Tascam series 70 eight track

[Hi_Flyer]

punch ins? you wanna talk about punch ins? man, I got used to doing them in a DAW. Compared to that, I think any deck is gonna be hard. Even on my Otari deck I have trouble. I can punch in but can't punch out! I pretty much don't even bother with punch ins when I record to tape.

 

[RRuskin]

I don't believe 80-8's ever had a vari speed, other than an optional external box that, I believe, was a variable transformer. The next series in line, the 38, had a vari speed built in, and was not as robust.

You are correct about the series 70. It was not an easy machine to run or do decent punchins with. It's still a classy looking machine though.

Part of the conversion was a capstan motor change. The motor used was the same is used for the 38. The outboard speed control box was used in lieu of having to mount the control on the machine itself.

 

[Richard King]

Part of the conversion was a capstan motor change. The motor used was the same is used for the 38. The outboard speed control box was used in lieu of having to mount the control on the machine itself.

Ah, yes.... it is coming back to me now. You are correct about the motor swap out. I didn't know it was the same motor as the 38 though. Interesting. I think I may have only seen a total of one 80-8 with this option back in the old days, and it wasn't mine.

 

[Richard King]

punch ins? you wanna talk about punch ins? man, I got used to doing them in a DAW. Compared to that, I think any deck is gonna be hard. Even on my Otari deck I have trouble. I can punch in but can't punch out! I pretty much don't even bother with punch ins when I record to tape.

When you have only 8 (or 4) tracks you have to get pretty good at punch ins and outs, using every inch of tape available sometimes. That ability and a sharp razorblade was a necessity.