Feature:
After my original 414 broke, I bought a 424, the next step up. It has two Mid ranges in addition to Hi and Lo, but I felt that this actually detracted from the sound quality. The Hi/Lo mixing on the 414 works great. Also, I like the sound of the gain when a guitar is plugged in directly and the gain knob (the black one near the guitar input on the back) is turned up. The noise reduction is great (especially since I tend to let my recordings go into the red). Additional effects might be nice but they are really unnecessary.
Quality:
The problem with this recorder, as well as all analog cassette recorders is that extensive use can wear away at the springs and the motor inside. I warn you -- send in the warranty as soon as you get it. I forgot to send mine in and I ended up paying hundreds of dollars getting springs replaced. Its not worth it. Over a period of three years I spent twice as much repairing it as I paid for it. However, like I said, I used it non stop. How long it lasts really depends on how hard its used.
Value:
As I said, I wore my first one out. Since then, I bought a 424 (which I also wore out), worked with a borrowed Yamaha four track, and even tooled around with a low price digital four track. Never could I come close to the clean sound quality and well balanced mix I got from the 414. That's why I'm about to buy another one.
Desirability:
Analog is completely sexy... I'd definitely sleep with it over digital if I had to choose.
Sound:
While it might seem limiting at first, after three years of intense recording I could finally produce near-studio quality recordings. I really love the analog sound that I get -- I could never even consider buying or using a digital recorder for my music after using this.
Overall:
I would like to use 414s or something similar for the rest of my musical career. I have no interest in studio recordings, as I can make near-studio quality analog recordings myself on my 414. I recorded nine albums with it. Although it wore out, it was dearly loved, and I will soon be the proud owner of a new one.
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