Tascam 414 MkII used or go digital

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fred4321

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Hi there,

I'm a newbie to portable multitrack recording and I am seeking some advice.
I have been looking at portable multitrack recorders, that I can use away from the PC and works on batteries.

I'm just looking for a multitrack recorder that is very easy to use, without too much 'setup' clutter.

I have read countless reviews of the Tascam Portastudio 414 MkII or MkIII, that are great. I have also read reviews about say the Tascam DP-004.

Is a used Tascam Portastudio 414 MkII analogue unit still a reasonable chioce, or are they too long in the tooth and perhaps it's better to go digital?

Any suggestions would be great!

cheers
 
If you are looking for something that is truly portable (cassette based, anyway), you are going to be hunting for a bit for a Tascam Porta Two (not Porta 2, different animal). As far as I know, that is the only cassette based unit that could run off batteries. If you are going digital, I've got the DP-004 myself and it's a good little unit for the basics. There is also a DP-008 which has 8 tracks vs. the 4 of the DP-004. I believe the DP-008 has some built in effects and an EQ, I think. It just came out recently and I think somebody was saying something about they had added some features to it. The built in mics sound pretty good for a quick and dirty session with either some drums or an acoustic guitar. It does well with live bands/performances as well. The stereo separation leaves a little bit to be desired, but not a bad unit overall.

Others may suggest a recorder made by Zoom. I've heard good things about them, but haven't had the chance to use one.

In short, cassette based portastudios (414, MP-01, etc.) are going to require AC power to run. Digital is probably going to be the easiest way to start off if you want true portability.;)
 
I play acoustic guitar with a couple of friends. Sometimes amped. Riffs and ideas come up, some electric, some not, mostly spontaneous.

A unit to capture the music and hear how 'it' sounded is what I need. To try a song out, with our own separate tracks if needed, either playing together or putting down an idea. I like to also just being able to record the whole lot together with built in mics. But the whole process for me, must be simple and straight forward to record.

Portability is what I want...in the backyard or on the veranda.
 
I bought my son the DP-004 for his birthday in August. It's a great little recorder for what it is. No bells and whistles, but it'll record the hell out of jam sessions or song ideas, in your living room or in the middle of your favorite farm down by the stream.

It's great for capturing those special moments during a jam. Then, if you find something you want to develop a little, use the 4 tracks to work it out. Export to PC with USB.

If you want a little more, go with the DP-008, like jjones said. It does have some effects & EQ and I think XLR inputs, instead of the 1/4 inch in the DP-004.

You can't go wrong with either, just pick which suites your needs best.

trig
 
Thanks for the reply. You have may me think of some options. I now know that I want a bit more flexibility.
I had a look at some units particularly the Tascam DP-008 and the Zoom R16. Having the ability to record more than 2 sources at a time and using batteries 'in the field' is what I need.
The analogue option I won't pursue.
 
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