Tascam variable speed knob

[xandro]

I'm going to be purchasing a Tascam 414-mkII 4-track in the next few weeks....I know that it has a variable pitch knob of +/- 15%

I've read various opinions on utilizing this to your advantage by jacking it all the way up at the fastest setting to maximize sound quality. Does the extra minute ips really make that much of a sound difference?

For what it's worth...I'm just recording myself on various instruments (i.e. bass, guitar, piano, etc) basically a one-man band setup. I'll bounce tracks only if it's absolutely necessary (i.e extra instruments, etc)

The reason I'm getting the 414 is that it's the highest-end model that Tascam makes. I know they made the 424 not too long ago, but it seems as if they've stopped producing it.

again, thanks in advance

and have a happy new year

 

[cjacek]

Does the extra minute ips really make that much of a sound difference?

Not much, if any perceptible difference. Leave the pitch knob centered is my recommendation.

Going from 3 3/4 ips (414 speed) to 7 1/2 ips would significantly increase fidelity but 15% increase from the 414 standard is only 4.31 ips. Most, if not all, people would simply not be able to hear a difference.

~Daniel

 

[themaddog]

You'd probably be better off buying a used 424 rather than a new 414, if you're going to get started in analog home recording. The signal to noise ratio is a little bit better on the 424, as well as the frequency response is much better (40 hz - 16 khz compared with only 40 hz - 10 khz on the 414).

Good luck and happy new year,
-MD

 

[Herm]

I think if you look around at some of the music gear companys you will be able to find a new 424, And its worth the extra money to get that one.

 

[xandro]

thanks for the replies fellas,

I'll take the suggestions about the 424 to heart

 

[A Reel Person]

Hello! Welcome to Portastudio recording and this board!

The last shipments of 424mkIII's left Tascam about a year ago, in limited quantities. The 424mkIII was selling like hotcakes for many years, but the last brand new ones sold out some time last spring. Anyway,... so long to the brand new 424mkIII's. The good news is that you may find the 424mkIII in relatively good condition on Ebay, for bargain prices. However, if you want brand new equipment, the 414mkII is top of the line.

The 414's pitch control can give you slightly better hifi if cranked all the way to the right. However, you lose the pitch matching function that the pitch control was designed to address. This may not be an issue at first, but as time goes on, you may run into a pitch-change issue with those tapes. You may also run into problems swapping the tapes with another 414mkII. If those things are no concern to you, then I think you'll get a very small audible boost by cranking pitch all the way up. I don't do it, but I have more pitch matching issues to deal with.

I like the 414mkII for it's smaller design with full functions. It's capable and sounds good enough to make some pretty good recordings. The 424mkIII is definitely more topline in features and sound, but that's another story.

 

[xandro]

The last shipments of 424mkIII's left Tascam about a year ago, in limited quantities. The 424mkIII was selling like hotcakes for many years, but the last brand new ones sold out some time last spring. Anyway,... so long to the brand new 424mkIII's. The good news is that you may find the 424mkIII in relatively good condition on Ebay, for bargain prices. However, if you want brand new equipment, the 414mkII is top of the line.

The 414's pitch control can give you slightly better hifi if cranked all the way to the right. However, you lose the pitch matching function that the pitch control was designed to address. This may not be an issue at first, but as time goes on, you may run into a pitch-change issue with those tapes. You may also run into problems swapping the tapes with another 414mkII. If those things are no concern to you, then I think you'll get a very small audible boost by cranking pitch all the way up. I don't do it, but I have more pitch matching issues to deal with.

I like the 414mkII for it's smaller design with full functions. It's capable and sounds good enough to make some pretty good recordings. The 424mkIII is definitely more topline in features and sound, but that's another story.

(Buying it new) is the reason why I'm swaying more to the 414mk which I can pick up at any local music store. At some point I'm going to bone out for a reel to reel, but that's just not on the docket right now due to lack of currency, heh

thanks for the info and thanks for the welcome to the boards...I like it here already, the wealth of information is huge!