You’re not going to gain anything by using an external mixer. There is no way to bypass the Porta 05 mixing section going in or coming out of the Porta 05…no direct buss inputs to the recorder section (not unusual for a cassette-based all-in-one multitrack device), but also no direct outputs from the recorder section…no tape out jacks from each track. So you’ll just be adding the noise and distortion of your external mixer to the Porta 05’s mixing section, which, looking at the schematics, is a substantially unremarkable signal path. Perfectly usable but pretty garden-variety, and one of the great Achilles heels as I see it is the very low headroom afforded by the unipolar +11-15VDC power vs most other cassette multitrack units which are bipolar +/-12V audio rails, or even better with machines like the Audio Technica AT-RMX64 which are +/-15V. Other detriments of the Porta 05 are the standard 1 7/8ips tape speed and mechanical transport controls. This shouldn’t be taken as a dis on the Porta 05 from me, I’m just pointing out the things I see that would contribute to its regard as a lower-tier machine compared to the 244, 246, or 424 series machines…464 and 644 as well.
For some time now my opinion is the 244 is the sweet-spot of you’re looking for the best balance of sound and reliability and features. It lacks later transport section sophistication that came with the 400 series units such as basic autolocate and auto-punch features, and the head tech on the later machines offers better HF spec, but the the signal path is garden-variety on the 400 series machines compared to the 200 series, and hands-down the design and build quality and components on a 244 are going to outlast any 400 series machine and be more serviceable/repairable. The thin monoplaner mixing PCB assembly with its small slide switches and small and flimsy horizontal-mount plastic-shafted pots and all the plastic were a cost-savings measure with the 400 series generation that just don’t last like the individual vertical PCBs with proper toggle switches and metal pots on the 244…there’s a reason a 244 weighs twice as much as a 424. That’s my 2 pence. I’m a fan of the 424 series, but given a choice between a 244 and a 424 I’d take the 244.
Hello SB:
I always appreciate the useful info you provide. You are correct in that the Porta 05 and similar Porta models to that one have various limitations.
I'm not sure what took hold of me to get an urge for a vintage cassette multitrack, but I was just browsing at the two main places I usually explore which is Ebay and Reverb. Overall, whether its open reel recorders, or cassette units, I noticed the selection at both places was not so great- not too many "great deals" jumped out at me. I agree with you that the 244 is a nice model, and I love upright VU meters, but from what I saw at both sites, whichever Teac/Tascam models are available, their condition is questionable- most are listed for parts and not working, and/or located long distance away in Japan and so forth. And I am surprised at how expensive these machines are being listed for, other than the Porta 05s and similar.
I soon realized the model that seemed to stand out is the 424 MK II or III. And for those, its hard to find anything under $450. Some folks want 600, 700..., sigh... I actually got tempted and put in an offer for a very clean condition 424 MK III and I found out a short while ago, it was accepted ($375 + shipping & tax). So, looks like I will have a new 'toy' on the way.
I see that in the Op manual hookup diagram (unlike the Porta 05), there is an option to connect an external mixer to the Sub In of the 424 III, which I would be interested to try, as it would allow me to just use the mixers I have and not let them sit inactive too long, my mixer collection being: 2A/MB-20, M-106, M-30, M-1516, and the MX-80 & M1B.
ps: I recently acquired a third Teac A-3440 in a trade deal. I have two other good ones, but I got this 3rd one specifically as a unit to tinker with, so I could learn to be a bit handy taking things apart, and not worry about doing that instead on the good units and accidentally messing something up.
The "tinkering" A-3440 is a 1981 model (the two digit code tells me that next to the serial #). Recording studio on Long Island did not want it, so I offered a trade for some extra stuff I had and I was able to pick it up in person recently. The right spindle was bent, but I was able to replace the circular piece with a spare I got on Ebay. I also have a set of hubs on the way for the larger reel size.
The main issue at this time is that Play function does not work, nor Pause. But FF, RW and Stop are fine. I tried lifting the pinch roller to the capstan to see if would play, still did not. I looked inside and noticed a missing fuse and another one that did not beep when did a continuity check with my meter, so I replaced the two fuses. but still.. Play does not work. I then realized when looking in the back again, there is no thrust/angle plate by the flywheel- so I have that part on the way as well- i dont know if putting it on would get 'Play' to work, I shall see...
I have the manuals and Les Carpenter's online writeup of the A-3440 circuitry, and I have read about typical A-3440 issues- such as the hardened grease, or the control board, specifically a transistor and cap on that board that seem to affect Play if they are bad.
Thus, I get the feeling I might have to check that board. But I am not very handy, mechanically. Put a guitar in my hands,thats comes alot easier to me. It was not hard to replace the circular spindle piece- just three screws, and fuses are easy, the fuse board is right on top, but everything else seems packed inside, so I have to learn how to take various things apart step by step until I develop some proficiency in doing it that I hope comes with just trying and practicing.
Well, I wanted a unit to tinker with, so now I get to tinker
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