Question About 4-track Models

[TheWizard]

Hey there -


I am faced with a few options, and was wondering what anyone thought about these units/ the prices i have found them for.

424MKIII - $200

488MKII (8 track) - $200

or i always have the option of buying a 414 new.

any input in appreciated.

 

[A Reel Person]

...

You could probably get a like-new 424mkIII for less than $200, (more like $150), but it's a fine machine.

The 488mkII for $200 is a good deal, given that it's in v-good shape. It's also a fine machine.

Between those two machines,... you have to do some soul searching, & ask yourself if 4 tracks will be enough, or will there be a majority of times you long for just more than 4, in which case you should get the 8-track (488mkII). They are both good machines that will give you good sound.

Buying a brand new 414mkII is a fine idea, and there's nothing wrong with buying brand new equipment, but often you can maximize your audio dollar in the Ebay market that's well beyond what you could get retail. The 414mkII itself is a fine machine, and you'd probably be surprised how low the bid prices are on some like-new 414mkII's by way of Ebay.

 

[themaddog]

The 488 is a great machine, due to its 8 tracks on cassette and ease of use. The only hangup is you can only record up to 4 tracks at once, but if you're a solo artist, that should be plenty. I have recorded my own band using this machine and was able to work around the 4 track at a time limitation.

-MD

 

[up-fiddler]

I have two 424s and a 488. I bought the second 424 for parts. I have owned the 488 and 424 since 1990 and still use them occasionally. I like their sound and ease of use. Either would be fine but I would buy the 488 if I could only have one. jmho. Enjoy your new (used) machine.

 

[TheWizard]

Thanks guys!

One more question -

Do any of these units have individual outputs?