Stereo reel to reels ... some questions ...

  • Thread starter Thread starter cjacek
  • Start date Start date
cjacek

cjacek

Analogue Enthusiast
Hi,

Do ALL the stereo reel to reel decks, with 3 heads, have the capability to listen to a previously recorded sound while recording another .. ? For example, you see many of the "mix down" decks that can only record 2 tracks max like the consumer TEAC machines and am wondering if recording a piano on "R" and then overdubbing voice on "L" would be possible ? Just want to be better informed.

Oh, and yeah, how would I know for what type of tape the older TEACs are biased for ? Is it ok to run a 456 Quantegy on them ?

Lastly, does anyone know which TEAC models (not TASCAM) came in 2 track head designs ? One was the 3300SX .. or am I mistaken ?

Thanks! :))

Daniel
 
Do ALL the stereo reel to reel decks, with 3 heads, have the capability to listen to a previously recorded sound while recording another .. ?

No.

Each machine is different and a question like this could never be answered in completeness as doing so would involve a history of every single machine ever made since 1949. Do you really want to hurt me? :eek: :D

how would I know for what type of tape the older TEAC's are biased for ? Is it ok to run a 456 Quantegy on them ?

yes.

does anyone know which TEAC models (not TASCAM) came in 2 track head designs ?

X2000M, I belive was a half track, stereo machine just like a TASCAM 32, 42, 52 or BR20T except, it had an additional 4 track, stereo head to playback your famous Elvis tape from a few threads ago. but, it could not record in 1/4 track stereo format like a TASCAM 34 could.

Cheers! :)
 
The Tascam 32 & 22-2 have Sync/Overdub capability, as well as the 124 cassette and a few others. The 133 has Sync/Overdub capability, doesn't it?

I don't mean sync in the "locked machine control" sense, but in the "overdub" sense. (Simul-sync).

You guys all know what I mean!!

Hey, is the Analog Forum picking up steam, all of the sudden? :eek:
 
Hey, is the Analog Forum picking up steam, all of the sudden?
Perhaps, but, statements like that are bound to jinx it! :eek: :D

Shhhhhhhh! :cool:

Cheers! :)
 
Ok, thanks guys!

Alright, I was doing some research (on 4 track simul-sync decks) and came up with two more nice examples, with the "simul-sync" capability: Teac A-3340S and A-2340. One thing that puzzled me is that the A-3340S was introduced in early 70's and then again about 10 years later, they say, redesigned. Same model so HOW do I tell the difference between the older vs newer design ? Does the "S" signify "simul-sync" ? Was there a model higher up from the A-3340S ? Also, I noticed the A-3340 and A-3340S and the A-2340, 2340S and 2340SX .. What are the differences ?

Thanks!

Daniel :)
 
Last edited:
The A3340S was the older beast and yes, the "S" meant Syml-sync

The newer version was called the A3440 and it had a better arrangement of the buttons for the syml-sync operation moved down to the main panel area of switches and meters which now were 4 in a row instead of two on top of two for the quadraphonic representation of sound on the older 3340 which had a boat load of confusing switches on the head cover assembly to facilitate the pre-historic syml-sync operation.

Both decks were similar looking and both had the funky, wood side panels but, I owned a 3340 and I would trade it in a heartbeat for a decent 34 in good condition or my fave, the 44! The beast of the 80's 4 trackers!

Cheers!:)
 
A3340 Vs A3340s

Hello! I have been looking for information all night long on the same questions about the 3340 vs 3340S, but I think you may be mistaken about the A3340. I have one here, and it is in Symul-Sinc, it takes 10 1/2 inch NAB hubs......7 1/2 and 15 speed......but it has the different transport lever just below the direction buttons and it has a "knob" to select the tape speeds along with a button for reel size.......it has the same Simul-Sinc switches located on the cover just like the 3340S, not down below as stated........and it seems to be the "older" of the two models which I have confirmed on another site. Because my A3340 definitely has Simul-Sinc. The transport "slide" is obviously an older idea, definitely not better than the 6 buttons like on the 3340S has. I am trying to find out what the exact differences there are between the A3340 and the A3340S........help!

UPDATE..............It seems that my A3340 is actually one of the very first USA built prototypes of the A3340S before they were mass produced, and it is the same machine except for the way the transport buttons and tape speed buttons are configured. Here is the info I just found about the date of manufacture:

THE EARLY YEARS

1969... TASC (TEAC Audio Systems Corporation) was formed in Tokyo, Japan for the purpose of conducting Research & Development for recording applications in the musicians' market. Founders included Mr. K. Tani, a founder of TEAC-Japan and Dr. Abe, a senior engineer of TEAC-Japan.TOP

1971...TASCAM Corporation (TASC AMerica), a USA distribution company for TASC products, was formed near Marina Del Ray, CA and was presided over by Dr. Abe. Products include the 3300 series, which were TEAC A3340 quad decks modified to include Simul~Sync* capability.TOP

*Simul-Sync: the ability to record on one track while listening to another, and the basis for all modern overdubbing technologies.

1972...The first mass-produced 4 channel tape recorders with Simul-Sync... A3340S & A2340S...are shipped.


So I am assuming that my A3340 was made in 1971, and was NOT one of the mass produced ones?? Is that the only difference?

SECOND UPDATE............OK, I just found an A-3340 that does have the VU's across the bottom, and the sinc selectors as well..............but it is obvious that this is the "Re-Issue" model (extremely nice BTW) that came out several years (maybe even a decade or two) later........hmmmmmmmmm................the only difference in the model name between this one and my vintage one was that the newer one says "A-3340" and mine is just "A3340"......go figure.

RICCO
 
Last edited:
Dear Cjacek,

For the playback head is not involved, even tape decks with only two heads can do the simul-sync operation. For example, late (1988-1998) Tascam or Fostex multitrack machines, even the 24-trackers, had only two heads.

Uli
 
Uli_the_Grasso said:
Dear Cjacek,

For the playback head is not involved, even tape decks with only two heads can do the simul-sync operation. For example, late (1988-1998) Tascam or Fostex multitrack machines, even the 24-trackers, had only two heads.

Uli

Ok, thanks! :)

Daniel
 
A Reel Person said:
The Tascam 32 & 22-2 have Sync/Overdub capability, as well as the 124 cassette and a few others. The 133 has Sync/Overdub capability, doesn't it?

I don't mean sync in the "locked machine control" sense, but in the "overdub" sense. (Simul-sync).

You guys all know what I mean!!

Hey, is the Analog Forum picking up steam, all of the sudden? :eek:


I sure hope so
 
Back
Top