| I've heard today that the Fostex X15 has some tape
handling problems, I'll be sure to check this out
in more detail. I'm in the market for a multitrack
machine myself, I don't want to make a mistake with
which one I get, so I'm always changing my mind about
what I would like to get.
What make the most sense is that, unfortunatly, a
low end machine is going to have inferior tape handling
compared to the big boys. So what makes senseis to
shell out the money on your first machine, IF it
is something your going to keep and make serious
use of. More than likely.......
(O.K. folks you CAN quote me on this)
......the market will start turning towards Digital
data storage on a multitrack, there is a few models
out there like two track digitals on video casette,
and a DBX-digital interface for the above. But it
should come on pretty strong soon. Well if they
don't do it soon, I'll make my own. END-QUOTE
I'mm checking out the Fostex machines this week.
I'll post what I find.
John
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Depending upon what you are looking for, there are a variety of
good machines available on the marketplace. The four-track porta-studio
machines are pretty much the same, except for the peripheral sections
(such as built-in mixers). The Yamaha and Tascam units are among the
best. As regards the eight-track marketplace, there are three levels
you can look at. The first is the Fostex A8-type (what they call the
"personal multi-track"). This is a machine which is your "bare-bones"
deck. And I mean, bare-bones. For example, they only have four record
modules, which means you double up to record either tracks 1-4 or 5-8,
not both. This at first may not seem like a big deal. But, when you
want to start ping-ponging, you may run into logistics problems.
The next level up is the Tascam family. They make three
different models (30-, 40-, and 50-series). The 30 series is an
improved version of the tascam 80-8. It still retains the 80-8's price
of $2,795.00. For heavy-duty stuff, you have to 50-series. This was
designed (in the words of one Tascam factory rep.) to run "24 hours
per day, 7 days a week, forever". I have heard enough good things about
the 58 and 52 that I would be willing to spend the $5,800 for the
eight-track.
Finally, you hit the professional level. At this point, the
standard eight-track is made by Otari, and will cost around $10,000 for
starts. Also, at this point, price is no object. If you wanted a
really good 24-track studio, you would be looking at the Otari 24-track
with an Audio Design T-50 50-channel mixing deck. You would also be
looking at around $100,000.00 (including very few accesories). Sigh...
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| The tascam 234 is a good deal you can pick it up
for approx. $750, Lasalle's in water town had
a package deal (as of sat.) for approx. $1200
you get the 234 and a tascam 4chan mixer that
is comparable to the 234.
The fostex A-8 is what the prvious note said,
selling for $1995 list, or $1640. They also
make an A-8LR that has 8 input channels, this
lists for $2500. Both have Dolby C the 234 has
dbx. I've used the older model A-8 without
noise reduction, it was a bit noisy, but the sound
quality was good (for the price). The mixer for
the A-8 is the fostex 350, I'm told.
Oh yes the 234 is cassette, the A-8's are reel-to-reel
7inch, 15ips.234 3 3/4ips.
John
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