Ok, now I have to decide between E16 and MSR16 ...

[gilwe]

The 1 16 track Tascam I was going to buy was sold,
and now I have to decide between the following two machines -

1. Tascam MSR-16 plus MTS30 sync and controller.

2. Fostex E-16 plus 4030/4035 sync and controller.

They are both sold by the same guy, for the exact same price.

The difference in condition between them -

* The MSR16 was heaviliy used, has the syncronizer in a VERY bad condition (I'm not sure it's working actually) and it was used for some time with counter wheel that has melted due to trying to clean it with a dissolving material. It was kept in a very dusted place, BUT - it is working OK probably (I have to check) and it's rec/play head has an even wear on it and not much wear at all.

* The E-16, I didn't have a look at yet, but the guy says that it's first hand and have been used for home studio purpose only ! Plus it's probably in a very good condition but I have to check.


I can go and check/compare them one vs the other, as he got the two.


Say they both work fine , which one would you suggest to pick ??


I heard that the E16 sounds better but the MSR16 has better mechanism and more robust. Excpet for that, I have currently a Fostex Model 80 1/4 - can it be synced to the E-16 using the 4030 syncronizer ? If so, I could chain them when I need more tracks !

Except for that - are they running at the same ips ?? and is the Tascam DBX better than Fostex C ?

Thanks all !!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

If we are to assume that both machines are in equal condition, I think a slight edge would go to the TASCAM machine in that dbx noise reduction will definitely give you more headroom before clipping and superior noise reduction specs.

You have also documented that the MSR16 was a well used machine and detailed some things that would make me leary of this particular one because of it's personal history.

As far a differences in noise reduction between the two machines; It may not be that critical a difference depending on the type of music you will be recording on it. If you are tracking quieter tunes with great ranges in dynamics versus recording pop/rock tunes that are at a pretty constant volume, it might not be so critical to have a recording that offers the cleanliness of digital as the MSR16 would offer you.

Both machines will run at 15ips.

I think the Fostex might just be the wiser buy in this particular shoot-out.

Cheers!

 

[muttley]

I have the E-16 with the 4050 auto-locate and it's a fantastic combo, The 4050 allows you to use SMPTE time code to control the recorder automatically, A lot of the E-16's run at 30ips,mine does, expensive to feed..........

In comparison, the E-16 to me was heavier built than than most other narrow guage formats that I had looked at........
I would agree with GoFM.


da MUTT