Using the mixer in a Tascam 388 w/ a tsr-8

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rickson Gracie
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Rickson Gracie

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I remember reading somewhere that this is possible.

I just got a good deal on a tsr-8 ($265) supposedly in excellant condition ( i pick it up locally this week).

I got it so I can have something a little more high fidelity at my disposal but I still plan on using the 388 for a different flavor.

Anywho...

How would they connect with eachother? im assuming the line outs of the 388 go into the tsr-8? and then what?

Also would the same wired remote work on the tsr-8? if not what kind do i look for?

thanks for the help
 
Yes, with some considerations.

In general, the 388's 8 Buss/Pgm Outputs would connect to and feed the TSR8's 8 Inputs for the recording tracks from the 388's mixer to the TSR8 tape deck.

A separate 8x2 submix would be needed for "cue" mix while overdubbing, such as a Tascam M-1B, to listen to the playback/live tracks thru the TSR8 in isolation from the 388 and inputs.

For mixdown, you'd repatch the TSR8's Tape-Outputs to the Line-Inputs on the 388, and... bada bing!:eek:;) Mix away!

You could leave the inputs/outputs of the TSR8 permanently patched to the 388 and M-1B, as long as you didn't use the 388 to select a playback "Line" input and reassign it to any of the PGM-Busses while the TSR8 is in "Sync" mode, whereupon you'd get a horrendous feedback loop that could damage your hearing and your system. Be very careful with switching patch channel assignments with this setup!
 
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thanks reel:)

hmmm, so there would be more gear i would need to get and i would have to constantly be needing to switch out plugs to make this system work?

as much as i am really liking the 388 i wonder if i should just get a whole new mixer. what would be a good (comparable to the 388's) modern mixer to pair with the tsr-8?
 
...

Another piece of gear: yes, but the M-1B is a small component.
Having to contstantly repatch cables: not as long as you're very careful.:eek:;)
You might want to look at the M308/M312B. M512/M520 if you want to go big.
 
sorry im bumping this old thread up but i have another question about this -

rather than getting a seperate submixer cant i just connect the outputs of the TSR-8 directly into the 1/4 inch 'line ins' of the 388? and then when i want to record to that track or tracks can just switch out that channel for the mic?

ill be using the 8 Buss/Pgm Outputs connected to the inputs of the TSR-8.

i did try it and seems to work but im wondering if im missing something important here or if there will be any future issues im not accounting for.

thanks again.

also how would u compare the mixer of the 388 to the M308B? I have one of those but i cant seem to fit it on my table correctly. the M308B sounded really good.
 
It's doable, but...

without the isolation provided by a separate submixer, you are set up and more prone to patching inadvertent feedback loops during the back & forth flow of switching thru the tracking session.:eek:;)
 
A Reel Person said:
without the isolation provided by a separate submixer, you are set up and more prone to patching inadvertent feedback loops during the back & forth flow of switching thru the tracking session.:eek:;)
Click to expand...

thanks reel - can u give me an example of what youre saying? especially "patching inadvertent feedback loops during the back & forth flow of switching thru the tracking session." that really went over my novice head:)

most of my tracking would be one instrument at a time through a seperate mic pre going directly to the line in on the 388.

thanks:)
 
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Okay.

What I'm referring to is if/when the output from the TSR8 is routed into the 388's mixer, then inadvertently back into itself, (i.e., the input of the TSR8), then the feedback loop occurs when you select that particular track for "Rec Enable". I can't be more specific than that, because it's setup and process specific, and will often happen "on the fly" when changing tracks or modes. It's a hazard, & is annoying but isn't a show stopper. However, you'll want to avoid it for the sake of your equipment, monitoring system and hearing. That's why I recommend an external line mixer like the M-1B for "Cue" operation during overdubbing. That way you're assured the inputs and output are 100% isolated, but it's your choice. What you want to do by your description is doable, if not optimal.

Better yet. Do what you need to do your way, then in a year's time come back and tell me you never patched a feedback loop thru this setup, and I'd be fine with that. It's avoidable only if you're very methodical and very careful at all times thru the tracking phase of the project.

Thanks!
 
ok i think i know what u mean now. thanks for your patience:)
 
...

The output of a tape track being fed back into it's same track# with record enabled will really howl. You'll know it when it happens & you'll think of me.:eek:;)
 
So,...

Didn't you say you had the M308? That might be better overall with the TSR8 vs. the 388 mixer. The M308 provides a legitimate cue/submix system that the 388 doesn't, being that the M308's design was originally scoped for an external 8-track, and the 388 was scoped as a self contained solution.:eek:;)
 
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