Thoughts on the Tascam MSR-24/Fostex G24S???

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nate74
  • Start date Start date
IF you use the 1010LT MAUDIO like I do, about 250.00, and if you have a decent PC,
You can record all 8 tracks from your recorder the 38, to digital at once to the PC. That's only a transfer.
The 8th track can also sync to midi that is sent to the PC. You tell your PC to follow the tape deck, through a little box called a smart sync. When you press start on your tape machine it sets the PC in motion (if you will) at the same time in sync. In tandem. Once that is set up you can transfer one track at a time if you like, because they will always run together. The computer program runs to an external source (say tape machine) or internal source (itself)
The faster the PC, the more tracks can be made, Endless really. The sound is still analog this way.
Don't get me wrong, I am on this page because I adore the sound of analog.
Digital is great for visual and speedy editing. You can see the sound .wav and chop it up, cut and paste etc. after. Put away the splice block. Digital does such a great job of copying sound exactly, that it sounds sterile. It doesn't have any warmth at all. Some people swear tube gear brings it back and that's why it is so popular. I say BS. Analog has not been equaled.
 
ARGH!

Just when I think I've made up my mind (A vs. D) I hear/read something new that gets me second guessing again. In the past 3 or 4 days, I've found:

MS-16 (low hours) - $1900 locally
MSR-24 (high hours) - $1750 other side of US
HD24 (low hours) - $1100 locally
HD24XR (new) with Fireport - $2000 American Musical Supply

I need a sign from above or something....
 
The MS-16 for local pickup would be the safest bet.

Not only would you avoid the hassles, expense, and possible damage of shipping an MSR-24 across country, but you should also be able to give the MS-16 a visual inspection, and in-person assessment, before purchase.

In-person inspection, pre-sale, and local in-person pickup is very much desirable over the alternative.

So it shall be written, so it shall be done! ;) :eek:
 
If the ms-16 passes I would be grabbing it and not look back. Like Reel I agree that if it doesnt have to be shipped you are way ahead and to me it worth the extra money plus its a more pro machine. And 16 tracks is plenty.

I wish some stuff like that would show up in my area.
 
Do what I told you I regret I did not do!

Score the low use MS-16 on local pickup & don't look back! ;)
 
So how big is this thing. I'm going at 2pm today to see it, but the guy says I may need a van to pick it up???
 
I'm on my second MS-16...my first was a 30 ips unit. I prefer the 15 ips with dbx, FWIW. Right off the bat you've got tape cost issues. Add the cost of switching back and finding dbx units, and the auto locater is tres handy , too. When you are done , for what you have spent, you probably could have bought a 2 incher.
Something to think about.
 
Nate74 said:
I've absolutely loved everythign I've ever recorded on my Tascam 38. I recently started an upgrade project to go to 24 tracks. I initially thought I'd pick up an Alesis HD24. My idea was I'd still track as much as possible to the 38 then dump tracks to the HD24... then a friend asked a logical question:

"Why not just get a 24 track analog machine?"

Duh I thought to myself... so there's no way i can afford a 2" machine, but for about what the HD24 costs, I can probably find a used MSR-24 or G24S.

So my main question is: Will these sound about like my Tascam 38, with just more tracks?

Which is better?

Any other thoughts would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I've recorded two full albums on the Tascam. The sound quality is stellar. My mastering engineer said that the sound was easily as good as it would have been on 2" tape. This mastering engineer was a pro in NY, with Grammy winners albums in his resume.
 
I have the Tascam MSR-24, & I like it just fine!

I've not done any legitimate production work on it, but (from tests) I have no doubt it's an adequate and good sounding format.

Thanks for the update! ;)
 
Any new thoughts on this?

I know this is an older thread, but I'm currently in a very similar position, as I've mentioned over in this thread.

I have a 38 that I really like, but I've come across an MSR-24 at what seems to be a fair price and I'm strongly considering it.

I would love to hear/read a further comparison of experiences with these machines. The MSR-16 vs. 24 question is interesting as well. I personally don't think any more than 16 tracks would be necessary, but I don't think I'll come across the 16 any time soon, or for a sum I could muster...
 
C.M.S. said:
I know this is an older thread, but I'm currently in a very similar position, as I've mentioned over in this thread.

I have a 38 that I really like, but I've come across an MSR-24 at what seems to be a fair price and I'm strongly considering it.

I would love to hear/read a further comparison of experiences with these machines. The MSR-16 vs. 24 question is interesting as well. I personally don't think any more than 16 tracks would be necessary, but I don't think I'll come across the 16 any time soon, or for a sum I could muster...
Click to expand...

You are right it's an old thread..haha...I have converted to the Mac and Logic .. Just want to make one comment... If you are considering live drums I would go 24.. if not 16 is fine.. The 24 is a narrower format for sure but the Dolby is supposed to be kick ass. If its the S model...
I find myself using a lot of extra tracks now cause it makes for a more open mix. 24 into 1 inch is one thing but you can send to adjacent tracks to kind of psuedo 16. Just a thought. I wish it wasn't such a venture anymore... I had plans to run my TSR8 along with the Mac in tandem but haven't made the attempt yet.
 
C.M.S. said:
I know this is an older thread, but I'm currently in a very similar position, as I've mentioned over in this thread.

I have a 38 that I really like, but I've come across an MSR-24 at what seems to be a fair price and I'm strongly considering it.

I would love to hear/read a further comparison of experiences with these machines. The MSR-16 vs. 24 question is interesting as well. I personally don't think any more than 16 tracks would be necessary, but I don't think I'll come across the 16 any time soon, or for a sum I could muster...
Click to expand...

I have had an MSR-24 for 13 years now. It was one of the last ones available before they pulled the plug on analog. I love it. The 1" tape is a good compromise. I could have never been able to get a 2" machine in 96. Although now I am curious about the 2" monsters and have a plan to get one in the next 5 years. I have the DBX which I also love, if the machine is aligned proprely, you would think you were listening to digital [except for the harshness] It is that quiet. Occasionally you will hear some hiss riding up and down if there is a bass solo or something that has no high fequencies. That is called breathing or pumping.
good luck
VP
 
The 1" 24-track has wider tracks than the 1/2" 16-track, so more capture potential. I recommend you avoid the 'S' models...I've read several threads about the proprietary Dolby IC's going bad after years and it is not a cheap fix, if it is repairable at all.

And don't think that if you are going to record drums you ought to go for 24-track...IMHO you have better potential for a more "open" mix with less mics and tracks introducing phase distortion and other anomalies...many classic recordings sound WAY open to me...granted many were tracked on wide format...even 1" 4-track :eek:. I lean toward using less to get more. Mic'ing every drum is a good way to get a bad drum sound unless you really know how to position the mics you have to avoid the phase distortions. I realize some flavors of music really call for that kind of mic array, but I don't think it is necessary. I well placed three-mic setup (using good mics) can get an incredible stereo capture of the kit.

I'm preferential to 8-track formats. I think you should look for the widest format you can afford unless you really think you need 24 or 16 tracks.

My 2p

Don't forget the cost of that cal tape. 1" cal tape ain't cheap.
 
yep. so many costs.

Oops, I was thinking about the MS-16 when I said MSR-16 back there. I guess the 24 is kind of in between those two in terms of tape width, of course the likelihood of finding an MS-16 for a thousand dollars seems quite slim.

I made sure this was a dbx machine before going to look at it.

I enjoy 8 track recording, for sure.
I don't mind a pared-down drum mic situation at all, and I like the idea of having to limit what hits the tape, rather than the throw-whatever-you-can-at-it mentality that often accompanies the digi recording world (and of which I am occasionally a willing proponent, don't get me wrong). But I would like the freedom to track some extra guitar and vocal overdubs etc. without worrying about running out of channels right away.
 
Sure. I understand that. I'm a drummer and there are times when having the "creative" room is nice. At this point I figure I'll abuse digital if I just gotta have more tracks, or sync with the PC, track and dump, track and dump keeping all the tracks together in the DAW and utilize offset functions on the synchronizer to keep all the tracks on tape...but it is more fun to keep it at or under 8-tracks and I find I get better results doing that rather than figuring out how to fill all the tracks (which is what I regretably often end up doing :o...and therefore a DAW is a terrible thing for me...)

It is possible to find an MS-16 for $1000 but you need to be careful for sure. Many times the system needs "TLC" or is missing components. Who knows...the MSR-16 might be a really good option. I've heard some amazing results off of that format. Many good reviews of long-term users on the reliability. You get your 16 tracks and (relatively) affordable 1/2" tape. Might be a good balance of cost vs. having the extra tracking room.

At this point I think I'm die-hard 8-track user with 1/4", 1/2" and 1" 8-track systems...:D:D:D
 
Nate74 said:
I've absolutely loved everythign I've ever recorded on my Tascam 38. I recently started an upgrade project to go to 24 tracks. I initially thought I'd pick up an Alesis HD24. My idea was I'd still track as much as possible to the 38 then dump tracks to the HD24... then a friend asked a logical question:

"Why not just get a 24 track analog machine?"

Duh I thought to myself... so there's no way i can afford a 2" machine, but for about what the HD24 costs, I can probably find a used MSR-24 or G24S.

So my main question is: Will these sound about like my Tascam 38, with just more tracks?

Which is better?

Any other thoughts would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...


Re: the HD24 - there is some question as to how much longer it is going to be around. Alesis support for it seems to be slowing down and they have for all intents and purposes, discontinued the Hi-Res version. It would appear that the parent company, NUMARK, is content to sell off remaining inventory and then let the product die.

The unit works/sounds well enough but IMHO, is an ergonomic nightmare. They also never made a proper remote for it. A re-badged LRC or old BRC will work but both are very kludgy. Cases in point: You must record a few seconds of each song file without the BRC before it can find the HD24 at all. The BRC locks you in to 48K sampling rate unless you mickey mouse down to 44.1 (ish) with the varispeed. It will never allow anything higher than 48K no matter what.
 
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