Why I won't buy the Tascam 2488

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Herm said:
You didnt mention what the unit sounded like. Does it sound as good as my 8 track analog machine?
Click to expand...

It sounds great. Technically/Specs there's no question there.
My ears were pleasently surprised...but monitors/room are work in progress.

The big question/skeptisim was the user interface...
or more like "did I get a good unit or a lemon!!! yikes!! lot of OOBF
(out of box failure) these days. I hear about it at work too, poor Quality
Control...buyer beware. CHEAP has two meanings.

Listening:
Not much time on the listening yet. ~5hrs
I'm also trying different monitors this weekend. RP8's vs (PA150+RAM6.5") vs
(PA150+Paradigm 3se).
For my money I have to have a HUGE change or it goes
back...like the RNC for example vs 3630..HUGE change=keeper.

The RP8's sound good, but not way out there better than what I have.
The high mids actually kinda hurt my ears in my room anyway. So does
my RAM's.
The RP8's were my top pick at GC..and fhk!! $175 each (end of month+ demo model!!)
c'mon...that'd get any gearhead pumped up!!! $350pr KRK RP8"!!oh baby.

the 2488 CD player is user friendly too.
It is a HD, so it loads and then you select a track.press play etc..
Abbey Road and XTC cd and some of
my own mixes.

as REEL mentioned....my desk is less cluttered, but the 2488 is really
nice compared to the Roland 840 I had.

is the 2488 a keeper, it looks like it. I needed a CDR bad.
didn't really want a computer as it turns into the family gamecube..
didn't want another consumer deck..my pioneer was sucking...
Masterlink was $800..
and I have had a MD8 for some time, loookin to upgrade..

+ GC did the 2488 NIB $1100..and gave me $500 off for a guitar trade in.
reducing taxes too.

RP8's maybe going back, but it's hard their soo fhkng cheap!!!
but i can't afford or justify something (single income of 4family)

unless its like DAMN!!!! this is just... WOW!!! like the 2488.
 
A Reel Person said:
but I think my recording time & dollars are best spent in exploiting all the capabilities of what I already have. :eek:
Click to expand...

REEL, thats always an interesting an overlooked point.
My nephews are serious, young musicians.
They've made cassette copys that sound better than
anything I've ever made and others I've heard, quality wise.
I usually dump off my old sht
to my broother or them if needed or I can't get fair $$ for it.
Quality is up, they also spend 4 fhkng weeks on the drums alone!!
they have $0. all is borrowed equipment.

When I play their CD, it sounds as good as store bought.
They even jammed with SLipknot once and the drummer said
my nephew was the best drummer he'd ever heard.
They are justcoolkids, and a couple local studios help too & allow them to use their resources at times.mic's.

and as our canadianBear friend, often says...the equipments only 50%.

Will my 2488 stuff sound as good as my nephews 4-Cassette stuff?
not if i put in little effort and they put in 3months late nights...
and 4 weeks on the drums alone!!whoooaa!fhk that.
hell I use a drum machine and can't stand to program it!!!

my songs have more words than theirs do tho, so nananananaaypoooopypants.
fhk i'm funny daamnn.
 
Lets drop into fantasy mode for a min...

The ultimate SIAB. I would say it would 24bit digital, 24 track with 24 induvidual faders and a nice fat master volume fader. The machine would be a beast and there would be a small screen on it, but it wouldnt matter cause there would be a VGA output on the back. Anywayz, a few of the channels would have an insert point on the front. Above the faders, each track would have its on Pan knob and above that would be 4 EQ knobs (2 mid, high and low) and the unit would have 2 or 3 effects sends/returns and each would have a knob on each channel to control the amounts as well as the masters. The beast would resemble the tascam 488MKII/688 with loads of knobs and controls but also a host of internal effects such as compression and limiting...
All intuative operation with real knobs to control everything but with a big harddrive and pristine digital 24bit audio?This is so easy.... why doesnt it exist? I think even Dave would like this machine!

Damn, if someone doesnt invent this (Tascam, Roland, Yamaha, ANYONE!!) im gonna have to go to nightschool and learn to make something like this myself.
 
next wave...

i thought the same thing.

Tascam has already done it really on the DP01 with
analog type-EQ and PAN knobs. So it's not unknown technology?

So will the next wave SIAB have EQ and PAN knobs and Video cards...
I think at GC Yamaha or ROland does this already.

If I were working clients and bands and mixing as many songs as possible,
the 2488 screen would be ruff, really ruff....kinda like a pro having to listen
to ONLY 4"ref. speakers for 12hrs a day x7.

2488 even has a MONO button too...
but I'm keeping my Adcom pre-amp/patchbay around awhile.
its got a cool MONO button, one push and the sound is like a Vacuum to the center....learned that from George MArtin book.
.....Stereo/Pans are setup, put in mono and adjust volumes, then release back to Stereo/Pans.
altho not to many consumers have MONO units anymore, it's still
a great volume setting tip during mix.
 
more on the 2488...What I don't Like (day 2)

Ok found a couple items maybe of interest to someone.

(and back on main thread intention...)

1)No channel Inserts.
2)Effect Sends/Aux Sends???? there aren't any RETURNS??? maybe just me.
I wanted to put my RNC on every channel, post trim. not sure one can.
3) You can play a CD...but you can't record from internalCD to the 2488.
This means need an external CD player going into track1&2 or etc..
no great big deal, but it should be mentioned.
4) probably newbie but the Final MAstering/ Dynamics (effects) only
have Compressor and Expander. I was wanting to put a touch of Reverb on everything as I prefer to TRACK dry...and splash some plate on the end...
couldn't do this.or i'm just a stupid newbie.

MONITORING:
plugged my RP8 test monitors back in, to the 2488 Monitor outs..
reading posts on RP8's, these have alot of happy customers.
this is what FLAT sounds like?? in comparison to average HiFi.
Deepwater said +/-db over most freq range. Many happy customers
of RP8's but saying they don't sound "pretty or HiFi-ish"but translate well.
maybe my problem?
hell i don't know???its a mess?, of course HiFi sounds better, but I have no
exp. really knowing,
not a seasoned monitor guy "how do you know if the monitors sound right/correct or flat or uncolored?good, bad, ugly or like Clint Eastwood?"

the RP8's are so cheap...i'm searching to sell something else off. Or pick up some overtime again. fhk, I have 5 sets of speakers now...my kids think I'm a LOONEY!!!A speaker LOONEY!!Its a running joke about getting Dad more speakers and sht!
I have the TASCAM AMP, RAM STUDIOS, PARADIGM(BW type), Infinity towers and two more sets of off brands.. A thumpin JBL sub woofer monitor.

For the studio I want one TRACKING/MIX speakers and some Optimus 7/Auratone types...no more no less.

+++good note-Tascam has a monitor section- includes a MONO check. Figured out how to do this,using the Monitor Spker output not stereo outs. So now press the MONO button and
...whooosh hyperdrive....sucks everything to the center!!
great. still thumbs up...and 29days to go, but so far its a Keeper big time.

If I don't use anything but the tracking (and guitar tuner)...its cool.

ooops Sorry REEL..babbling away on your thread again. it is on the 2488 tho!
 
Are you kidding? Riff on!

See, at this point I'm living vicariously through you, since you popped for the 2488 and I didn't. :eek: ;)
 
thanks...i'll keep updating then.
you know where i'm coming from, MD8 being a GREAT unit and all the
pre-Porta years, ADAT, 8-track cassettes...and the dreaded RolandVS840 expierience!!
The infamous ..840:
ALT/SFT/SCROLL/ ARROW/ SHFT+CONT= turn the Treble up by "1".
now the low eq..ok shft/alt/press, shft ALT-CONT+ Arrow key..ok theres the
Low freq ICON!!!daamnnn

On the 2488 sound, sound is a "grey, personal taste area".
I posted a SPL meter thread and have done considerable
playbacks (mainly for monitors.) Guessing my room is a limiting factor.

The RP8's are going back. Not that their bad, but with the TASCAM PA and
two sets of speakers (paid for)...and ability to add my Optimus 7 (auratones)..

in the end...i plugged in my newest favorite CD..Eric Clapton/Me and Mr Johnson....Dirty MilK Cow Blues.....and compared and compared...
PAradigm, RAM, RP8...the little RAM 6.5" had tighter bass and loud mids
(no front port). and this is a Dirty Zepplintype 1930's Blues song...
with modern day technology.

and as we discussed before the amp+passive offer A/B/C/D/E/F...speakers,
which is great to a speaker-holic!!!! heheheee. does anyone else find speakers SEXY???
 
more on the 2488...What I don't Like (day 2.75)

Actually, I don't like all the pages. I keep the 2488 on the HOME page whenever and as quick as possible. My previous units only had one screen.
That was one issue IMO, with the PC software, there's sooo much going on.
I'm an old porta-head...and really only want to hit Play/Rec/Rew/Fwd.
(altho it'd be awesome to handoff the dry tracks and have an ENG, arrange add and edit!!)

As Benreturns stated, I'd like to have the 24tracks/24bits-
with the Analog Board thing= Knobs and standard Analog patches that make sense. Kinda a less is better thing. Take into account, I usually have a guitar
in hand while pressing rec...no Behind the Glass hst going on.

Negatives clarified: per TASCAM 2488 forum.
1) CDR or Consumer CD tracks cannot be uploaded to the 2488.
Have to have a external CD player or a USB.
2) The AUX SENDS comes back into "SUB MIX". My stupidity, of course.
2qty SENDS. ~8SUBMIX (aux returns). (OUTBOARD GEAR FRIENDLY)

Again if you don't like the TASCAM EFFECTS(or menus) use Outboard gear.

3) Reverb can be put on all tracks afterall. (of course you say)

I've left it ON 2.5days straight. no issues. 27.5 days to decide.
Plan to do a DMP3+RNC vs 2488 Pre+Comp next.
next article: PREAMPS and EFFECTS.

:) Or say fhk it and use all outboard analog FXgear...with knobs and meters!!
then I really could leave the unit on the HOME screen 98% of the time!!hmm?
 
I had a Tascam US-122 ...the left side pre up broke, and the drivers were rubbish...

I wanted to get a 16 track +

I was very much looking at the 2488 but heard it was buggy.... some said it was fine so I just went for it.... we went to pick it up..set it up and started a song.... didn't even get past the first verse and it came up with an error.... remembering what I heard I put it back in the box went to the shop and said...nope!.. we also had the German instruction manual!!?

I got the Yamaha AW16 instead ..not quite as many tracks and no USB but Very solid and once you get your head around it its pretty simple.... sounds nice too.

bit of a bummer to have to use CDs all the time to transfer data but all in all its doing a good job.... Tascams stuff is poor. IMO

Yamaha/ Korg/ Rolland, all the way.
 
Awg

yeah flight, thats a huge concern with the 2488...quality is
like HIT or MISS.

there's no denying all the positive 16G threads and their effects
aren't slammed either.

i like the Tascam and so far haven't had one issue.
recorded over and over but not yet a full blown, effetcs or
at least "my" approach.

testing out outboard vs internal now.

i find the 2488 soo easy to track with...compared to a Roland840.
no issues, but really need many.many more hours on it.

but yeah the Yammie AWG16 has the "popular" vote anyway.
i believe it as this group wouldn't lie just to be bllsht.

i had a MD8 in use for years and not one damn problem...GREAT unit,
which all these newbies are judged against. it ain't easy...

Gearhead fun yes!
 
If the 2488 is TRULY as buggy as everyone is saying, it really is a shame. Tascam has always been the LEADER of home level recording technology. Hearing people say things like Tascam Sucks is so sad, as historically it is completely untrue. Maybe they rushed the unit to market to stay ahead af the pack?
 
Coolcat
Yeah some have been ok with it.... but I didn't want to know in a years time it might go on me.... but for what it does it is much better than the AW16 ...but I think with these things you got to go for the reliability and build of them.
as I say the Yammy is like a rock but a little behind now.... it takes me ages to get all the files into my PC ...that's one thing the Tascam does well ...using the USB port ..now put a USB port on the AW16 and im really happy!



Flamin
It seems Tascam are going full out for the low budget user but I just feel they are taking to many short cuts.... even the feel of the 2488 was very light and fragile.... the yammy has a steel case and feels like you could use it to wedge open a window!....(not that I would :) )


bottom line, as long as it works and you can get on with the music then you got the right one
 
pc's and 2488's

i get confused by you guys, if your hooking to a computer is important why would you want a SIAB (whatever that means?).

why not just use a computer all the time?
everyone says the screens are easier and you could upload and download, master,edit,burn..
right on the pc.
unless your truly "porta-ing" it around, i don't get it?

Haven't had much time on the 2488.
Acoustic guitar with the SP-B1.

PRE's: 2488 dry vs. DMP3
1) 2488 Pre's are a slight bit quiter than the DMP3. Maybe just less stuff in the signal chain effect. Probably don't need the DMP3.

Still missing some "warm" so...

2488 dry vs DMP3/RNC
1) RNC added a nice touch. So I'd have to say the DMP3/RNC won out.
Didn't get to the 2488 reverbs and effects yet...other than reading and taking notes from the online video thing.

neg.= no damn inserts!!! none, zilch-o. have to do the AUX send/SUBMIX??
(wht the fk is wrong with AUX RETURN??)

#1: Tracking is just fng great, it's actually easier than the MD8.amazing.
This alone is worth the money IMO.

IN PROGRESS: the effects vs outboard will have to be proven out.
The stereo buss reverb is a piece of cake too. Two buttons insted
of one. But its like having 24qty Reverbs.

RELIABILITY:
really concerned. all the threads are a concern....even on the TASCAM forum.
I can't afford to have $1,000 problem later (after 30days!!!). lockups..
and REEL, they're talking about "clicks"...oh no.

If I really went the extra mile I'd go test drive the AWG16 and compare myself.
If it can TRACK like this thing + the reliabilty (and effects are spoken highly of)..I could live with 16 tracks.

or a DP01+Masterlink??

DAMN REEL...I think I'm a gear slut too??
 
Last edited:
Yeah, but I don't have to be a gearslut anymore,...

'cause I'm living vicariously through you now!! :eek:

E'time I think of buying the 2488, as wonderful as it must be,... I remind myself of the MSR-24 sitting on the table, just begging to be used,... that's already bought & paid for. Now, to just find the time & inspiration to capitalize on it.

The days I can just pick up the acoustic guitar with no ups & no extras are as good of a musical outlet for me as anything.

2 weeks ago I did a live-to-tape 3-tracker to the Tascam 244 Portastudio (cassette), which I simultaneously shot on video & sent to VHS Hifi. It was fun alright, but it literally took me all night to get a single acceptable take of one 3-minute song. So that's the level of my musical achievment, at the present time,... admittely low-tech, low-talent, low-output,... but I still do it mainly for fun, of which I have loads.

I've almost burned my self out, or saturated my gear "needs" in recording, to the point that I cruise Ebay & the new gear mags, and I either don't want a particular unit for purely technical reasons,... or I already have it. :eek:

In short, I'm trying very hard to change my gearslutty ways, but I've still managed to buy a Tascam PE-120 mic and a Technics RS-955 cassette deck, already this year.

On the 2488, I'm holding the line & strictly living vicariously through you! ;)
 
30day test drive theory

i like your honesty of confusion and totally relate to the switching of decisions. BEar said something like...after listening, I liked the Mackies and the X type..best...yadadayadaydaa
so i bought the KRK's of course!!
i can relate, theres a user-preference the specs don't capture, the personal taste factor....maybe one extra button or
a triangled port instead of a back port on monitor for example,
display colors...yellow cones being the sht!! ?

personally, i usually "trade" up.
if i get something new, i then go thru this "sell off" frenzy to attempt a "$0" out of pocket.
So the 2488 at $1100 - $500 for the guitar, but they thru in a $350pr of RP8's extra -100 for the same guitar ($600 guitar).
So i'm out $600 on the 2488.
Then if i sell some more,-350~ MD8 etc. its down to near$0.

The RP8's will go back thats like a $350 savings!! heheheheee
and I'm not going to Spain for vacation so thats another $2,000 saved!!!...hahrahar

so with this frenzy,
is an added 30-day Return frenzy, but this is more serious.
but its a serious fun gearheadslut hell.

2488:
REEL,with the 2488 reading last night, the "CLICKS" you heard on the Demo that day has been heard by others too. this kinda sht is a big concern.
adding to the pressure of the 30-day test drive. No one knows why the "CLICK" is there either!!
Just some songs will get a "CLICK" on it!!!

IMO, TASCAM fhkd themselves by hurrying to market. They should have Beta
tested these things, worked the bugs out, took some time, and then they would have had a "Platinum Seller"....so what did it cost the fhkrs in the end?
now that all the bad reviews got out there becuase of hurrying to market,
how much did that cost them??? fhkng bean counters, scrooges...they probably hurried the Software Engs and now blame them for having to revise sht on the fly, in front of the public!! because of 2488 CLICKS and BURNT UP POWER SUPPLYS!!!


Nothings perfect.
Other HD units,Popular AW16G, don't have many things too like INSERTS.
AW16G isn't as user friendly per reads/threads,
but once "you get it", it seems to be built well. and don't see any "click"
or software issues as often, less Reliability concerns.
but your back to less- USer Friendly.

being a musician type/recording head....i need a unit that is like
invisible so as not to clutter the recording/tracking process..the creativity.
but at the same time the sound has to be decent, i can't handle the Anthology sounding crap. The MD8 is awesome, upgrade was more tracks and a digital output. being a poorman I need a maintenance free unit like the mD8 has been.


Justification of GEARSLUTING:
some people spend $1,000 on a frkn fishin' pole...i do recorders or speakers and sht, the way i see it. so i justify all my peculiar attractions to speakers and gold cables....do i give a sht if someone buys or trades for a $1,000 fishin' pole...do the Fish care?...probably not, i ve never talked to a Fish.
But there are people that think they are a fish. but thats a different forum.
:)

too much coffee this morning?
 
I tried recording straight to the PC, but I found it to be awkward at best for me. That's why I went with the 2488. I use it strictly for tracking. It excels at that. It's hard to beat the ease of use. The USB was the biggest reason I went with the Tascam over the Yamaha. I've been nothing but pleased with this unit.
 
2488 kicks ass on TRACKING

yeah, even a technophobe like me can TRACK like a Pro....

damn, best TRACKING unit I've ever used!!

I was pleasently surprised with the ease of EQ and and PAN too.

Effects and Buss sends...Outboard vs INboard?

how many days now? I think I'm at 6 or so. 24 to go.
 
23 days left? 2488 still shining thru.

been recording a acoustic/ Zep "Boogie with Stu" type sht-PhysicalGraffiti.
with some T-REX touches.
SP-B1 strainght to the 2488- Acoustic and Vocals, Heavy Drums,
with some percussions going on...work in progress.
Will redo with the DMP3/RNC next...ok right now. its been a blast.

2488:
it's been a fun tune and the 2488 has been just awesome.
nothing has ever been easier for Tracking. No probelms on my unit
so far. The only "clicking" i might have heard was catching the clip indicator
lite up during tracking.

EQ is a snap, to adjust EQ...Press the EQ button! then
press the cool-green-track select button- and adjust EQ for that Track.
Its a snap. The Q is adjustable but didn't mess with that yet (same screen).
Try not to use the EQ much- get it right tracking.
I wonder with my DMP3/RNC/ if a EQ wouldn't fill out this "channel strip".
A Toft ATC-2- Avalon (full channel strip)
would be kickin....maybe next year?

PAN is easy too, the same as EQ.
Press the PAN button!!
press the track you want and pan....simple.

I used 7 tracks with 17 to go... I burnt a CD of initial tracks.
Sounds ok, User Friendly so far.
Sound is a grey area...I would tend to say if there is a "sound"
problem with a 24bit/24track tool ......it may be the USER????

Fantasy Land:
The Effects and Mixing board could be easier.
I have to learn this in more detail, still haven't done much with Effects.

hell, i started having too much fun...on the Zep/TREX acoustic boogie
track and forgot about A/Bing!!!
 
funny...thought

REEL,
i was just thinkin'..flip/upside down answer...

WHY I WON'T BUY A 2488?

is because I already have one! :)
 
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