I was very surprised with the noise reduction. Having recorded directly to CD (harddisk-CD)I thought there would be sacrifices that had to be made on behalf of "analog warmth". Much to the contrary, third generation mixdowns sound fabulous. I couldn't be happier!

Being able to modify pitch and bounce tracks have both been pleasent, unexpected surprises. Paired with a small board this recorder seems limitless. A big value for a few frogskins.

Though plastic makes me nervous I have no reason to believe this unit isn't well made. However, it is hard to judge this without having used it over time. I can say after reading numorous reviews this product is one of the few I read nothing but possitive things about.

I can't believe there is a better value in home recording.

Very slick unit with a very handy, intuitive layout. It begs to be used and will motivate even the most reluctant user.

hobbyist

I love all music

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.

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.

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.

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.

Analog is completely sexy... I'd definitely sleep with it over digital if I had to choose.

post-punk, krautrock, experimental/avant-garde, indie

Sound is excellent. Has warmth and a live feel. Sounds great with and Alesis SR-16 drum machine.

The bass and treble EQ is all I need. I adjust EQ settings for guitar on my amp. I'd like to see a built-in reverb on this unit.

I've used mine for three years and haven't had any problem.

It's worth the price.

Alternative

Sound is awesome! If you get the right tapes (High bias), even without noise reduction you get a great sound.

A battery pack option would have been great, also 2 aux sends I think is too much for such a little pice of equipment like this, I would have used 1 aux send and add a mid rage eq instead.

Takes some time to make the transition from digital.

Great.... while it worked... 2 weeks after I bought it channel 1 stopped recording.

I think it's a little overpriced.

Haven't used it.

I saw it and I fell in love with it. (With the black one, I only could get the awful blue)

Musician, Producer, Songwriter.

Metal mostly