WTB- DAT vs. DA-88

  • Thread starter Thread starter ksounds
  • Start date Start date
well, I have a little piece of mind after having talked with the seller. He assures me he will take the upmost care in packaging and the the unit is in excellent "physical" condition. Operation wise, hey it moves when you press play and the lights work :eek: We'll see. I'm hopeful. I've already ordered all new rubber parts for the unit, a new tension roller (last one the guy had) and 2 new caps for them. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will most pictures.
 
well, here's another option... you mix down to the DAT machine then shoot those two trax back to the portastudio so now you can add lots more trax as opposed to only having 2 open trax on yer 4 track!
 
yeah....but that would still leave me only two open tracks. Anyway, I ended up buying an open reel recorder, not a DAT recorder.
 
yea i have a 4 track reel to reel also. personally i dig it totally. i didnt see that you had purchased one til after i messaged. by the way where the hell did you get one of those for 200 bucks? i need to go there cuz i have this old simul-sinc and the rewinds broken. came outta' charlie danial's studio in nashville though. i could prob. make a fortune right!
 
Farview said:
The DA88/38 is 8-tracks and you can save up some more money and get another one to sync with it.

Why don't you want to go computer based? That's the cheapest option with the most features and flexiblility.
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I had a DA-38 for a while when it came out. I could get a decent enough recording on it, but I don't really trust the media more than a couple of years so archiving would be a must. I sold it and went back to wide tape and was much better served.

For some of us self-recording types, there seems to be greater musical ease using tape vs. a computer. For me, I just don't like dealing with a computer when I'm in the creative mode. There's just something about my having to touch a computer that interferes with music.

Most of what I do now to keep track of ideas is recording live to two track using a portable preamp/field mixer to a portable two-track recorder. The preamp and recorder can come right along with me wherever I'm playing so I can control the levels and monitor on the phones without having to get up and deal with the computer.

Now there is a new wireless controller called the Tranzport that looks like it would be pretty handy and might overcome some of this limitation, since the recording process can be controlled where I play without getting near the computer. However, I think the simple two-track, one-button setup will be my most-used rig for quite some time. Once the M-23 is fully healed, I will probably run the portable preamp output there, assuming I can build up a transport remote for the M-23.

Cheers,

Otto
 
as long as there are no major problems with that unit you should be able to get it up and running. making minor repairs like belt replacement, tension rollers, etc... is good because it will help you get more familiar with the machine, and plus its also kinda fun. I have been going through the same thing with a Tascam 38 that I have been working on. Its just about ready for my first project which I'm gonna start next weekend.

Once you get into reel to reel, I would ditch cassette tape altogether. Don't completely rule out digital recording to a computer, and consider making your bounces to PC. I like tape and all, but I'll take 24-bit digital over cassettes. There is some great DAW software out there (REAPER!!!). Digital has its advantages. I'm trying to develop an analog tape/digital hybrid workflow, get sound with some character, use the best features of working in the digital realm, and still keep it on the cheap.

alos... If you're interested, my 38 came with two DX-4Ds and I may be selling them off.
 
Once you get into reel to reel, I would ditch cassette tape altogether.
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uhmmmmm...no way. I hear what your saying, but my portastudio completely ROCKS!!!!!!
I think that using both 1/4" & cassette will yield some awesome results!
I use the computer as well. I think that computers work great to mix down to and to add some final touches to your stuff (fades, modest normalizing, song sequence, etc...) I'm also going to be using my computer to lay down some drum tracks and pump them into the analog realm. Like I said, I will post pics of the 22-4 soon. Thanks for everyone's input thus far.
 
Naa, I'd keep the 246 if I were you, ksounds. It's too much quality to just ditch. ;)
 
ksounds said:
well, I have a little piece of mind after having talked with the seller. He assures me he will take the upmost care in packaging and the the unit is in excellent "physical" condition. Operation wise, hey it moves when you press play and the lights work :eek: We'll see. I'm hopeful. I've already ordered all new rubber parts for the unit, a new tension roller (last one the guy had) and 2 new caps for them. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will most pictures.
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I sincerely hope that all goes well with the transaction, even though I don't trust a damn word an eBay seller says these days, with a very few exceptions.

Another thing you might want to always look-out for is that even if the recorder powers up and goes in / out of its basic functions, it doesn't really mean anything. If the heads are shot (worn) then you have a major headache. If corrosion, oxidation or, gulp, solder joints are bad then it's a whole different issue. Add to this insufficient packing [very common] and less than ideal shipping method [very common] and we're talking major mechanical misalignment, cracked PCBs and pushed in or broken reel shafts and worse. The list goes on .....

I gotta tell you that most recorders that "make it" in shipping [and are as advertised] are damn lucky and not that it was done right by the seller.

This is just a precaution for future dealings.
 
Another thing you might want to always look-out for is that even if the recorder powers up and goes in / out of its basic functions, it doesn't really mean anything. If the heads are shot (worn) then you have a major headache. If corrosion, oxidation or, gulp, solder joints are bad then it's a whole different issue. Add to this insufficient packing [very common] and less than ideal shipping method [very common] and we're talking major mechanical misalignment, cracked PCBs and pushed in or broken reel shafts and worse. The list goes on .....
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Please don't sugar coat it:eek:
I bought my 246 off ebay and must say it arrived in perfect shape. Let's hope this is a similar situation (he says nervously as he wipes the sweat from his brow).
 
ksounds said:
Please don't sugar coat it:eek:
I bought my 246 off ebay and must say it arrived in perfect shape. Let's hope this is a similar situation (he says nervously as he wipes the sweat from his brow).
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Let me just underline the importance that I'm in no way trying to freak you out but rather serve a cautionary note [for the future] no matter how this deal goes down.

It's a huge gamble, this eBay thing [with sight unseen machines] and bad packing / shipping its dirty little secret, often being blamed for semi or non-fuctional machines.

The 246 is a relatively light machine (approx 20lbs) vs that of the open reel format and its structure makes for easier packing.

Just out of curiosity, how and with what was your 246 packed and how was it shipped?

There are ways to pack and ship which are most effective but buyer pickups are always recommended, not only to view the machine's cond but also to avoid the dreaded shipping.

Where are you located ksounds?

BTW, before you hit the power button of your 22-4, check very carefully for shipping damage and state of the tape path. I'd also take off the back cover if I were you just to see if all is well.
 
cjacek said:
Naa, I'd keep the 246 if I were you, ksounds. It's too much quality to just ditch. ;)
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Amen to that!

I guess it depends on what kind of cassette portas a person has been exposed to.

If it's some of the more recent Tascam and Fostex stuff I can understand wanting to move on, but the 246... I've always gotten professional results with it.

Not that just anyone with a good piece of equipment can realize its potential. It takes a capable operator too. The truth is we have more fighter jets than aces in this business. ;)
 
Excellent point, Tim.

It's like people hear the word "cassette" and "cassette portastudio" and come to the erroneous conclusion that all such machines are created equal. If I were not the owner of the 244 and at one time the 246 and stayed with my 414 instead then I'd not be too hopped up on the cassette format either but I know how the better built portas sound and it's quite shocking. [In a good way that is ;) ]
 
Just out of curiosity, how and with what was your 246 packed and how was it shipped?

There are ways to pack and ship which are most effective but buyer pickups are always recommended, not only to view the machine's cond but also to avoid the dreaded shipping.

Where are you located ksounds?
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No, I appreciate what your saying cjacek. You've always been very helpful to me. In fact, I've given you and Ghost some rep points for pointing out the missing items from the picture earlier in the thread. I appreciate it very much. I live in Atlanta and the deck is being shipped from Texas. Should arrive today or tomorrow if the seller shipped it out on Monday.

I am an avid ebayer and have received most of my vintage gear from ebay. I'm usually pretty selective and try and use my gut instincts when looking at seller profiles, item locations, etc. I often sell on ebay and strive for shipping excellence with every transaction. As of today no one has ever complained.

The 246 was shipped vis DHL and arrived in a pretty big box. The only thing used to pack it with were to very thick pieces of soft foam, one on top of the unit and one on the bottom. It was not "solid" to say the least, but there wasn't a whole lot of play in it either. I was a little concerned in fact. However, once I got it opened and did the visual inspection (as I do with all my purchase, yes both outside AND inside) I was able to move on with my life as there was no damage to the unit.

Yeah I am a little concerned when it comes to shipping and ebay, but like I said, I try to be somewhat selective with the buyer, even if I'm not with the merchandise :p

And yeah...the 246 is awesome. I find it hard to believe that those little porta cassette recorders that you can get new at GC or "name.com" online retailer sometimes sell for more than a used 246 in decent shape-and people still buy those dinky little things? Chalk it up to ignorance-which is what I'll do if my deck arrives damaged and broken. :(
 
Ok, I've got a question for you Fairview. I'm probably at the point KSounds is at, where those prices of the DA88 are looking pretty good, but.... I hear what your saying about the easibility and workability of computer type stuff. What I'm looking to do is record live bands and groups where I might need 24 live (simultaneous) tracks, and I thought maybe chaining 3 of the DA88's together might be a feasible way to do it, but....... what about the special cords, possible repair needed for the DA88, etc. I'd certainly consider newer more updated equipment if I could do it in the "under 2 grand" range or so. Any suggestions on all of this?? Newbee--Marc Trainor.
 
MarcTrainor said:
Ok, I've got a question for you Fairview. I'm probably at the point KSounds is at, where those prices of the DA88 are looking pretty good, but.... I hear what your saying about the easibility and workability of computer type stuff. What I'm looking to do is record live bands and groups where I might need 24 live (simultaneous) tracks, and I thought maybe chaining 3 of the DA88's together might be a feasible way to do it, but....... what about the special cords, possible repair needed for the DA88, etc. I'd certainly consider newer more updated equipment if I could do it in the "under 2 grand" range or so. Any suggestions on all of this?? Newbee--Marc Trainor.
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You can chain 3 of the DA series decks together, but that rack will be kind of heavy and you will be limited to just under 2 hours of record time on a set of tapes. If any of the decks need repair, you might as well throw them out because it will cost less to get another one.

MOTU makes several interfaces that will allow you to record 24 line inputs (by daisy-chaining sometimes) into a laptop. The 24i/o is what I use, but that is a PCI interface, so you need a desk top.

If you look, there are plenty of interfaces that will allow you to record 24 line level signals.
 
Thanks, Jay, for such a quick response. I can see I need to keep studying and learning about the possibilities here. I'll look into this MOTU interface thing your talking about here. Sounds like some "safer" ways to go, and possibly cheaper. I'm getting pretty scared about the repairs and other problems your talking about with the DA88's. I come from the old analog world, but I'm not stubborn enough to know computer stuff can be the way to go. I do all my video editing on Adobe Premier Pro 1.5 on my computer, and I wouldn't go back to save the world on that one, so I think I'm getting your drift here. One little other adjunct on all this (and I hope I'm not over doing my thread here), but I was also looking at the Alesis ADAT- HD24 as some kind of possibility on what I'd like to do, but I'm thinking that "maybe", (and I'm not sure about this) that you might only be able to record 8 tracks at a time on that unit. Hmmmmm. Don't know, but like your saying, chaining some of the MOTU interfaces or possibly some of the newer units together might save me a lot of headaches. I still don't mind using a separate mixing board on all of this, but again, I've been away from the recording thing so long, I'm trying to "catch up" on what's going on, so again, thanks very much for the good response. Marc.
 
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