"Hard disk, Schmard disk! Give me a good, old 4-track cassette recorder."
OK! How about a deluxe, new-fangled 4-track cassette recorder? The Tascam 424 MKIII is the top-of-the-line tape Portastudio, with 4 XLR mic 6 channel strips and one stereo input. Each channel has a 3-band EQ with sweepable mid and 2 effects sends.
With a separate I/O for mixdown deck connection and monitoring, the Portastudio experience is closer than ever to the real-deal studio vibe.
Who is this deck for? Singer-songwriters are the big-time winners. This rig is easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to store. It's also easy to move, so that means you can take it on the road with a minimum of fuss. All you need is a mic and maybe some sort of small multi-FX box, and you're in business. Beginning project and MIDI studios, as well. Also, if you're a hobbyist musician or band member, this is a way to buy most of the recording basics in one fell swoop.
And just for the record: This deck sounds darn good. We've heard of folks doing basic tracking on decks like this, then taking the whole shebang into a regular studio for mixdown and mastering. It's food for thought, and it really works!
Features
4 XLR mic preamps
6 channel strips and 1 stereo input
3-band EQ with sweepable mid on each channel
2 effect sends
3-3/4 ips high tape speed, and 1-7/8 ips normal speed
dbx noise reduction
Electronic transport for better tape handling
Individual track outputs
Separate I/O for mixdown deck connection and monitoring
Optional RC30P punch-in pedal
Technical Info
Simultaneous Record/Play tracks: 4 record, 4 play
Mixer Channels: 6 Mono channels, 3-band EQ (Sweep Mid EQ), 2 Aux sends, 1 Stereo Input
Overall Frequency Response: 40Hz-16kHz, +/-3dB (3 3/4 ips)
Overall Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB 1HF-A weighted, dbx
Wow/Flutter: <0.05% WRMS
Tape Speed: 4.76 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips), 9.5 cm/sec (3-3/4 ips)
Pitch adjustment: +/-12%
Inputs
Ch 1-4: XLR Mic Pre, 1/4 in. Mic/Line In
Ch 5-6: 1/4 in. Mic/Line In
Ch 7-8: 1/4 in. Line In
Sub input: RCA unbalanced
Outputs
Monitor Outputs: RCA unbalanced
Line Output: RCA unbalanced
Aux Send Outs: (2) 1/4 in. Line
Individual Track Outs: RCA unbalanced
Headphone Output: 1/4 in. TRS
Power Consumption: 21W
Dimensions: 419 x 115 x 357 mm
Weight: 4.9 kg
Fast Winding Time: 120 seconds for C60
Optional Accessories: RC30P Punch-in Pedal