Quantex 499 on a Tascam 388

[lofipower]

Okay, i am currently in the process of paying and arranging shipping for the Tascam 388 i found recently. I talked to the guy who is selling it to me and he was talking about how the machine was configured by a studio to accept Quantex 499 tape (He is sending me 4 reels of 499, one of which has about 4 min. used on it and the others are brand spanking new). I have read about the 499's ability to capture a broader range of sound, but that it is slightly different than 456, which is the standard. I was reading Ghost of the FM's FAQ on Tascam analog machines (if you haven't read it, and you use a machine that fits that description, go here ) so i was wondering, about the 388s ability to return to 456 if i wanted to do so and also if there are any additional things i should know about this machine, especially when using 499 tape. also, i have been reading up on the SMPTE sync thing here in forums, and that sounds pretty neat, but i'm gonna concentrate on just having one machine for now. that could easily be a future project, once i get the basics of the 388 down.

 

[A Reel Person]

There should be no problem,...

if your 388 was actually set up for 499, then run on 499. Hit your 499 tape around 0VU average, and peak at no more than +3VU, on the meters.

If your 388 is set up for 499, and for some reason you want to use 456 occasionally, then remember to hit the 456 tape at -3VU, average, and peak at no more than 0VU. That's the relative difference between 456 & 499.

If you're going to go back permanently to 456, then it might be best to have the 388 set up specifically for 456 again.