Need Help with a Tascam 488 MKII

[specialservices]

I've just been given one of these machines and I am at a total loss on how to operate it. I've read through the manuals I've found online and still can't seem to figure it out. I've been able to record tests on the first track but instead of recording over the track, each test seems to just combine together into a cluttered, noisey mess. If anyone could just explain to me in the simplest way possible the very basics on how to begin and record tracks and get a full fluid song together I would be eternally grateful.

 

[grimtraveller]

I have the MK 1 not the MK 2 but your question is so broad as to moreorless be requiring that someone tells you what's already in the manual.
Read the manual and follow it step by step, doing as you read. Repetition will help things make more sense.
Judging by the way you've described your problem, it sounds like you need to give the heads a good cleaning with head cleaning fluid like Isopropyl and perhaps a good demagnetizing with a degausser. If you still find that your sounds on track 1 aren't wiping off, then you need to have your Tascam serviced.