Tascam 788

[kurt_tietjen]

I've been using the Tascam 414 for several years now and how long since outgrown it. I love the fact that i can take it with me when i play out or play in a studio (rather than in my home studio).

I'd like some feedback on this one. It seems like a good product from a company that i do have experience with. Any drawbacks? good/bad experiences?

I'd like digital (one reason for my desire to upgrade). What do i need to properly mix down the stuff that i do or can i just go directly to CD (with an external CDR)? Anything that you guys can tell me will be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to upgrading.....

 

[aliengroover]

I own the 788, and think it's incredible. The sound quality is great, and the effects are quite useable, but not in lexicon or dbx league. It's butt-easy to get around on. Editing is a breeze, recording and all is intuitive, and you get great, pro results. You can record to a stand-alone CDR with the digital or (of course) stereo outs, or use a SCSI drive (I have both). It has dedicated aux ins and outs (you can also use the aux ins for recording).
What I don't like is that the monitoring facilities are kind of jacked up a little. The monitor knob controls both your headphones and your speakers. The way around it is to a) use the aux sends/outputs to a headphone mix amp or b) just switch off/turn down your monitors from the amp (which is what I do now). That doesn't hurt me much because I track the vocals in the same room. I don't like it, but everything else in the machine makes it bearable.
Also, they're about to fix my only other peeve in the next O/S upgrade. That is, it doesn't save the image it creates when burning your CD. You have to wait for it to go to the whole process again when you want a copy. I don't beef about that too much, because I have a dual deck stand-alone.

Other than those two, there isn't much to not like about this machine. There are better, more expensive machines out there, but some of them have twisted, difficult interfaces. A monkey can use this thing. Plus, it sounds great.

 

[drstawl]

>That is, it doesn't save the image it creates when burning your CD.

Ouch! I hope you're just talking about the playlist information that references files on the HD or a separate copy of the raw files assembled as a disc image and not the files themselves.....

 

[aliengroover]

Yeah, the exact playlist info. It, of course ,saves the files.

 

[Claus H]

Tascam 788 - Some initial observations

I am a new (3 months) owner of the Tascam 788, and while I have had recording experience, this is my first 'home' multitrack.
For anyone making the jump from analog fours and such like you, be prepared to do some reading. While the basic multi-tracking operation is simple, he sheer number of editing options, undos, and routings require some book time and practice, if you haven't had a very advanced home system already.

On the positive side, the 788 is a very clean, 24-bit uncompressed recorder that is compact, versatile, and ready to burn CDs (it is even elegantly designed.) While the built-in effects depends on your taste, the ability to bounce tracks to your heart's content is great, as are the frame-by frame silent editing and punch-in options.

The keys to taking advantage of this clean sound is, of course, careful engineering, and good mikes.
It is with the latter that I find the one thing where most home units seem to skimp: the mic preamps. The Tascam's are noisy when turned up; they have only a very small area of adjustment left in the 'mic' end of the dial when you try using a standard dynamic mic. In short: GET A SEPARATE PREAMP to take full advantage of the quietness of the recording.
I am using a DBX 286 (about $200) with a Marshall MX67 condenser mic (about $200) and for that relatively small outlay, I get super-quiet, warm-sounding acoustic guitars and vocals, these recorded in a small walk-in closet.
Also, don't forget good cables; Monster has nice short TRS-type patchbay jumpers for about $20/piece that connect recorder and preamp without a mess on the floor.
I welcome any comments or questions,
Claus H.