TASCAM 488 MK II - Best tracks to record on for main song parts?

[gentlejohn]

Hi! Just dug out my old 488's (I have two!) Having spent too long on 'The Dark Side' (ie: attempting to make muzak with a computer) I'm really enjoying firing up the portastudio and working in an 'old skool' analogue way again. I'm just wondering ... for the main parts of a song say, lead vox & main accompanying instrument, what would you say are the BEST tracks to record on with an 8 track cassette 488 MK II machine? The reason I ask is because I've read that when recording with a 4 track, the best tracks are Tracks 2 & 3 as they're in the middle so less ... what ??? Wow & flutter perhaps from recording to the edge tracks (1 & 4). How does this work for the 488 MK II?

 

[sweetbeats]

Edge tracks on the 488 are tracks 1 & 8.

I usually put kick drum on one of those.

As far as where to put the key tracks, any tracks 2 through 7 are fine...and really if the machine is operating to factory spec it shouldn't matter...tracks 1 through 8 should be fine, but edge tracks are prone to anomalies...I've experienced this even on 1/2" 8-track. So less critical but dynamic tracks are good for edge tracks, other material on the others, and it's good to group more powerful or dynamic tracks together in case of crosstalk...so, like, don't put the snare track right next to the vocal track for instance.

 

[gentlejohn]

That's confirmed what I was thinking. Thanks SB!