Tascam DA-88 vs. Tascam 238

[studiodrum]

Hey Dudes!
Can someone give me a run down on the difference in sound quality between these two 8 track recorder, . . and are both machines pretty simple to record tracks when using an analog mixer?

I'm just wondering if the record quality, and the ease of use are pretty much the same, . . or if both recorders have a distinct sound difference, . .is one machine warmer, or have a slightly better quality then the other, etc. . .

Anyway, I'm totally clueless about the DA-88, and I was hoping that someone can give me a little insight on this machine. Thanks in advance . . .

 

[Rico 52]

I don't have a 88 but use 2 38's -w- an analog mixer. No problem..................I don't know anything about the other machine


Rico

 

[A Reel Person]

The 238 will have the "warmth".

Also, you're in a whole other league of economy, when you compare the cost of Type II cassettes vs. Hi-8 video tapes.

... are my basic thoughts.

 

[Beck]

The DA-88 never impressed me that much. I thought the DA-38 was a bit better. But as far as the species in general I like the Alesis with its SVHS tape format the best.

238 vs. DA-88... that's hard to say. The 238 is analog, but with razor-thin tracks. With the right tape (IMO, TDK SA-60 or Maxell XLII) the 238 is awesome for a cassette. The specs are impressive -- as good as many 4-track portastudios. The main thing to worry about with those thin tracks are dropouts... they will really be obvious if/when they happen.

The 238 will work as advertised as long as you keep the cassette well and tape path absolutely free of dust and dirt. In addition to alcohol-based head cleaner, I always used compressed air and a miniature vacuum before each session on my cassette portastudios. On narrow tracks a hair or piece of fuzz will cause an audible dropout.

The other thing to worry about with the 238 is they are all used and very old. 8 tracks on cassette is really pushing it. It works with a brand new machine that is perfectly calibrated. There is little margin for error, so if you get a 238 it will have to be calibrated by someone that knows what they’re doing. You should factor this in to the total cost.

The main thing to worry about with the DA-88 is that it's digital ...that and the tapes don't hold up so well over time.

I recommend you spend a bit more and look for a well maintained Fostex R8 reel-to-reel. IMO, that will beat the DA-88 and 238 hands down. It's not too big as reel-to-reels go and the 1/4" tape on 7" reels are relatively inexpensive. You get twice the track width and 4X the tape speed over the 238.

 

[studiodrum]

Thanks for the insight guys, . .!

Your thoughts are always apprecaited. . .