From: ola@vipunen.hut.fi (Ola Rinta-Koski)
Subject: 8-track query, summary
Organization: BREWTeX '92 -- International Boy Stout Organization
Distribution: rec
Date: 28 Jul 92 09:30:39


  Here's the stuff I received in reply to my query concerning 8-track
machines. The only brands mentioned were Fostex and Tascam. Nobody
made any mention of 8-track machines recording to a cassette (like the
Tascam Midistudio 688), does anybody use them?

  Cheers,
  	  ola

	  
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From: folta@well.sf.ca.us (Stephen Folta)
Subject: Re: 8-track machines, experiences?
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1992 06:16:13 GMT

ola@vipunen.hut.fi (sir Ola Rinta-Koski):
> I'm in the market for a (probably used) 8-track machine. I would
> like to hear experiences with just about any model there is...
> Especially people with machines like Fostex Model 80, Fostex R8 and
> Tascam 38 ... Please mention things like tape speeds, tape width and
> noise reduction (and especially possible problems with taping a click
> track) as I'm not familiar with the technical details of any of these
> machines.

I've been using a friend's Fostex Model 80 for over a year, and I've
been pretty happy with it.  I'm not sure about the tape speed, but I
think it's 15ips.  Tape width is 1/4" (saves on tape costs!).  Noise
reduction is Dolby C, which can only be switched on or off for all
tracks at once, so it may not be so hospitable to timecode.  I don't
use MIDI at all so it's not a problem for me.

My friend drove it from Chicago to San Francisco without packing it in
so much as cardboard box.  One of the meters doesn't read all the way
up anymore but other than that it's fine.  The Model 450 mixing board
was not so fortunate...

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From: bdr@craycos.com (Brian D Reitz)
Subject: Re: 8-track machines, experiences?
Date: 14 Jul 92 22:21:06 GMT

In article <BrD831.EDE@well.sf.ca.us> folta@well.sf.ca.us (Stephen Folta) writes:
>My friend drove it from Chicago to San Francisco without packing it in
>so much as cardboard box.  One of the meters doesn't read all the way
>up anymore but other than that it's fine.  The Model 450 mixing board
>was not so fortunate...

I think I have found a trend here.  Every piece of Fostex gear I've ever
owned (a Model 80 and 450 mixer) has developed this same metering problem.
The LED segments seem to work below 0db but from 0db on up they no longer
function.

Therefore jumping to the conclusion that others have had this problem 
does anybody know of a easy fix?  I've long ago sold my Model 80 8 trk,
but the 450 mixer is still useful as the ever growing need for more
virtual tracks seems without limit.  Perhaps I should chat with Fostex
about this.  I wonder if this is simply loose cabling inside the unit
(break out the tools, we are going to open her up Jim!).  

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From: gss@progress.COM (George Shrady)
Subject: Re: 8-track machines, experiences?
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1992 14:01:39 GMT

Same thing happened with my Model 80 and 450 - the upper LED's went out.
(Took a while to figure out why one track was distorting when it did not
appear to be peaking). I had a local shop fix it for me (when I open things
up to check them out, they usually break) and it was $$$. They claim that
the LED's come in sets and you can't replace just one....
I think if you order the part from FOSTEX direct and install it yourself
it would be much cheaper.
Other than that, I like the machine. I stripe track 8 with SMPTE at
-7 and have had no bleed through problems.

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From: paulk@ecs.comm.mot.com (Paul Kuban)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 92 15:58:14 CDT 
Subject: Re: 8 track recommendations

 I have a Fostex R8 which I am very happy with.  It costed roughly
 $2000 (US) as compared to the Tascam ($3500) and the specs are
 just as good.  I don't think the Fostex is as durable as a Tascam,
 but since I'm just using it my home studio, I'm not really concerned
 about it.  

 I measured the specs myself, and most were better than those published-

  i.e. freq response was flat from 40 - 25khz

 Also, the Fostex R8 has many automation features that the Tascam does 
 not, such as auto-locate, tape zone limits, 'MIDI/SMPTE interface', etc. etc.

 Another advantage of the Fostex is that 1/4" tape is considerably less
 expensive than 1/2".

 My only regret is that ALESIS has just started selling DIGITAL!!!! 
 8 tracks for $3000.  

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 92 11:19:26 -0400
From: Marc LoCascio <mbl@media-lab.mit.edu>
Subject: Re: 8-track machines, experiences?

i have had a Tascam 38 for many years now.  it's a 1/2" 8 track, and i 
have the external dbx noise reduction units that go with it.  it's a 
pretty reliable machine, although i have had a few problems with the 
transport (it is over 5 years old).  i think that most of the new 1/4"
8 track machines sound nearly as good for recording demos, and 1/4" tape
is much cheaper and easier to find.  oh, and it's a 15 ips machine.  if 
you can find one cheaply enough (i'm planning to sell mine for $1500 US
with the dbx units and remote control when a get a new Alesis ADAT or 
other 16 track digital) it would probably be a good deal for a small studio.

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 92 10:07:45 -0400 (EDT)
From: Thomas.Sullivan@cs.cmu.edu
Subject: Re: 8-track machines, experiences?

I've got a Fostex A-80.  It takes 1/4" tape, runs at 15 ips, and uses
Dolby C noise reduction.  I've been pretty pleased with it so far.
The freq.  range only goes up to 18 kHz on it, but I haven't found
this to be a problem.  I'm sure the R-8's are similar.  The A-80 has a
noise reduction defeat switch for track #8 if you like to record a
time code track on it.  The transport is all microprocessor
controlled, so all the Fostex autolocation gear is usable with it.  It
has 3 memory points you can set (0, 1 and 2), buttons to go directly
to memory points 0 and 1, and an option to just operate between points
1 and 2 (this is great if you want to drop a line into some dead space
on the vocal track or something, and don't want to risk recording over
the next verse because you didn't stop the machine in time!).

The Tascam 38 is a 1/2" tape machine.  I don't think it is syncable
like the Fostex's are.  I don't know it's specs, but the freq range is
probably a bit higher due to the wider tape.  It also runs at 15 ips.

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From: mikek@iex.UUCP (Mike Keilhofer)
Subject: Re: 8-track machines, experiences?
Date: 16 Jul 92 14:35:53 GMT

I have owned Tascam 8 tracks for 20+ years including my current
Model 38.  The 38 I have is now 5 years old and last week I
developed my 1st problem - the level meter on channel 1 has
become intermittent. I suspect that it's just a loose or cold
solder connection.

I have occasionally worked with other people who have Fosteks.
They have agreed with me that the Tascams are generally a little
quieter and have better frequency response. However, some Fosteks
models do provide additional functionality.

Whats always been important to me was the sound more than functions
so I've always stayed with Tascam. The meter problem I now have
is the 1st problem of any kind I've had in 20 years of Tascams.
The reliability and consistancy will leave me with no choice but
Tascam for a long time.
--
"Ganz so selbstlos war Maudes hilfreicher Einsatz nat~rlich nicht. Denn je
schneller Joyce einen Orgasmus bekommen w~rde, desto eher w~rde sie seine
Stange in ihr Loch kriegen. Und als Joyce einen Schrei ausstiess, da atmete
die Mutter auf..."				ola@vipunen