Question about 488 mk 2 output levels.

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monty

monty

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I want to tap into 8 outputs on a Tascam 488 mk 2. Apparently it’s possible, but the impedance ratings aren’t all the same. Some of the outs are rated at 10k ohms –10db, and some are rated at 100 ohms –10. Will this difference affect the output levels or sound quality of individual tracks?
 
If you're talking about this link:...

http://www.homerecording.com/tas488tips.html

then the proof of the pudding is in the eating, I suppose.

Try it out, and tell us how it works!!

It's a cute "workaround" that may get you those 8-track taps that you want, but it goes beyond what the machine was originally designed for. If it works, then more power to'ya.

If 8 track feeds is what you're after, in the long run, then you might be better off with the 688 or 238.
 
A Reel Person said:
http://www.homerecording.com/tas488tips.html

then the proof of the pudding is in the eating, I suppose.

Try it out, and tell us how it works!!

It's a cute "workaround" that may get you those 8-track taps that you want, but it goes beyond what the machine was originally designed for. If it works, then more power to'ya.

If 8 track feeds is what you're after, in the long run, then you might be better off with the 688 or 238.
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Yes.

Note the output specs on this page. Some are 10k, some are 100.

http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:...re/488mkII_faxback.pdf+tascam+488+specs&hl=en

This is the difference in impedence I was referring to.
 
Mmmmmmmmmm,...

try it and tell us how it works, & good luck with the 488mkII. In general, it's a fine machine!
 
Yes it is a fine machine. I own one and enjoy it. Curious to see if your idea works as well.
 
Seeker, thanx for your input!

There's another identical thread, that's running in parallel to this one. Can't remember which forum it's located, but it can't be too hard to find.

Thanx again!!!

PS, monty should have taken delivery of the 488mkII now, so he could probably give us an update, of how it went, and what he thinks of it.

;)
 
A Reel Person said:
There's another identical thread, that's running in parallel to this one. Can't remember which forum it's located, but it can't be too hard to find.

Thanx again!!!

PS, monty should have taken delivery of the 488mkII now, so he could probably give us an update, of how it went, and what he thinks of it.

;)
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Hey, you just bought a 688 off ebay, didn't you? Come on...the truth!!! I was looking at that thing...sort of tempted, but I haven't even done anything with the 488 mkII yet.
 
Yes!!!

monty, I just can't put anything past you!! But, you'll have to wake up pretty early in the morning, to beat me out on all the best Tascam deals!!! You're very quick on the uptake, though, monty, as I just purchased that 688 (BIN) only a very short while ago!!! (minutes!)

See: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3748780559

Pls tell me I've "done good". Heh. ;)
 

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A Reel Person said:
monty, I just can't put anything past you!! But, you'll have to wake up pretty early in the morning, to beat me out on all the best Tascam deals!!! You're very quick on the uptake, though, monty, as I just purchased that 688 (BIN) only a very short while ago!!! (minutes!)

See: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3748780559

Pls tell me I've "done good". Heh. ;)
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Looks like you've "done good". However, if I had wanted it, I would have beat you out by 4 hours, so let's not get too upity, young man. I fooled around with this 488 for a few minutes the other day, and it appears that I can get 8 track outs, but they were all guitar tracks and I hadn't set the pans correctly yet, so I couldn't tell which track I was hearing...mostly just checking to see if easch track records and plays. But I did get 8 individual outs...just have to record something different on each track and set the pans just to be sure about the source tracks. Now take good care of that 688 I let you have.

BTW I almost bought a 688 last week and the guy was even going to deliver it, for close to $300...but I couldn't remember my password in time. Just as well as I'm out of room right now anyway.
 
Yes, monty, how could I have doubted your generosity!?

Thank you, so much, for letting me buy such a fine piece of gear!

I told'ya a while ago, that if the price was right for the right mint 688, then I'd bite. You know I'll take care of it, but technically, I'm out of room, too. It will sit in it's box in the studio between uses. I don't have a proper place to permanently set it out, to showcase it, yet, but I'm working on it.

I'll have to get all my gear on a serious rotational use regemin, and put more use on it, in general. I'd like to boost my recording output, and record my next "epic", as yet TBD. ;)

We could do "dualing 488's", or something, heh.
 
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I just took the cover off and looked around inside to see what kind of cockroaches might be living in it. Looks okay…clean enough. The construction looks on par with other “plastic” gear of that era. Someone sure cleaned up on those things. I played a tape I recorded on a 414 and it sounded better on the 488. There’s a terrible smell coming out of it, like some kind of pot cleaner or something, only really strong. I’m going to park it in a warm room for a few days and see if that clears it out. If not, I’ll have to spray it with something stronger, but better smelling.
 
Did it smell like Diazinon? That's the stuff exterminators use to kill the roaches you were looking for! :eek:

And to answer your original question here in this thread too, all the OUTS are 100 ohm only. The 10K ohm specs are input impedances and not a concern for doing your custom 8 channel out, jury rig. :cool:

Cheers! :)
 
Any strong smell like that would likely be some residue of head cleaning fluid. Maybe he got a bit of drip inside the unit. (... would be my best guess). :eek:
 
Nice 688, Reel. Man, and I can remember I thought my 488 was intimidating when I first got it. Looking at your pic, the 688 gives me the same feeling. More buttons, more stuff. But, the same as the 488....a little fooling around with it and pretty soon it fits like a glove. Man, I still can't believe the prices these machines are going for! I remember what they used to sell for new 10 years ago. Yeah, one of these days I may go digital. But even when, I doubt I will ever let go of my 488. Or maybe reel instead. The 1/2" are also selling for ridiculously cheap prices. Hmmmm. Oh well, that's the future. I'm living in the now for now. :)
 
I’ll tell you one thing that’s pretty amazing about this 488…when I set the counter to zero at the very beginning of a tape and play it and then rewind, it comes right back to zero, and I don’t mean by using the return to zero button. That’s a tight little transport!
 
I'm actually considering getting another one, just for when this one wears out. Maybe I'll start collecting them. Then Reel will have to buy them from me...ya, that's the ticket!
 
It actually sounds decent compared to the 414 I have. In fact it sounds decent compared to any of the stuff I already had, including the Fostex 1/4" and the Teac 1/4" and the digital stuff. I'm happy! :D
 
When Monty is happy the whole world just seems like a better place! :D

Have fun, Monty! :)

Cheers! :)
 
The Ghost of FM said:
When Monty is happy the whole world just seems like a better place! :D

Have fun, Monty! :)

Cheers! :)
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You have it all wrong. I'm only doing this to make YOU happy.
 
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