A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
Pretty slick.
Good technology for it's day.
Good technology for it's day.
T
The Ghost of FM
Banned
Minus it not being a 3 head deck, it's got bugger all to complain about.
Cheers!
Cheers!
F
fgonza2
New member
My 8 track 1/2" machine top 5 is:
1. Otari Mx5050-8 mkIII
2. Tascam 58
3. Tascam 48
4. Tascam TSR8
5. Tascam 38
The TSR8 is a fine machine. Good transport and tape handling, "modern" transport electronics. The last one made. I have 2 and they run very well. They are reliable. The down side is a crappy capstan motor and a 2 head design that is not much of a problem after calibration which takes longer than 3 head decks (like the other ones listed). It is also more compact and doesn't weigh a ton. Parts are relatively easy to come by. They can be found for ~$400-600 in good shape. A good 58 or 48 will cost you more (~$800)
1. Otari Mx5050-8 mkIII
2. Tascam 58
3. Tascam 48
4. Tascam TSR8
5. Tascam 38
The TSR8 is a fine machine. Good transport and tape handling, "modern" transport electronics. The last one made. I have 2 and they run very well. They are reliable. The down side is a crappy capstan motor and a 2 head design that is not much of a problem after calibration which takes longer than 3 head decks (like the other ones listed). It is also more compact and doesn't weigh a ton. Parts are relatively easy to come by. They can be found for ~$400-600 in good shape. A good 58 or 48 will cost you more (~$800)
G
gj84
New member
Thanks guys, all I needed to know really 
Switching from a DAW to analog recording is something I relish, truth be told!
Switching from a DAW to analog recording is something I relish, truth be told!
A
analoghifi
New member
Why not use both worlds simultaneously ! The TSR-8 is an awesome machine, I've got it hooked up to my DAW for either recording tracks that need that Real analog warmth or to do a straight downmix of the project onto tape !
As the other member said here , very reliable machines, the belt over time needs to be replaced , no big deal!
- the most modern Tascam reel to reel (alongside the MSR series)
- build construction is solid
- lowest latency and instant communication in MTC / Midi clock protocols
- revised control board! (Same also with the MSR series)
- newer architecture!
As the other member said here , very reliable machines, the belt over time needs to be replaced , no big deal!
- the most modern Tascam reel to reel (alongside the MSR series)
- build construction is solid
- lowest latency and instant communication in MTC / Midi clock protocols
- revised control board! (Same also with the MSR series)
- newer architecture!
B
Beck
Guest
My 8 track 1/2" machine top 5 is a bit different, but there are so many variables its hard for me to have just one version of the top 5. For sound quality, transport performance and precluding a need for balanced input/output it goes like this:
1. Tascam TSR8
2. Otari Mx5050-8 mkII or MKIII
3. Tascam 58
4. Revox C-278
5. Tascam 48
One common problem with the TSR-8 is that the reel table arbors are more cheaply made than all the others above. They get cracks in the metal and start running unevenly over time. I've replaced mine with better ones, but angling the machine back or laying it on its back will prevent the deterioration.
Other than that the TSR-8 is a rock solid machine. I still have mine running like new.
1. Tascam TSR8
2. Otari Mx5050-8 mkII or MKIII
3. Tascam 58
4. Revox C-278
5. Tascam 48
One common problem with the TSR-8 is that the reel table arbors are more cheaply made than all the others above. They get cracks in the metal and start running unevenly over time. I've replaced mine with better ones, but angling the machine back or laying it on its back will prevent the deterioration.
Other than that the TSR-8 is a rock solid machine. I still have mine running like new.
Last edited:
witzendoz
Senior Member
I had one when they first came out, only sold it when I got the 16 track, TSR8 = great machine.
Alan.
Alan.
G
gj84
New member
Guys, just a quick question. Would the TSR8 accept a direct input signal from Line Level instruments such as synthesizers? Obviously I know it's best to use a mixer, but I don't have an analog mixer and as I want to keep the signal path completely analog, was just wondering if this would be possible?
J
J
F
fgonza2
New member
depends on the output of the synthesizer. if there is a volume control on the synthesizer you should be able to make it work, however you need to be very careful and start with all the "volume" or level down in the synth. Play a sustained note and slowly come up in volume so you can monitor the TSR8 0db level. The TSR8 has no input level controls, so you can blow the input circuit if the input is too high. If there is no level control on the synth i would not take the risk. Are you hooking up the TSR8 directly into a computer interface ? if not, then you probably need to get an analog mixer at some point anyway.
B
Beck
Guest
Yes, possible with instrument line level devices, but better to have a mixer. If you don't have a mixer how are you planning to mix down the eight tracks from the TSR-8 (unless you have an 8-input sound card of course).