Yes… that’s right about no sync on the 22-2. The tracks operate independently, but the record head does not rec/play simultaneously for sync mode.
It is 3-head. You can monitor the source or recorded signal during mixdown.
The 22-2 is primarily for stereo 2-track mixdown. It’s not meant for much else. But they did put separate record enable and monitor buttons, which are useful during calibration and for some A/V and broadcast situations where unsynced dialog was recorded with a mono track of background music, and for recording mono on one track, then flipping the tape and recording in the other direction. None of these things are really important to me except the calibration factor.
Sync was invented for multitracking. The 22 was made for mastering, and I’ve never missed not having syncability or other features. The front panel is refreshingly uncluttered, and the machine is easy to calibrate and maintain.
There’s nothing wrong with the Fostex Model 20 or E-2 and they have a lot of features. The 22-2 just has great sound in spades.
When
Tascam introduced the 22-2 the objective was to get the best sound possible at a lower cost than was available before… thus, no bells and whistles.
That’s part of the fun being in the 22-2 brotherhood. It was one of the lowest cost 15 ips half-tracks of all time, but it sounds as good and better than models 2-3 times it’s price.
Something the 22 does have are separate mic/line inputs and level controls, so you don’t necessarily need a mixer for location recording. It’s also very light… put it under one arm and it goes anywhere.
Sync? We don’t need no stinking sync!