Need recommendation on 8 or 16-track analog recorder

[horndog]

I’ve been out of the music loop for a number of years now, so hoping someone can recommend a good 8- or 16-track analog recorder for a small project studio. Initially, I thought I’d get an iMac running Logic 8 with a MOTU firewire unit. Lately, I’ve decided I would like to track to analog and to the extent that I come up with something musically-worthwhile, I could transfer the tracks into the digital domain for editing later.

Going back about 15 years ago, I had a Tascam 486 Syncassette 4-track rack mount recorder. I like the immediacy of this unit in contrast with computer DAWs, i.e., turn the unit on and record instead of waiting for the computer to boot.

Sound quality is also a concern since headroom on tape is allegedly superior to digital. I plan on recording simple guitar-based rock arrangements, e.g., guitar (5-6 tracks max with double tracking), bass and a drum machine (via Reason NI Battery or external unit). I envision needing between 8 and 16 tracks total. I will not be recording with more than 1-2 other people at a time so I’d say a maximum of 4 inputs capable of being recorded at the same time.

My budget is between $500 and $1,500, but probably closer to $500 and $1,000. If I had $5,000, I’d probably go out and buy one of those Iz Radar 24 units, but unfortunately I do not. Plus, the wife wouldn’t approve of me spending that kind of money on “that stupid cr*p.” Anyway, hoping someone will be kind enough to offer some suggestions that will get me back to making music in as hassle-free a manner as possible without spending an arm and a leg yet retaining high sound quality. I plan to use good mics and preamps. Thanks in advance!

[7161]

well what about an Alesis HD24? - familiar tape transport buttons and record/ready lights/switches are all there. It uses easy to change and very cheap basic IDE hard drives you can get anywhere for peanuts.

you can also network it to your pc cos it has a network socket and a setup page in the LCD menu for assigning the machine an ip-address etc - You can therefore record as usual with a mixer and afterwards if required, transfer the audio off the HD24 as individual 'tracks' to your pc (it is a tad slow, but it's included, or there's an optional firewire port add-on which is faster

you'd need a mixer with that tho of course.

[A LaMere]

The best place to check of course is something like ebay... or craigslist...

Here's a local Portland, Oregon link for an analog 8 track setup:

http://portland.***************/mlt/msg/542716169.html

I just googled Portland craigslist, and then did a search for Fostex..

[vernier]

With that budget I'd find a Teac 3340 with low miles, or as second choice, Tascam 44.

[horndog]

Thanks for the input. After looking into it a bit more, I think I'll probably consider the Alesis HD24 or HD24XR over a R2R or similar MTR at this point.

[dbbubba]

Look around and you might find a decent used 1" deck.

We sold an MCI JH-110C-8 in 1995 for $800.00.
That was at the bottom of their "desirable" range, but it was an immaculate deck.
They are out there gathering dust.
You just have to know where to look!

If you go the TASCAM route I'd try to get at least a model 48 and preferably a 58.
I once had a 38 and it was trash.
I put three capstan motors in it over the years and the brakes never were right after the first year.
The reel motors in TASCAM decks are always weak (the 38 is the worst!)

If you get a four track like Vernier suggested I'd look for a 3440 which was the next generation after the 3340. They were similar to a 4-track 80-8.

Actually, if you could find a TASCAM 80-8 you would probebly have a service-able deck.
Check the heads.
You can get new heads, but realize that head-life is the biggest determining factor in analog tape machine prices.

[scenycwork]

Peacock,

I see you are a happy owner of an MCI 1" 8-track.

We recently got one, and had it restored by the seller's longtime tech team.

These are the problems we are having, upon first test:

- when powered on, none of the lights turn on, either on the deck, remote,
preamps (vu meters), or transport controls when activated

- rewinding doesn't work once there is little enough tape to rewind

- pressing play on the deck or remote, makes the tape play really fast for
a couple seconds, and then play speed decreases to an extremely slow speed

Those are the only things that don't work, mind you. The rest is fine, the mechanical alignment is in fact quite impressive. Note that we haven't attempted recording yet.

Although the scenario seems unlikely, it almost seems like the machine is not getting enough power.

Have you by any chance encountered similar problems with your machine, and do you have suggestions regarding the course of action we should take?

Note also that we do not have a manual; any recommendations there?

Thank you.

Cheers!

scenycwork

[Terry McInturff]

Tascam 48...rock solid.

[analogtodd]

Originally Posted by scenycwork

Peacock,

I see you are a happy owner of an MCI 1" 8-track.

We recently got one, and had it restored by the seller's longtime tech team.

These are the problems we are having, upon first test:

- when powered on, none of the lights turn on, either on the deck, remote,
preamps (vu meters), or transport controls when activated

- rewinding doesn't work once there is little enough tape to rewind

- pressing play on the deck or remote, makes the tape play really fast for
a couple seconds, and then play speed decreases to an extremely slow speed

Those are the only things that don't work, mind you. The rest is fine, the mechanical alignment is in fact quite impressive. Note that we haven't attempted recording yet.

Although the scenario seems unlikely, it almost seems like the machine is not getting enough power.

Have you by any chance encountered similar problems with your machine, and do you have suggestions regarding the course of action we should take?

Note also that we do not have a manual; any recommendations there?

Thank you.

Cheers!

scenycwork

Are you sure the power supplies are kicking the way they should? Can it be verified that meters and all functions worked before leaving the techs hands to you? These machines don't really travel all that well, and you really need to make sure everything gets plugged in and re-seated!!!

[analogtodd]

Also,
for the love of humanity, get a manual!!!!
I'm doing some scans of an MCI 400 manual this weekend, I've got a couple 110 manuals, I'll see if I can get them scanned as well.

[ricfoxx]

If you are interested in a Tascam TSR-8...Pm me