TASCAM 2488MKII 24-Track Digital Portastudio???

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89gtsleeper

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TASCAM 2488MKII 24-Track Digital Portastudio???
I'm looking to start doing my own recordings, but don't want to involve using pc's... I can't really afford to go over 1000 bucks, and I really would prefer to buy new, so I found this unit. Has anyone tried this piece??? It seems like the best bang for the buck since it has an 80 gig hd, can record 8 tracks at a time, and can play 24 tracks back, plus mixdown to cd-r capability???
 
I own the previous version - the MK I, if you will.

I find it to be a very versatile unit. The biggest drawback is the small size of the LCD screen. I understand that the MK II has a larger screen than the earlier versions, although you still won't have a full screen like a PC would, and no way to hook up a larger monitor.

Everything else is there. You have a reasonable on-board effects processor, with a single outboard FX loop for each track. 8 live inputs and 24 total tracks. Parametric EQ. Etc, etc. I think it's very reasonably priced for the capability that it provides.

The biggest complaint I have seen is from people who (try to) use it for live recording in bars and clubs. The unit is susceptible to vibration, trying to use it in these environments seems to invariably lead to frustration and loss of a whole night's music.

On the other hand, they are generally regarded as being reliable and dependable when used in the more protected environment of a home recording studio. Mine has performed perfectly for two years now.

Some of the others on this board will offer you some alternatives, I'm sure.
 
I just got one a couple of weeks ago. So far, so good. Very clean and great sound quality. The controls etc. take a bit of getting used to, i.e. scrolling through a small screen to change EQ settings, but you can get used to it.

Before you do anything, go to the website and download the manual. It's all there and it's free. And if you buy the machine, print out a copy to use to save wear and tear on the manual that comes with it, as I guarantee you'll be flipping back and forth a lot.

As I said, I haven't done a great deal with it, but my experience so far has been pretty good, considering all the doohickeys and thingamajigs you have to figure out.
 
I have been a 2488 user since they 1st came out. I have since come up with a "Home guide to the 2488", basically it covers areas of operation left out of the 2488 manual (which is a lot) plus short cuts and run a rounds to many of the functions. Please feel free to check it out and let me know what you think.

http://tascamforums.com/index.php?showtopic=1926

If you have a 2488 or the 2488 MKll Tascam Forums is a great place to check out,
http://tascamforums.com/

Also quite a few 2488 users hang out here.
http://www.soundadviceforums.com/
 
dude you are the shit. thanks for the stuff you wrote up.
 
So I finally broke down, and made the purchase... I got it for a really good deal!!!! I went up to guitar center and talked to this really cool guy that works there... JJ.... He basically told me the tax was gone as soon as I walked in the door... I talked to him some more, and he went ahead and said nevermind the tax, I'll take 100 bucks off original price of 899. then I had an old electric guitar to trade in that I'll never play again, and actually they gave me more than I paid for it about 3 years ago... It's an old Peavey T60 with original case, and they gave me 225 for it which to me was a total shock. So After all was said and done, I walked with a Tascam 2488 mkII for 641.99 after tax and everything, and he threw in a free patch cord for my dad whi happened to be with me even after the deal was already done. Thanks JJ in OKC Guitar Center... YOU ARE THE MAN!!!! Anyone in OKC, see this man and he will hook you up. I'll be going back to him fairly soon to pick up my monitors and mics!!!! The studio is coming together for me now.
 
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