It's a technical term,
but it's kind of hard to explain.
It relates to how the electronics should be adjusted just *so*, to saturate the tape at a very precise level, in order to get the best performance from the tape (highest S/N ratio). Also, relates to an oscillating signal that's used to "juice" the primary signal that's layed onto the tape, which has something to do with achieving a proper frequency response.
It's higly technical, and maybe another member might be able to explain it better.
Basically, at the consumer level, keep in mind that the tape that Tascam Portastudios run on is Type II, CrO2 tapes, also known as "Chrome" oxide tapes. The Type I tape is a "Ferric" oxide tape.
The Type II tape is a lower noise/higer output tape than a Type I tape, and since their 'bias' frequency is different (70us/120us), if either Type I or II tape is recorded at the wrong bias, frequency response would be adversly affected.
For Tascam 244's and virtually all other Tascam Portastudios, stick with Type II/CrO2/chrome tapes. Check the labels of the tapes you buy, as every high quality cassette is labeled with the type and bias specs.
I think choosing the right 'type' of tape (Type II) is more important than whether it's a C60 or C90, as far as Portastudios are concerned.
As I've said, I've traditionally used C90's, and I've had no problems from it. No print thru, no stretching, no fading. As a matter of fact, none of my Tascam Portastudios have ever eaten a cassette, and that speaks for many, many years of faithful use.
I baby my Tascams, but they get good use! (Home recording is 'my life'- ha- no, home recording is 'da bomb').
BTW, I love my 244! It's such a high quality device. Mine has not seen a lot of use lately, because I have several other Tascams, but I have a large body of work recorded on my 244, and mine still looks and sounds great. I've had to do some minor maintenance on it, (the belts), but otherwise, it's solid and built like a tank!
The 244's only the 2nd Portastudio ever, and it's definitely a nice, classic design. Functionality and features on the 244 are very good, and this unit was way ahead of it's time.
I like the 244 so much, that I've recently picked up another one, (mint/cherry), as well as other Tascams, like the 234 (which I like quite a bit) or even R-R's, from time to time.
Another great Portastudio is the 246. It's a full 4 buss/4 track cassette, with 6 VU meters, and this unit was also way ahead of it's time. To find one in mint condition would be a real score!
BTW, if you're interested in this kind of vintage equipment, now is the time to buy! There's still some nice, low usage, vintage/analog type equipment out there, that's still in good condition, and deals to be had. For instance, the 244 I just scored had very little usage on it, and virtually no signs of wear. This 244 I recently scored looks and works as perfectly as when it was brand new. Same for my 234! Some other equipment out there may be more worn or high usage, so be careful, but lots of this equipment could very likely be fixed.
