tracks via the MSR16/TSR8 outputs to the AKAI 12 inputs and press play in the deck and record in the AKAI?
Click to expand...

yep. it should be that easy.
 
Tascam 38 vs Tsr-8...

Definitely I was getting ahead of myself.

The msr-16 and the tsr-8 were in a studio collecting dust. Nobody have used then for a few years, nobody was sure about condition.


I've found a tascam 38. They want 300 euros (400 euros with shipping).
The deck is supposedly in very good condition: "it's in plug and play condition. it has been recently serviced and calibrated...

I don't know what to do. Is a 38 a good entry level deck? Is it too noisy without dx-4Ds? Should I wait for a TSR-8?
I have read good and bad things about 38s.

there is a Otari 5050 MKIII for 1000 euros... Should I wait and save for a few months?

I need your advice again...
 
So were you able to look at the MSR-16 and the TSR-8?
 
I must trust in Ebay...

sweetbeats said:
So were you able to look at the MSR-16 and the TSR-8?
Click to expand...

NO really. Those are in my country but not near where I live.
I don't think I can't find ANY deck in my town.
The seller is putting me off. He says they might need to be serviced, they have not been used for a long time, they are sold AS IS, etc. and they come from a studio (they were the main machines until they got a studer)

On the other hand I've got a 38 that I cant see either but it comes from a reputated seller speciliazed in analog stuff.

I can't find almost any info about the TSR-8 (or MSR-16) vs 38.

I only know the 38 is an early model and is a three heads deck (which I like because I can use it to make some classic effects, can't I?).
But I'm not sure about the lack of DBX and apparently is not easy to sync it (or just it not possible, I dont know).
 
Don't let DBX or lack thereof be a deal breaker. You can always find DBX units later, on Ebay and elsewhere. The truth is that if you take the time to learn how to record good, clean tracks noise reduction is not really necessary, nor is the ability to use +9 super-high bias tapes. Some of the best recordings ever made were made long before most of the innovations that some will tell you are 'necessary' were even invented. A 38 with no noise reduction that is in good shape will work far better than a worn-out, beat up Studer - so don't get too hung up on brand names or spec sheets.


AK
 
You cannot sync the 38 as a slave. You can stripe SMPTE code on a track and slave another deck or a DAW to it, though YMMV.
 
Analogkid,

Sure you're right . I've been reading everything (i MEAN EVERYTHING :o) I've found about 8 tracks decks (reviews, forums, etc) and my head is full of tech specs and I'm forgetting my first purpose: have some fun making and recording my music (by the way lo-fi oriented)!


Sweetbeats: Thanks,. I didn't know that.
That's an interesting point. Probably the most recent decks as the TSR-8 can be sync as slave, no?


Well, Just when I was going to buy the Tascam 38 I've received an interesting offer a Fostex G16 for just 500 euros.
It looks really nice. A 90s deck in very good condition (I think so) but you warned me (parts availability) and 16 tracks are a lot for me at the moment...

Tomorrow I'm making my decission...:confused:
 
MAXRB said:
That's an interesting point. Probably the most recent decks as the TSR-8 can be sync as slave, no?
Click to expand...
You need extra hardware, but it can be done. I sometimes run a pair of them locked together.
 
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