Tascam M-320 question...

[Dubwise]

Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Tascam M-320.

My question is...What are the differences between the 320 and the 320B?

I understand that the "B" version has phantom power, but is there any difference in sound quality, routing, features, build quality ect., ect.?

So, should I hold out for a "B" model to come along (which seems somewhat rare these days on Ebay), or go ahead with the M320 that is local.

Thanks so much guys!!!!!!

 

[themaddog]

How many channels of phantom power do you need (if at all)?

I'd go with the local one, that way you can check out if it's good before you buy it and not have to worry about shipping it. You can always use a pre-amp that provides phantom power separately, or buy a separate box to provide phantom power to two channels (runs about $40-$50 new, which is what you'd have to spend on shipping anyways).

I have a Tascam 2516, which provides phantom power on ALL channels, but not individually. It can be a real pain when you need to use a ribbon mic or any other mic that shouldn't have phantom power running to it.

I don't know if there is any difference in sound quality between the normal and the "B" version, but just my two cents.

-MD

 

[Dubwise]

Thanks for the info.

I am not too concerned with the phantom power as I have four chanels of outboard pres, and an AKG phantom supply.

I am more concerened if there is any sound quality difference.

If anyone has any comments from first hand experience about the M320 I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Thanks guys,
-Neil

 

[cjacek]

Neil,

Both versions seem to differ only in the phantom power feature but otherwise should sound the same. Sorry that this is not a definite answer but there is absolutely no reason to believe otherwise.

Also, I didn't catch initially, in your post, that the m320 (non B version) is local and you were thinking on waiting for the B version on eBay. I HIGHLY advise against it and agree with MD that you should just get the local deal. No question. To find a local M320 is pretty rare. Don't bother with eBay and shipping 'cause that's a recipe for disaster. GO WITH THE LOCAL DEAL!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Beyond the phantom power there are also electrical differences in the aux sends and effect sends offering stronger output signals to feed effect devices with less noise and more headroom. 10 db additional gain is offered on the B series.

There is also 4 additional meters offered on the B series in the 20 channel version.

The last difference is one of age in that the B series was newer and offered for sale as late as the mid 90's where the non B versions can be as much as 7 to 15 years older depending on the production date of the unit in question. As electronics age, caps dry out, pots and switches get noisier, connections internally get more intermittent.

Chose wisely grasshoppers!

Cheers!

 

[cjacek]

Ok, I f*cked up on the answer. Thanks for clarifying, Jeff.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Ok, I f*cked up on the answer. Thanks for clarifying, Jeff.

Don't seat it!

The differences are pretty minor when it comes right down to it and the benefits of being able to check out a unit in person can not be stressed often enough. As well as the ability to gently place it in your car and take it home yourself rather then allowing the chimps at UPS to play basketball with it!

I bought both of my M312B's from local sellers and thoroughly tested and inspected before handing over the cash. As cool as ebay is, it won't ever be able to let you do that.

Cheers!