TASCAM Porta One vs FOSTEX X-14

[lklk9110]

Hi, I'm a student who are looking for a dirt-cheap cassette MTR, since I have very limited budget (around $40~$60).

I've found two cheapo MTRs which are: Porta One, and X-14. I'd like to know which one has more functions, or easy operation than the other. Plus, summary of pros and cons of each model would be great since I'm new to audio things.

Thank you so much.

 

[famous beagle]

The Porta One definitely has more features and is most certainly a more robust machine.

Tascam:
Four inputs
Hi and Low EQ
Direct tape outs
A monitor cue section (mono)
Pitch control
Runs at standard cassette speed
Records two tracks at once
DBX NR

Fostex:
One (or two?) inputs
No EQ
No direct outs
No monitor section
No pitch control
Records at standard speed
No NR

The Tascam's main Achilles heel is the lack of double tape speed (not as good of fidelity) and an effects loop. So, you'll have to print effects (i.e., record them on the track at the same time) if you want them on individual tracks. Other than that, it's a nice little machine.

 

[lklk9110]

The Porta One definitely has more features and is most certainly a more robust machine.

Tascam:
Four inputs
Hi and Low EQ
Direct tape outs
A monitor cue section (mono)
Pitch control
Runs at standard cassette speed
Records two tracks at once
DBX NR

Fostex:
One (or two?) inputs
No EQ
No direct outs
No monitor section
No pitch control
Records at standard speed
No NR

The Tascam's main Achilles heel is the lack of double tape speed (not as good of fidelity) and an effects loop. So, you'll have to print effects (i.e., record them on the track at the same time) if you want them on individual tracks. Other than that, it's a nice little machine.

Thank you so much!!

 

[Level Anything]

Yeah, Tascam Porta One all the way. It's a classic 4-track that was used by Guided By Voices and some early Sebadoh songs. It's got those nice VU meters too.

The only thing to be aware about with them is that they are very hard to repair if the transport has any problems, so make sure there's no issues with the Play, FF, or RW functions. It's not one of those machines that you can easily pop open and change a belt if one breaks.

 

[lklk9110]

Yeah, Tascam Porta One all the way. It's a classic 4-track that was used by Guided By Voices and some early Sebadoh songs. It's got those nice VU meters too.

The only thing to be aware about with them is that they are very hard to repair if the transport has any problems, so make sure there's no issues with the Play, FF, or RW functions. It's not one of those machines that you can easily pop open and change a belt if one breaks.

Thank you! I will be aware of that!