Newbie intro and question tascam 246/424

B

Beatles

New member
Hi Everyone

Love this forum. Been lurking here for a couple of weeks, and now I'm ready to jump into home recording.I think that you'll be seeing a lot of me here! I am preparing to purchase either a Tascam 246 or a Tascam 424 MK111. Assuming that both decks are in great shape and can be purchased for the same price, which one would you go for and why?
 
Ok, that's an assumption, alright.

IF you can indeed source either a 246 or a 424mkIII in like new condition, equally pristine machines in full working order, then the clear winner is the 246.

Simple, huh? ;)

The 246 has more high tech built into it than the 424mkIII. The 246 is a 6-input/4-buss mixer, where the 424mkIII is an 8-input/2-buss mixer, with 4-Direct capability. Those are two different design philosophies, right off. 4-buss is a higher tech than 2-buss, and the 4-Direct capability of the 424mkIII only bridges the gap partially.

The thing that the 246 lacks and the 424mkIII has, is XLR mic inputs, but that's a minor issue in the big scheme of things. The 424mkIII also has auto-punch feature that the 246 does not have, but that's a little used option, and doesn't get to the bulk of what you'll be doing or looking for in a Portastudio.

The 246's 6x4 design gives you more flexibility, overall, but granted, the 424mkIII's not too shabby. It's when you want to record more than 4 inputs onto 4-tracks simultaneously, that when the 246's design shows itself to be dominant.

The EQ section on the 246 is a little sweeter than the 424mkIII, too, which is something that will affect your everyday recording experience.

With all other factors being equal, I'd get the 246.

/DA
 
Last edited:
...

Tascam 246...........;)
 

Attachments

  • fc_12_sb.webp
    fc_12_sb.webp
    19.6 KB · Views: 57
Last edited:
Thanx.

I'm not selling anything at this present time. You'll have to hit the Ebay circuit.

This one closed on Dec. 30th, and both of us missed it.;)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3771606268

Be patient,... wait long enough, and another fine specimen such as this 246 should float by. Granted, it's harder to find a mint 246 these days, than it would be to find a mint 424mkIII, which is still available as new/retail, for $300 from the likes of www.zzounds.com/a--2676837 .

The 246 above closed for $296, almost even money to the brand new 424mkIII. That's how well these classic pieces can hold their value, if it's kept in mint -enough condition. Keep in mind, that the brand new 246 cost about $1350 in it's day, and it's a heck of a lot more machine in technical terms, than the 424mkIII. Still, this is an example where a mint used 246 bid for even dollar to the brand new 424mkIII, which should make most of us pause to think.;)
 
Thanks anyway :) Guess you're right.....just have to be patient and see what happens. Only problem is I'm too damn impatient.
 
Mighty decent of you to follow up on the 246. The punch in/out is something that I would definitely need. Definitely keeping my eye on this one. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again ;)
 
Yes,...

Not to imply the 424mkIII has punch-in/punch-out, and the 246 doesn't. I said "auto-punch", which is "automatic" punch-in/out. That's a programmed set of in/out points that trigger punch automatically,... being hands-free, or in this case, foot-free operation.

BOTH the 424mkIII and the 246 have Punch-In/Out capability, with use of the optional RC-30P footswitch.

It's "auto-punch" that is the feature in question. The 424mkIII definitely has auto-punch, and the 246 has it, by word of this listing, but I have yet to independently verify that by visual inspection or manual lookup.

I hope that's clear? :eek:
 
:) :) Got it :) :) Thanks forthe lead. Now off to find a mixer. something that wili do me for a while. Considering a Mackie 1402 VLZ. Need something of good quality with 6 to 8 XLR'S
 
Great!

That's cool. That's an awesome deal at that price.

In case you missed one of the finer points of Portastudios,... the 246 has a built-in 6x4 mixer. If you want to accommodate up to 6 XLR connected mics, all you'd need would be 6 XLR-1/4"M transformer/adapters,... a low cost item (x6). $12.99/ea., at www.musiciansfriend.com , see below.

Not that a Mackie might not be good as a "sidecar" outboard mixer, but you don't need the Mackie, in the strict sense, if you have the 246. The 246 has one of the finest mixers that Portastudio 4-trackers have to offer, built-in.


...Low Z (XLR F) - Hi Z (QTR M) Transformer
Product #330151 www.musiciansfriend.com ... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/bigpid/base_id/36513/
 

Attachments

  • XLR 2.webp
    XLR 2.webp
    6.3 KB · Views: 35
Also,...

there's a simple XLR(F) to 1/4"(M) cable that would do the trick, for a few less dollars, each.

XLR (F) - QTR (M) Cable
Product #330142 $9.99/ea.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/330142

Just to emphasize, you don't need the outboard mixer, you just need the proper cables or adapters.

Not to come outright and say the Mackie's a waste of money,... but...

You just got the Tascam 246. You might want to take the first steps to see what it really does, before charging headlong into your next gear purchase.

You might want to fully think this through, before deciding you need another mixer, right on the heels of the 246 purchase.

/DA
 

Attachments

  • XLR cable.webp
    XLR cable.webp
    11.7 KB · Views: 38
As usual excellent advice :) I guess i should have provided a little more info on what I would like to do. I play in a band an I need a good mxer to plug in the Tascam, and then play back out and record on to a really good 2 track cassette deck
 
Okay,...

but the Tascam has a 6-input, 4-output mixer, with integrated 4-track recorder. What am I missing, that I don't understand? :confused:
 
I need to mix the drums on 4 separate channels. Two for the cymbals, one kick and one snare. I also need two inputs for guitars, I also need 3 vocal tracks, and a bass (which could go direct in). So that is why I was looking for a mixer., so I could do a mix prior to going into the recorder. If you have any other thoughs, I'd be happy of you would share them with me. Be gentle, rememeber that I'm a newbie :o
 
Ah, it's all clear to me now.

You might need a submixer to accommodate all those inputs, to go along with the 246. That would be reasonable.;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top