Ready for the Next Level--new 8-track?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BedeDazzle
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BedeDazzle

BedeDazzle

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I've been using the same machine (a Tascam Portastudio 488) for years, and am beginning to get frustrated by the limitations of the machine's thin sound.

I've been researching other cassette 8-tracks as well as reel-to-reel options. I've been interested in the Tascam 388, as it seems to offer a warmer, more robust sound, but I am concerned about maintenance issues.

For someone looking for a richer analog sound, with a budget range of $300-$1,000, but somewhat squeamish about machines that require a lot of maintenance, what would you guys recommend?

Thanks a bunch,
Eric
 
Well one I can recommend is a Teac 3340. It sounds great and has easy functions. As for reliablitiy, try and find one that has been serviced. Also, clean and demagnetize when you can. If you need more tracks check out the Tascam 38 or the Teac 80-8. I have never tried the 38 or the 80-8 but Ive heard great things about them. I personally would go with the 80-8 just because I really LOVE my Teac 3340. :cool:
 
Do you currently own a mixer? Because if you don't, it'll make more sense to go with the 388.

All open reel decks will need some degree of maintenance, the least of which is regular cleaning of the tape heads and transport and an occasional degaussing of the metal parts in the tape path.
 
Thank you both for your suggestions--those were two units I was looking into. It seems that cassette tape does have its limitations.

I don't have a mixer, save the one on the 488. Do you think that would be adequate, or if not, what mixers do you find compatible with the 3340? I'm used to small time maintinence so that should be no problem. My only concern with the 388 at this point is its weight.

Thanks!
Eric
 
You might also consider a Fostex 80 or R8 1/4" 8 track. They can be iffy on belts and LEDs though.

Also, there are a lot of suitable boards, Tascam/Teac M-35, M-2xx, M-3xx Model 5 etc or the Fostex 450. the 22-4 34 or 38 are slightly newer machines and may be in better condition.There have been some recent threads on "what mixer to buy for my ..." look or search this forum.

You're in a fairly large market, here are some e.g.'s

Tascam M 35 Audio Mixing Board

Tascam- M-1516

fostex 8-track reel to reel bundle

Vintage Teac A-3340S 4 Channel Reel to Reel Tape w Box and Manual

Teac A-2340SX 4 Channel or Stereo Reel to Reel Very Low Hours
 
For the sake of saving money and/or life/art of creativity... have you ever tried bringing the tracks into the DAW afterwards and messing with them to get them to sound more forward and or varied in presence etc? Many many great sounding records were done on cassettes. Some of which show almost no signs of being a cassette recording. The Frogs "Starjob" album was done on 8 track cassette, and sounds amazingly good.

I also believe that editing/enhancing in the DAW will do wonders for practically any recording. I bet i could take tracks off an answering machine and make them sound well enough if the material is strong.

There may be things to try that can help you that dont require a whole new machine. Whatever you gain in changing formats, you lose something else that you assume will carry over from your current format. Just something to consider.
 
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I can't offer the expertise that most of the folks on this board can, but I recently found a Tascam TSR-8 for $360 and it's been a shear joy to use. Depending on what your requirements are, there are a lot of used mixers you can pick up at decent prices if this is the route you want to go. But do heed the advice on this board, there are a lot of hidden costs with the 8-track route (new 1/2" tape: $100, degausser: $50, calibration tape: $175, cables/snakes: $25-50). A lot of these are one-time costs, some are optional (yet preferable), but all are things to consider when pricing this out. Other problems to consider: converting your nice sounding analog audio to a digital format when needed without losing all the things that make analog sound so great.

Now, with all that said, I made the switch and I am loving it. I can't imagine going back. But, it comes down to $$ and what your demands are (it's a lot easier of a transition to make if you are just recording yourself and your friends than if you are trying to bring in clients without skipping a beat). Anyway, that's my two-cents.
 
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