Tascam 688 or Not???

[Allister182]

Hi, I'm a newbie and currently own a Tascam 414 Portastudio. Is it me or is it VERY limited. I'm wondering if I can make it last longer with the right MIC's, compressors, etc.

If it's crap, I was thinking about getting the Tascam 688 (for $500 - if that's a good deal). Is this a good idea?

Also, are there any good recordings on the Internet made PURELY with the 414? Am I just not doing something right, or does the recorder just plain suck?! (BTW, it's my first recorder and I didn't have a huge budget at the time.)

So what's the best thing to do? Save money for ADAT and several thousand dollar console, keep the recorder I have now and keep practicing, or get something like the 688 that seems like it's a step higher?

Thanks =)

 

[Dougie Johnson]

Welcome Allister:
Well, first off...No equipment you use will actually prolong the life of your cassette-based recorder, mainly because contains many internal working parts (Rollers, heads, etc.)
that will wear out naturally over a period of time.
It's the hours logged on these type of systems that take their toll.
Now, to your next question: I would seriously consider going digital if you are planning to spend 600.00 on a recording unit. Look into Fostex for this price range. You'll find some good enty-level digital recorders.
Here's a link to price recorders at:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com

I can't think of any major label stuff released on a Tascam 414 or the likes (Maybe "Nebraska" by Springsteen)
But keep in mind that like the Beatles stuff & Nebraska, there were items like thousands of dollars in outboard gear,
and two thousand dollar Neumann mics used.

If your computer has the capabilites memory, RAM, HD space, and gig wise, seriously consider recording from your computer. Try it out...Get an inexpensive program like N-Track (40.00) or Cool Edit 2000 (50.00), and you'll be amazed at the difference between the quality of your Tascam and your computer recordings. These cheap programs will smoke your Tascam, quality-wise, though there is something to be said for the warmth of an analog system.

DJ

 

[Allister182]

Digital

I like the concept of a digital recording and mastering, but I hate not having faders and pots at my finger tips. Besides, I've never found a soundcard that sounds good enough to play my CD collection with. And if my CD's don't sound good, then I know my recordings won't.

After all, if you can't hear the SUBTLE things your doing to a mix, then how do you know if it's any good?

Is there a way I can use my computer for recording and applying filters (EQ, Compression, etc.), while still using an external console for mixing? I would need 8 channels and busses too...

Besides, I record PUNK & SKA music for the most, and I need all the warmth I can get.

Basically, I want the option to bus out signals to another medium like ADAT, so I have the option to get better recordings. But most importantly, I need to be able to work with tracks independently and boost critical frequencies to my mixes. That's why I'm wondering if even just MIC placement can compensate for lack of EQ on the 4 track I already have.

Thanks =)

 

[Allister182]

Oh yeah, I forgot one more thing...

Whatever medium my recordings end up on, I need to be able to send recorded tracks out individually. That's a minus to my Tascam 414 - as it only lets you use the internal mixer, or send out LR signals (which sucks!).

 

[El Barto]

The 688 has individual track outs, as well as a 20 input mixer (10 XLR, 10 1/4"), so even if you do choose to use your computer, you could use the mixer section of the 688.