tascam 38 level problems?

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tapeboy

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Will my tascam 38 -10db machine work with a +4db mixing desk?
The tape send on my mixer is +4db. The tape return can be trimmed to suit -10db. So it is the tape send I am worried about...
And THANKS for all the great respons I have had for al my other weird questions!
 
Easiest way (but proably not one the purists would like) - just put a pad on each output. There's a calculator here, I'd probably take a stab and the impedences, build a test, and throw some tone through to see how far you're out, just tweak the values to suit.

Alternatively you could be nice by using a TL071 wired as a differential amp with a gain of -14dB. That's roughly 1/20th (which would be about -13dB), so use say 100k resistors on the inputs and a 4.7k in the feedback loop. Again, fiddle with the values until you get the desired result, then build another 7. This option would be a true balanced - unbalanced converter.

The last option - buy a professional, rack mounted, sexy-looking interface box; but you're paying a lot more!

Cya
Andrew
 
Yes I agree with arjoll

*now backs slowly out of thread so as not to catch analogs disease* ;)
 
Tascam made the LA-40 for this purpose.

It's a 4-channel device. If you can find it on Ebay, you'll need two.;)

This is the matched device to the 38 (30-Series recorders).

There was a Tascam LA-80, but I'm less familiar with it. It's obviously an 8-channel device of a similar fashion. Another Ebay item.
 
ultralink

I got a behringer ultralink leveller would that do the trick?
thanks so far!
 
Not familiar with the ultralink

...have you got a model number so I can look it up on their website?

I know there are a number of balanced/unbalanced interfaces that can interface between +4 and -10 equipment. Sonifex do one (showing some broadcasting background there; remember Micro HS carts? I'm sure Beck does ;) ) and I'm sure others do.

I've never really been able to see the point though. Sure, they have nice rack cases and look cool, but you can whip one up with eight TL071's (or, if you want to go compact, two TL074's), a 7812, 7912, couple of caps, 4x 1N4001's, mains transformer and a handful of resistors. I'm guessing NZ$50 / US$30 or so!
 
Yeah,... if you're a techy-tech kinda guy, which you obviously are,...

but some people want (or need) a plug-&-play off-the-shelf solution.

On the level you're at, you are quite right, but not all of us are playing on your level!;)
 
Something like this:...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23793&item=7328950574&rd=1
Ebay said:
Tascam 8-Ch Balanced to Unbalanced Line Level Converter

Description


This product is used and in good condition. Retail pricing at $700 Bid now don't miss a chance on this bargain price.

8-Ch Balanced to Unbalanced Line Level Converter

• ±6dB Fine Tuning Trim Ports on Each Output

• Ground Lift Switches Per Channel or Global

• Cascade 500W Power Outlet

• Selectable +4/-20dBm Balanced Nominal Level

• Compact 1-U Rack Mount Design


The LA-81 is the reverse of the LA-80, offering 8 channels of studio quality balanced line to unbalanced line level conversion. The only difference is the LA-81 does not have a distribution amp function.

Ground lift switches are available per-channel, or on a global scope. the recessed trim pots on the front panel offer ±6dB of adjustment, allowing the LA-81 to fine tune each output for optimal level.

For convenience, a cascading 500W power outlet is also built in to the LA-81.
Click to expand...
 

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By the description of the LA-81, above,...

for 2-way traffic between your recorder and mixer, you'd need both the LA-80 and LA-81,... for each group of 8 tracks.

;)
 
OK, I've done more research....

Apologies for my rant about op-amps before :o ; sometimes I get frustrated at what can be charged for really simple electronics ;) and rave on a bit....

If the Beringher you have is the MX882 Ultralink-Pro then it will offer unbalanced -10 - balanced +4 conversion over six channels. If you drop the levels down on the output then you'd be able to feed this into the -10, but its not really ideal; you may get noise (it is a Behringer after all :eek: ).

The problem is that you're probably more in need of +4 to -10 (desk to recorder) than the other way around - you can just tweak the channel gain to go the other way.

If you can get the Tascam for a couple of hundred then you're probably doing quite well. I checked some equipment sites and found these other options:

Aphex 124A two channels bi-directional (you'd need four) - being Aphex it's probably not cheap, but they make nice stuff.

Sonifex RB-LU4, eight channels, balanced-unbalanced about 270 pounds

Gaines 248 eight channels balanced-unbalanced for US$449 (I love those large, detailed pics of the back of equipment! :D )

Radio Design Labs RU-LA2D two channel bi-directional.

Quest AB2C Australian 2 channel bi-directional.

And there's a heap more. I'd still recommend that if you know someone who's into electronics then it would be worth talking to them about making one up!

Cya
Andrew
 
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Thankyou!!!

THANKS so much! Plenty of food for thought now...!
I just started a new thread concerning another Db problem, so if any one has knowledge of a soundcraft spirit studio you are welcome to help me again!
 
And

I just tested my tascam 38 with a +4dB level going in, sounded fine to me. Just have to keep the gain low on the mixer.
 
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