Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!samsung!uunet!maverick.ksu.ksu.edu!unmvax!bbx!bbxsda!scott
From: scott@bbxsda.UUCP (Scott Amspoker)
Newsgroups: comp.music
Subject: Re: Tascam 488 Portastudio
Keywords: portastudio
Message-ID: <1737@bbxsda.UUCP>
Date: 22 Feb 91 14:49:15 GMT
References: <59586@aurs01.UUCP> <1991Feb22.014059.27264@ingres.Ingres.COM>
Reply-To: scott@bbxsda.UUCP (Scott Amspoker)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Basis International,  Albuquerque, NM
Lines: 45

In article <1991Feb22.014059.27264@ingres.Ingres.COM> bonobo@Ingres.COM (David Borgman) writes:
>In article <59586@aurs01.UUCP> whitcomb@aurs01.uucp (Jonathan Whitcomb) writes:
>>I'd also like to hear what 688 owners think about their machines.  The 688 
>>costs more than twice as much...is it worth it?
>
>I too was very interested in the 688 when I was looking around for an 8-track
>setup.  Since I trigger so much MIDI crap from a sequencer (just what the 688
>was designed for), I figured the only problem would be the sound quality for
>vocals and acoustic (you know, manual ;-) instruments....

I have a 688 and I'm happy with it but I should caution that the so-called
"midi implementation" is rather limited.  You can change mixer channel
assignments and mute/unmute tracks.  You cannot do more practical things
like change channel volume or EQ.  Furthermore, on my 688, a faint pop
is heard when you mute/unmute a channel so I would never do it during
a mixdown.  There is also a midi sync-to-tape feature that I haven't used
since I use SMPTE.  I can't comment on how well it is implemented.

               ....I have to say, there is many a day when I wished I bought
>a 688.  The sound quality was quite nice, and so many handy things are built
>into that unit (you know more than I do about the 488 features).

I too was impressed with the sound quality of the 688 - a noticeable
improvement over past multi-track cassette decks.

>There are a few things you should consider.  For one thing, when you move to
>a larger format tape (such as open reel), you not only get better fidelity,
>but you are no longer depending on the transport mechanism of the cassette
>in any way (thought Tascam claims to have solved that problem).

The 688 uses a dual capstan and moves the "pressure pad" off the tape
(ala Nakamichi).

>If there
>are imprefections in the tape itself, they are masked by the faster tape 
>speed (usually 15ips, as opposed to 1 3/4 ips).

The 688 runs a 3 3/4 ips (still not 15 but better than 1 7/8).

-- 
Scott Amspoker                       | Touch the peripheral convex of every
Basis International, Albuquerque, NM | kind, then various kinds of blaming
(505) 345-5232                       | sound can be sent forth.
unmvax.cs.unm.edu!bbx!bbxsda!scott   |    - Instructions for a little box that
                                     |      blurts out obscenities.


Brought to you by Super Global Mega Corp .com