Come fall when I get some school money (college is good for something!) I want to upgrade from my current. I want to sell my current setup (fostex mr-8, little behringer mixer) and maybe throw in a mic and some cables and a stand or something and maybe sell my drumset, and take that money and put it towards what I want. I was looking at a tascam tsr-8 8 track 1/2" . Does anyone have any experience with this machine? For a board, I wanted an old studiomaster 16 channel or a soundcraft 200b. Would these be good for use with an 8 track tape machine? Thanks.

Mayfair rule.

Regarding the tape machine:

What would you be paying for the Tascam? I think there's plenty of wisdom, if you're going analog, to look into a pro-level machine rather than prosumer.

Think about comparing your machine to an MCI JH 110 B or C.

Cons? Initial cost, possible longer use on the machine, extra expense of 1 inch tape vs. 1/2"

Pros? Sound quality, flexibility of use, support (such as Blevins in Nashville), more robust machine, modular design

A quick glance on Ebay shows me the Tascams are going for about $500. That's for an Ebay quality machine. For $2000 or less, you could have a machine with all of the advantages that I outlined above that you will only outgrow if you need more tracks.

I'd recommend the MCI route. It hurts to spend more money at first (or worse, even have to wait for it), but it'll be worth it in the long run.

= Justin

waitingroom wrote:I was looking at a tascam tsr-8 8 track 1/2" . Does anyone have any experience with this machine? .

I own a TSR-8, if you get one that is in good shape and is properly calibrated they actually sound pretty good IMHO. The Noise Reduction is usable too. TASCAM might not do much to support you, but they did send me a copy of the manual and full schematics (for a small fee of course). I think I paid around $550 about three years ago, but channel 1 is hit or miss on mine. I think it's a good introductory machine to analog recording, but if you have the cash, follow Justin's advice.

good luck!