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Maybe this belongs more on a home recording board, but does anyone know anything about the Tascam 488 and 488 Mark 2? This was (so I hear) the last of the cassette multitracks, from about 10 yrs ago. I guess it all went digital after that. And that these were about the only 8 track cassette multitrackers.2 things--- some say that getting 8 distinct musical tracks on 1/8 " cassette tape was almost impossible (4 tracks worked ok) and that there is bleed over, etc. Also that bias, etc. was impossible. This is just what I have heard -- reality may be different.
Also does anyone know what the different between the 488 and 488 Mark II was -- the mark II was supposed to be improved somehow.
thanks in advance to any and all responsders.
Bob B --
still totally eaten up with the cassette tape scene.
Follow Ups:
You heard right. 8 tracks on a cassette, you must be kidding. I believe the model 414 mkII, it's a current product, would be a better choice, only 4 tracks but really cool, 3 3/4 ips and dbx. The tapes you make would only play on that machine but would sound really cool. Usually mkII models were improvements in the transport.
Thanks for the followup -- I forgot about my post for a few days, so I am late in responding. I didn't know about those other models-- so, the MkII 488 was improved transport... good to know!
Hi Bob.The 488 wasn't the only 8 track cassette unit. Probably the best of it's type was the TASCAM 238, pictured above. It runs at 3 3/4 IPS and features either DBX or Dolby S, depending on which version you buy. Also, it has footswitch punch-in recording capabilities and a full-function wired remote. It uses CrO2 cassettes exclusively. I bought one of these a couple of years ago & have been extremely satisfied with the sound quality. Very professional, near CD quality results are easily possible on this machine. It's also very user-friendly.
As far as bleedover, EQ problems, etc., I haven't had any issues. It really is quite an excellent recorder.
The only downside is that there's no built in mixer. You need a mic preamp in the input stage, and an 8 track mixer to handle the mixdown. By the time you get everything hooked up in a rack it's pretty heavy & bulky. But it does do a fantastic job. You can also record on all 8 tracks simultaneously if you want.
There's a link to more info at the bottom, if you're interested.
Good luck & happy recording!
Bobbo :-)
I'm actually quite surprised that the sound quality on your machine was that good. The laws of physics and electronics would indicate otherwise. You learn something new every day. Thanks for the info.
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