Porta 02/414/424?

[JormaFan]

I'm new. After a few weeks of reading the PC-based forums and trying a bunch of demo programs, I've decided to go with a cassette 4-track. The PC route is a little overwhelming for a novice. So I'm looking at the Porta 02, the 414 and the 424. Leaning toward the 414 as a good entry to home recording. While the 424's only about $80 more, I don't understand what it offers over the 414. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated.

One other thing is that I probably will be using the PC to mix down, since I don't own a stereo cassette deck. Does this influence which model I should get? THANKS!

 

[statecap]

My good friend owns a 414 and I own the 424.

Basically there is no difference in the 2 other than the way that they are set up.
It is true that the 424 has a few more controls on it, but they really can do almost the exact same thing.

I guess it would boil down to what YOU prefer to have.
Do you prefer the set-up of one to the other?
Does having the mic line in back bother you?
Would you ever use the "Rehearsal" or "Auto Punch-In" features?
(I've had mine for a year now and have never had the need)

The 424 has 2 stereo channels versus 1 on the 414
I can honestly say that even though there is more to the 424, it seems to be more simplistic in its uses (to me at least)

Maybe I have tried more on mine than my friend has but probably because it can do a little more.




We both "mix down" to a PC and it works the same for us both.

 

[Vurt]

I think you've made a good decision to go with a 4 track. If you can afford it, go with the 424 - you'll never regret it, but watch plugging things in/out of the 1/4" jacks. They can become disconnected from the board inside and require soldering. That goes for any of the Porta units.

 

[sjjohnston]

414 and 424

Actually, from what I can tell, the current version of the 424 (mk3) offers a number of upgrades over the 414:

- Most important may be the sweepable mid EQ. The 414 just has high and low.

- They must have different heads, or possibly different electronics: the published specs on the 424 are better on most measurement (frequency response, S/N, etc.). Channel separation is markedly better on the 424, which suggests different heads. Possibly a significant issue if you're bouncing.

- The 424, so far as I can tell, has SIX fully-featured channel strips + a limited stereo input (really an effects return). The 414 has just four fully-featured strips + two limited stereo inputs.

- Direct tape outs on the 424 and not (I don't think) on the 414. Four XLR mic inputs on the 424 v. 2 on the 414. 424 can run at 3 3/4 or 1 7/8 ips. Etc.

 

[chessparov]

Jorma , welcome to the boards!

If you want to buy "new" get the 424 over the 414 (414 was my first multitrack).
Some important advantages include;
1) Direct outs for each of the 4 tracks-that way if you get an excellent recording
you can even take it to a local studio and have them mix and master your
recording professionally for a professional sounding demo or independent
release.

2) The signal to noise ratio is about 5db lower on the 424's mixer section,
resulting in a clearer sounding recording.

3) The 424's mixing board is easier to add effects like reverb and compression too.

Having said all that, however...

If you don't mind buying "used" another excellent choice would be the Tascam 564
4 track minidisc portastudio. Advantages over a cassette based system include;

1) Wider frequency response and no tape hiss (although with dbx the 424 is pretty quiet!)
2) "Bounce forward" feature to easily add more tracks with minimal sound degradation.
3) Digital output and no waiting to rewind.
4) Removable media like cassette and similarly no need to "back up data".
5) Use minidisc data discs that give you 37 minutes of 4 track recording time versus
15 minutes on a 60 minute cassette tape. Plus they can be used and erased a zillion times
with no loss of recording quality!
6) As easy to use as a cassette portastudio.
7) Also has 4 "direct outs".

You should be able to get a new 424 for about $330.
A 564 in excellent condition should go for about $300-400 on e-bay, many times they'll
throw in a number of minidisc data discs free with your purchase. (Otherwise about $12-15 ea.)

Let us know which one you pick!

Chris

 

[A Reel Person]

The 424mkIII is a definite upgrade from the 414mkII.

I agree with the previous summaries, of chess and SJJ, except the 414 and 424 use the same head, so it must pick up better specs in the electronics section.

Two extra full channel strips and 3-band eq w/mid parametric are two big features on the 424mkIII, that should not be glossed over, when comparing the 414mkII and 424mkIII.

There's just more & better features on the 424mkIII, as compared to the 414mkII. The 424mkIII has a better layout, and it's worth the extra money to get the 424mkIII, over the 414mkII, if you can afford it.

The 4-track cassette Portastudio is a great place for starters and Newbies, and is still good for more experienced users, too.

In new cassette Portastudios, the 424mkIII is top-of-the-line, and you may not appreciate all the features right away, as a Newbie, but in the long run, you won't regret having gotten the 424 over the 414.