bso (07/15/82)
Regarding these 4-track cassettes (in particular, Tascam's model): although they generally do have simul-sync (or whatever a given company calls it), the Tascam has the unusual limitation that one cannot record on all four tracks simultaneously. I don't know whether the Fostex has this problem, but Tascam says they did it to keep the cost of the thing down, and theirs indeed costs more than Fostex. Also, Fostex has extended this concept to a reel-to-reel machine, producing a deck that gives you eight tracks on 1/4" tape. They claim the crosstalk is comparable to 1/2" 8-track machines, but gave no other specs in their ad. The unit goes for around $2500. Bert Olsson mhtsa!bso (How's that, Andy? I spent 12 lines and didn't answer a single one of your questions!)
chura (07/16/82)
#R:mhtsa:-19600:uiucdcs:22700002:000:968
uiucdcs!chura Jul 16 08:42:00 1982
I have just recently bought the Fostex four-track and I was
in indecision about buying this one or the Tascam 22-4. I eventually
bought the Fostex primarily due to the cost although now I know that
both these units can be purchased for the same price (without a mixer).
The Fostex is a smaller machine in size than the Tascam and has every
feature except 1. a headphone jack, and, 2. an output volume control
for each track. If you own a 4 channel mixer, neither of these controls
are extremely important. I always have an amplifier with me to hear
the mixed playback. One important feature on the Fostex that I don't
believe is on the Tascam is a remote, no pop punch in/ punch out control
that allows you to enter record while the tape is playing with no pop
or click. This still may be possible on the Tascam but you don't have the
remote control on it (it is a footswitch). All in all, I chose the Fostex
but the two units are very evenly matched.chura (07/22/82)
#R:mhtsa:-19600:uiucdcs:22700003:000:396
uiucdcs!chura Jul 21 16:42:00 1982
to correct myself, the four-track I am referring to is the open reel
model. It is significantly more expensive than the cassette model because
you need some sort of four channel mixer. I believe the Fostex 250 can
be bought at DJ's (in Orland Park, south suburb of Chicago) for between
850 and 900 dollars. DJ's claims to be the only authorized dealer in
Illinois for Fostex products.