thinking of buying Tascam 388 (to use with midi-setup)

  • Thread starter Thread starter burok
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burok

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Hi there,

I'm a newbie to analog recording who've grown tired of using computers and I'm thinking of buying an 388 to use with my current setup.
(MPC2000XL which I'm using as my main sequencer, MX8000 24ch mixer + more synths/effects and yadayadayada)

And I (ofcourse) have a couple of questions:

Is it possible to overdub tracks with an 8-track such as the 388?
And, if I record 8 tracks and decide I want to add stuff, do I have
to synch the recording spot by hand later? my mpc2000xl sampler/sequencer has smtpe in/out and I thought if it might be possible to use that in some way. and if so, how does it work?

enlighten me how to work with these machines ;)
 
Yes, it's possible to overdub with an 8 track. As long as you have tracks empty you can overdub. You can even overwrite previously recorded tracks if you don't like what's on them.

If all eight tracks are full the only way you'd be able to add stuff is by either: (a) bouncing all eight tracks out to a two track machine and then bouncing them back to two tracks of the 388 (preferably on a fresh tape if you want to do it the non destuctive way), which gives you 6 more tracks to use. Or (b) by using that sequencer/sampler and mixer you have to add MIDI tracks live on mixdown (you'll need to record a sync signal on track 8 to do this).
 
okay, even with an 388 that is?

how about synching this thingie to my mpc sequencer? can I use that smtpe i/o on my mpc or something like that? or will I have to start the sequencer by hand? I see this becoming a problem if I don't record all tracks at the same time....
 
Yes. Even with a 388. :confused:

I don't understand your concern.

As for synching, there's an accessory jack on the back of the 388 for exactly that kind of thing. So as long as you can get the right adaptor (which, I'm guessing, is universal) and you remember to record a sync tone on track 8 - not forgetting to turn the dbx off using the track 8 dbx defeat switch - you should be able to sync away to your little heart's content :D
 
Ah, thanks for the reply.

nevermind my comment "even on the 388" ;)

I don't understand though how the smpte thing works (and how to connect it)... could you give me a dummie-explaination please? ;)

What I want it to do, is that when I start my mpc's sequencer, it should trig the tape to start, and - is there any way to make the tape go forward/backward if I go to a different song position with the sequencer. I guess it's possible, but maybe not using this technique we're talking about?

sorry if being a pain and all, but I never really grasped this...
 
I'm not really the one to ask about SMPTE, since I never use it. But, hopefully, I'm sure someone who does have a clue will pop into the thread eventually ;)
 
One thing I can tell you is that you need an Elco 8016 38 pin connector to go in the accessory jack at one end of the cable.


I have no idea what you need at the other end :confused:
 
My 388 is the best thing that ever happened to me. Period. :D
 
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