Otari 5050? Studer? I want to start looking at adding a nice used 1/2" 8 track to the studio, but I would like opinions on what everyone likes and dislikes about the usual suspects. And if you know of any real gems that never quite caught on, too.

While browsing on ebay, I have run across several 8 track reel-to-reel tape decks and I am wondering if tracking to tape and them going into the computer would be a good way to get a nice sound. Of course, the deck would be something along the lines of a Tascam 38-eight track so the quality is not crazy.

Hello,
I just bought a Revox C278 1/2" 8-track. It was on eBay, and there was no picture of it, but the price seemed to be right...so I gambled and bought it.
Now I've received it, and it seems to be in near mint condition. There is no visible head wear. It operates at 7.5 and 15 ips.

I'm looking for an analog 8-track reel to reel. Sound quality is a big concern, but so is price, so I'd like to find a nice balance. Which models fit this description? Where should I look, pawn shops, ebay? How much should I expect to pay for a decent unit. Thanks for the help

OK - how do you do it? As this is my game here are my rules: 8 tracks of analog; rock band; DAT machine; decent mixing board with, say 16 channels; a handful of decent mics & pres and such (though I care less about specific gear and more about dealing with only 8 tracks).

:w: Tomorrrow night I'll be recording my son's nationally recognized HS jazz big band live in concert. I have 4 large diaphram condensers, 2 electrets, and 2 instrument dynamics. All will be mixed into a digital 8 track. The brass section has 6 sax's (1st row), 5 trombones (2nd), and 5 trumpets (back row). There is an electric bass and guitar, acoustic piano, and drums.

I have a chance to pick one of these up locally for a great price from a trusted source, but I've never used/heard one yet. Anyone have any experience/comments about this machine? I am only familiar w/ the MTR series. Any similarities sonically? This is just for home use (right now I've got the whole FATSO and HEDD to DAW thing happening and am looking at this machine for cutting drums).

I've been looking at the 8 track digital recorders from Tascam.. da-98 or something. And the question I have is this. Are those mono tracks? If you want to record stereo sources are we talking 4 tracks?

I'm about to purchase a MCI 8-track 1" tape machine and wanted to hear the yay's and nay's from anyone who has worked with an MCI machine.

I get the impression several of you think ADAT's will soon be a thing of the past. I have been using mine for live eight track recording projects and it has worked well for me. What would you all recommend as a replacement with a reasonable cost? I need to record up to five hours of music and ADAT tapes make a very cost effective method.