Is that the one with the built-in speakers? Looks fairly useless.
Surely you've heard of the Tascam line of Portastudios?
Tascam 424mkIII 4 Track PortaStudio

Use good Type II tape.

AIC4ever wrote: I help you. You help me.

Its that simple

What kind of statement is that? Saying that won't get you much help around here.

For less $$$, the vintage Tascam 244 is a killer good machine. Was made when 4-track cass was just getting going - cost like $1500.00 new, and would cost even more to produce now. Check e-Bay, and look for a lower milage model. I had a tech tune mine up several years back, and it blew me away - all over again. This unit is NOTHING like the newer cheapie cassette units.

Also, another thought. Check around for a Tascam 388 "studio 8". It's what I'm using now. 8-track reel to reel. Onboard mixer and controls. yeh, their big, (100 lbs) and awesome. These are STILL used in major studios to get the drums down (WONDERFUL tape compression).

I found mine at a local music store for $350. Some have gone on eBay recently for just under a grand...

Goldenvoice :shock:

PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEASE! STAY AWAY FROM THE "4-TRACK" CASSETTE RECORDERS!

Okay, now that I'm done with my screaming, moaning, sobbing, and near suicide (j/k), please stay far far far far away from the cassette recorders. First of all, cassettes are crap. They record at 1.875 inches per second. Second, those heads are never in proper alignment.

To get a good (not great) analog sound, you need something that can do at least 7.5 ips. Assuming you are new to the world of tape, you will also want something that can be easily self-serviced. Trust me, service technicians rape you for a belt change. In terms of easiest-to-maintain and still produce a good sound at 7.5 ips and be under $400, I recommend the Sony TC-388-4. I know, some of you are going to scoff at me for that. I am just speaking from past experiences with TEAC, Sony, AKAI, Otari, and Studer. It is DEFINITELY not that Otari or Studer sound, but it is good enough to get you started working with tape. They regularly go on eBay for less than $200 including shipping. Usually, you would need to factor in new belts ($30) and a head alignment when purchasing used. Also, a common problem you will hear about or see is "counter doesn't work". 99% of the time it just needs new belts and a good lube job.

If you want to start getting a really good sound, look for something capable of 15 ips. For the best, go for 30 ips. Keep in mind that as you increase tape width prices for tape SOAR. Quarter-inch tape (I recommend Quantegy 456) costs about $10-$15 per reel depending on your length. However, 2 inch tape (30 ips) can cost around $500 per reel.

Anyway, back to the Sony. It accepts quarter-inch tape on reels up to 7" diameter. It offers 3.75 ips and 7.5 ips speeds.

---
Brian Altenhofel

:lol: True, reels are better...

the 244 runs at 3.75 ips - and sounds amazing compared to any other cassette unit I've heard. I have a truly pro tech, and at the last servicing, he was blown away with the sound abilities of the 244. I'm not claiming it sounds as good as 2" tape, but it's sonics are only one row back from my 388...

You also get the "board" with it - with effects loops, etc.

There's one on eBay now - buy it now at $150. I would recomend this machine to ANYONE wanting to play with analog for the first time, but then, that's cause I had great successes with mine.

If you already have a good mixer board (soundcraft, etc), I'd go for a Tascam 48...

G :?