I want to start cassette recording, what should I get?

BrontoSoreAss · Post by **BrontoSoreAss** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 8:19 pm

Thats the one!

tweak · Post by **tweak** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 7:16 am

Okay, So as I've said previously, the 424 seems like the best unit for me with my budget, but which model do I ideally want to get? I saw that some the later models had stereo inputs, so then could I hook up my mx-80 to it and have 8 mics running to the stereo track? Would that be good for recording drums? Also, I need some good recommendations for mics, I currently have 2 junky dynamic mics we're using with our P.A. for practice, & I got an MXL R144 ribbon mic that a friend sold to me on the cheap.

Thanks for all the help!
Alec

obermorph · Post by **obermorph** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 7:47 am

A pair of skinny jeans, a "fixie", and a moustache.....

That crass comment aside, I'm amazed at the fact that I mastered 4 seperate records to cassette last week...

What is this world coming to?

cjogo · Post by **cjogo** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:47 am

A heads-up for cassette supplies tape.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>> We used one cassette per song ( especially with the transport of the 238)
We ordered 10-15 minute tapes ---- ( assuming you are recording 4-7 minute productions ) a lot less wear on those drives in the cassette machines.... longer tapes really do push the maintenance requirements for those capstans/belts .....and the stretching of tape.

We find it much easier to keep things organized ::: with just one song ,,,per tape~!!

eh91311 · Post by **eh91311** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 2:10 pm

Try www.tapes.com: they have bulk high bias C-60 tapes available.

southsider · Post by **southsider** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 2:21 pm

Gotta start somewhere...

I gotta second the 688 on this one. I used it for years. Good sound, 20 inputs (via a "dual" channel, not including the aux inputs), and a very effective (but a little hard to learn) digital patch bay. Not to mention a full meter bridge, great monitoring options, the list goes on. Oh, and the most important part - 8 channels on tape. (20 something after bouncing)

I got mine used for $250 years back. The record "women in technology" by whitetown was done on a 688. you might remember the hit "your woman" in the 90s.

tweak · Post by **tweak** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 2:05 pm

I know I'm digging back up an old post, that never really went anywhere, But though a friend I was able to contact someone who had a Tascam 644 for $100 in great condition, but the seller also had a 388 for $250, but the fast forward doesn't currently work on it. I have around $300, and a lot of bands I like use the 388, Yet I don't know how much it would cost to fix it, and I know tapes are super expensive. Which would you guys buy?

Thanks,

Alec

KoffeeKommando · Post by **KoffeeKommando** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:01 am

Yamaha MT44D

I've got one for sale:

http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=75966

eh91311 · Post by **eh91311** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:41 am

tweak wrote:I know I'm digging back up an old post, that never really went anywhere, But though a friend I was able to contact someone who had a Tascam 644 for $100 in great condition, but the seller also had a 388 for $250, but the fast forward doesn't currently work on it. I have around $300, and a lot of bands I like use the 388, Yet I don't know how much it would cost to fix it, and I know tapes are super expensive. Which would you guys buy?

Thanks,

Alec

The 388 you mention could be a good purchase. The no FF repair may not be costly. If you can find a decent Tascam tech where you live, the 388 might be a better choice.

tweak · Post by **tweak** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 2:07 pm

Well, I live in Chicago, so Deltronics in the city maybe? Where would I get tape for it, and if I did get it, how would I go about getting it onto a cd? (I'm an idiot with this stuff)

shedshrine · Post by **shedshrine** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 3:18 pm

tweak wrote:Well, I live in Chicago, so Deltronics in the city maybe? Where would I get tape for it, and if I did get it, how would I go about getting it onto a cd? (I'm an idiot with this stuff)

well, here's a start towards your edification:

manual:
the snowfields tascam 388 manual

thanks snowfields!

eh91311 · Post by **eh91311** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 3:42 pm

Tape for the 388 is relatively affordable.
You can find RMGI tape for the 388 at Full Compass:
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/344596.html
If you don't like computers, find a CD recorder to mix down to.

Brian Brock · Post by **Brian Brock** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 4:03 pm

I've been really enjoying a porta 03 mk ii recently. it seems to have traded away some of the 02's routing for noise reduction, which i'm not sure i like, but making straight 4 track recordings with limited ability to punch in is great after years of following the computer down the mouse hole.

i think if you're just starting, you should consider a simple four track with no frills. record drums mono, each instrument to one track, and take a lot of time to get it right...

tweak · Post by **tweak** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 7:10 pm

how much better would the sound quality on the 388 be compared to the 644?

shedshrine · Post by **shedshrine** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 7:44 pm

tweak wrote:how much better would the sound quality on the 388 be compared to the 644?

eh91311 wrote:

The main thing that the 388 has over cassette portastudios is dynamic range and punch. Recordings have a muted 3-D thing going on rather than the flat smeary cassette multitrack sound with no real lows or bright highs. Modern computer soundcards are far more accurate, but lack the 388's "vibe".

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I want to start cassette recording, what should I get?

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