Tascam 488

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ringo

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I've always had problems with my 488,,,on channels 3 to 8 if I plug in a guitar or other instrument, with instrument volume turned full up and faders on 8 and master volume on 8, the recording level is still low and I mean low,what is wrong? also on channels 1 and 2 with the trim control,,,the manual says electric guitars shouldn't need any trim,,well I have to turn it up to get any level,,,any clues here? Hmmmmmm desperate meeeeeeeeeeeen
 
Are you running the guitar straight into the board or through effects -- If your not running effects you'll need a pre-amp on channels 5 to 8 --or-- did you know that you can plug into track 1 and use that signal to record track 5 and so on 2 and 6 ----- 3 and 7 ----- 4 and 8 --- are all the switches in the right place-- experiment :cool:
 
Hi, everyone, great forum, never saw it before!

I thought this would be a good place to post my question. I currently have a Tascam Portastudio 04 - it's a simple 4-track, but I want an 8-track now (didn't know they existed on tape). There's 2 - Tascam 488 mk and Yamaha's similar model. For some reason Tascam's 488 is not on their website and not offered in most on-line stores (musiciansfriend.com). Is it discontinued? And anyway, what's a reasonable price for the new 488 mk unit?

Also, those who already have it, does it really give you much more freedom than a 4-track (is it worth the money?). How's reliability?

Thanks a lot! I'll go read other topics and join the discussion :)
 
Welcome Gear Junky -- You should post this question as a topic and not a reply -- you'll probably get a better responce - salute.......
 
I was wondering the same thing! Are they perhaps working on the 488 MKIII? I wish I knew why they have NO information on the Tascam website anymore..it's weird.

Isaiah
 
Hey Gear_Junky:

I'm new to this forum too. I was thinking about buying a 424 (MkIII) as my first foray into recording; I saw that you want an 8-track, now. Why are you not happy with the 4 any more? For a project with a four-piece band is it better to have an 8?
 
I read in another BBS that TASCAM was not going to make any more analog (tape) 8 track recorders....they were going to go all digital! It might have even been the TASCAM BBS where I read it, but that was a few weeks ago and I'm not sure.
 
American Musical still sells the 488MKII new.
www.americanmusical.com

They cost $879.96, but according to my latest catalog from them, you get 25 free Maxell XL-II 60 minute tapes free with it. You would still find these units cheaper...but me, I would rather get a brand new one.
 
I know... that's steep, tho. If used ones were like 800, then I'd go for the new, but when they're like 40% of the new cost, I'd rather wait for a "barely used" or "almost new" unit :) I have my 414 for now, so it can wait. You can usually tell... I know that my 414 isn't much different then 3 years ago when I got it new. Clean the heads and it's "new". Most people only sell 'em, cuz they don't use 'em - they either got digital or record to computers. Gotta save the do'! :D
 
Hey, Speedy! Here's from a beginner to a beginner :) That's what I thought initially: 4-piece band = 4 track recorder :) It's definitely better to have 8 if you can! The more the better. It's nice sometimes to do stereo, esp. drums (and even better to have separate tracks for at least the kick, the snare and the overheads)... It's nice sometimes to have 2 tracks for bass, acoustic guitar, etc. It's nice sometimes to do back-vocals, etc.etc.etc. You can get a 488 for about the same money (if not less) than the 424 mKIII! I wanted the 424 too, for it's better features, but now I'm gonna hunt down a 488 MK. I was told that there's plenty in good condition for around $350 (there are some on ebay right now).

I just asked my friend in my favorite music store to gimme a call when they get one in good condition. Go with the 8-track right away, I would, if I only knew at the time!
 
I've been seeing them go for less than $500 on eBay. Fantastic, isn't it? I'm disappointed that they may no longer manufacture the 488 mkII...but then, I suppose the used ones might come down in price a bit..I hope.

Isaiah
 
Yo Bretheren of the 488 TAPE RECORDER BY TASCAM:>

Last week I did some work with a client using my MD-8; she sang; I recorded; after the first attempt, she said, "well, that's not quite right; let's do it again." I just pushed one button and the music was ZOINGED back to the beginning in a second.

Now, I've had a couple of 488's; nice box at the time; their time is over.

Once you experience using digital stuff and all the perks that go with it, YOU WILL NEVER GO BACK TO A TAPE MEDIUM. [Unless you like to watch the cassette spinning backwards while it rewinds.]

I made some decent cuts with the 488; however, I do believe 488's are going, going, and will be gone. Besides, it made too many pops and dings and other noises from nowhere.

Try a digital box, any box you like and you will like the box.

Green Hornet
 
Guess I'm just a fuddy-duddy. I love the cassette medium. MD uses compression. Although it may not be really noticeable, I still prefer cassette. I do, actually, like watching the cassette in action. I'm sure I would love digital, but I can't afford to get into it. Otherwise I would get than new Akai jobbie that does 96kHz..MAN that's gotta be sweet.

Isaiah
 
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