Syncronising 2 Tape machines?

[roblluke]

Hi,
I was wondering if it is possible to sycronise tape machines, say a Tascam 424 Mk111 and a 488 mk11. I have used midi timecode before sycronsing a digital multi-tracker with my computer but i'm lost with analoge. I'm presuming that if it is possible then i will need some form of external device...
I'd appreciate any advice ,
Thanks/
Rob

 

[A Reel Person]

It's not possible to sync the 424mkIII & 488mkII together.

You may use either the 424mkIII or 488mkII as "code-only master", but you'll need another tape drive that's capable of slave-sync,... such as the Tascam 238, 644, 688, TSR8, MSR16, MSR24... & y'can't forget the (seldom seen) 134 Syncaset,... the BR-20T & numerous Fostex reel/reels too.....................

The Tascam 388 is capable of slave-sync, too, with the appropriate synchronizer and cables,... (a rather difficult matter, but do-able).

 

[roblluke]

Thanks for your help,
Would it be fair to say that the 644 is the cheapest option out of that selection...?

 

[A Reel Person]

Ebay prices vary greatly by the day, the machine & the condition.

I'd say it's probably a close toss-up between the 644 & 238, as to which machine is most affordable.