[net.music.synth] Multitrack decks

gibson@unc.UUCP (Bill Gibson) (08/08/85)

I am on the verge of getting equipment for a home studio,
including a synth and a multitrack tape deck. 

I know that Fostex and TEAC both make 4-track cassette decks.
If you have one of these or if you know anything about their
relative merits, please send me your thoughts. A store near
here which carries Fostex is having a sale right now, so fast
comments will be appreciated. (email or posting is o.k.)

Thanks,
Bill Gibson
gibson@unc                   ...[akgua,decvax,philabs]!mcnc!unc!gibson

cyrus@symplex.UUCP (cyrus) (08/11/85)

> I am on the verge of getting equipment for a home studio,
> including a synth and a multitrack tape deck. 
> 
> I know that Fostex and TEAC both make 4-track cassette decks.
> If you have one of these or if you know anything about their
> relative merits, please send me your thoughts. A store near
> here which carries Fostex is having a sale right now, so fast
> comments will be appreciated. (email or posting is o.k.)
> 
> Thanks,
> Bill Gibson
> gibson@unc                   ...[akgua,decvax,philabs]!mcnc!unc!gibson

I own a Teac 3440 4 track 10" reel to reel.  The sound quality is good,
but you should really have the 4 channel dbx unit to go with it in
order to keep tape hiss low.  Fostex has a new 8 track reel to reel
deck that is smaller than the 3440 and uses the same 1/4" tape.  It
sells for $1600 with an 8 in/ 4 out companion mixer for $750.

Now I am told that any day now I'll be able to sink my teeth into a
Tascam porta studio with 8 tracks on a cassette! including a mixing
board for $3995.  The salesman claim the sound to be good (sure:-)).

I have never liked the sound quailty of a multi-track cassette deck,
dynamic range is the killer.  If the Tascam porta studio is good I may
just buy one.


"Where's my line?"	Cyrus Azar (313) 995-1555 || ihnp4!umich!symplex!cyrus
				Symplex Communication Corporation
"one, two, three, faahh!"	5 Research Drive Ann Arbor, MI  48103

hedger@ada-uts.UUCP (08/12/85)

I own a 244 portastudio and I have many friends who own the porta-one
....I would highly recommend the porta-one or ANY teac product over
the Fostex junk that's available....

rwn@iham1.UUCP (Bob Neumann) (08/21/85)

I do not have experience with the FOSTEX A-80, but I
do own a TEAC TASCAM Model 38 and have worked with
home studio owners with FOSTEX A-8 machines.

I do not regret my investment in the TASCAM machine.
Since the TASCAM machine uses 1/2 inch tape and the FOSTEX
uses 1/4 inch, the sound quality on the TASCAM is superior.
I use and Oberheim DMX drum machine and DSX sequencer and utilize
sync-to-tape codes for overdubs and mixdowns, and have had no problems
with the TASCAM but I have run into some awkward situations 
with the FOSTEX.  

I guess I`m biased towards the TASCAM stuff.  If you compare
specs and listen to work done on both machines, I'm
sure you will be able to justify the added cost of a TASCAM.

			Bob Neumann