The quality is great for use as an audio sketch pad. I like running my electric guitar directly into it. The trim controls that are used for mics act as gain controls when you plug in guitars. Running instruments direct allows me to work on song writing projects without bothering my room mates. A lot of tape hiss is picked up when you record so I wouldn't recomend using it to record music that you intend to distribute.

Each of the 4 tape return channels has pan controls. This allows you to create a great stereo image of your recoding. Each track has its own volume control so it is easy to get a ballanced sound. All of the inputs are 1/4" so you will need to purchas TS (Tip Sleave) 1/4" - XLR adapters or 1/4" - XLR cables if you want to use most microphones, which have XLR connections.

Every thing is made of plastic, which is ok. It sames on cost. The only worry that I have is that a knob might break off on a cable as I pull it in and out of my equipment bag.

I haven't tried other products that are similar to this but recorder has been recomended to me by a fellow artist that says Tascam recorders in this price range sound better that the others. I don't like how much tape hiss is picked up.

Simple and not too futuristic looking like a lot of products. Metal construction and retro styles are more appealing to me.

eclectic: Punk, Emo, Acoustic Rock, 80's-ish Keyboard Music, Jazz, Ska

I record acoustic music, and the sound of the Porta 02 is good, although the wow and flutter is audible a little bit. I don't recommend using a low impedance mic like the SM57 or SM58 and a transformer with the Porta 02. A good quality high impedance mic will sound much better.

This is a basic unit with few features, but it's easy to use.

It is VERY easy to use. I own a Tascam 414 also, and the Porta 02 is far easier to use.

I used a Porta 02 pretty heavily for three years without a problem. I've had other Tascams, though, that have fallen apart. I wouldn't assume, though, that different models are made in the same facility.

Great value.

I've written to them in the past, when other Tascams fell apart, and they were dismissive and said it was my fault.

amateur musician

all

Its really good to get an old 60's type recording sound with. A good thing to do is record the drums and bass. then put it into a computer program like cool edit pro. and then get a new tape, and record 2 guitars and vocals. Put that in the computer. This way you can still mix it however you want as long as you keep the tapes. Remember, Sgt. Peppers was recorded onto two four track machines

You dont really need that many features

It doesnt seem like its going to break.

I paid only $89 for mine on ebay from a closeout. This was probobly the best investment in musical equipment I have made.

Never dealt with them

Its blue. Blue is cool

pretty good sound for the money (unless tape hiss aggravates you)great for hard rock guitar and drum recording,seems best with TDK pro cassettes..I use it for vocals,elec.guitar direct from my marshalls,and run a boss drum machine into it.

would be nice to have balanced mike inputs,and to be able to record 4 tracks at once,but you cant have it all at this price,it is a good sketch pad for songwriters.

had mine 3 yrs and no problems yet..(keep the heads clean)

fair price,but if I had to do it again I would step up to the next model,at least,to get 4 track simultaneous recordability,balanced mike inputs,and noise reduction...

never had to contact them...

it works,but I would not call it "sexy"...

rock,lternative.

It gets a low grade because, even for a tape machine, it should offer better sound quality. The least expensive cassette player sounds better than this does.

For the price it was about right. I didn't expect too much for the price paid. It's quick and easy to learn how to use. No complaints.

I'd give it a ten but I havene't had it long enough to know for sure. Seems well made on the outside, though.

For the price paid, and considering its ease of use - and taking into account its awful sound quality, for which there is really no excuse, I'd say it offers reasonably good value for the money. A bit more spent on a dolby noise reduction circuit for the tape and I'd have given it a ten.

There should be a rating for "haven't had the need to call support", but there isn't so I gave it a rating of half way. I have noticed that most companies I've had to deal with, that sell music-related items, have what I'd label as mediocre support. I hope this company offers better. Though what I really hope is that I never have to find out!

Sex appeal??? The overall 'look' of the product is, to my eyes, very attractive aeshetically. Sexually??? No piece of musical equipment looks sexually attractive to me. It 'looks' like it's easy to use, and as it turns out...it is.

Hobbyist. Play in local establishments for fun...and to help pay for my gear.

Acoustic blues, ragtime, fingerstyle guitar, etc.

The sound its great for a tape. Great for demo's. I might use it for an LP if that all we have

Great for a $100 Recorder. The pan is nice if you want bass on one side guitar on the other.

You have to be blind to not know most of the stuff you can do with it. The manual good to have if you don't know you could hook it up with a stero

It fine its great. will last me years if I treat it like a 100,000 dollar car

Such a score I paid $100 Thats great if you want a good low end multi track recorder like this

The best support is if you never need to make the call

MUST GET IF TOU DON'T WANT TO SPEND OVER 100 ON A MULTI TRACK RECORDER PERFECT IF YOU ARE JUST STARTING TO MAKE DEMOS FOR YOUR BAND

Bass player/Singer/Recording dude/ drums/guitar

Punk rock

Its ok for what it is..Um...I would say this is the best recorder for novice musicians. Dont get the first model because theres a huge sound difference(I had one for a week and I hated it). Save up a coulpe more bucks and buy this bad boy. It has an old school type of sound where you can still here that his even if you had some kind of noise gate. I would highly recommend this to begginers before they go onto using the digital recorders.

Wish I could record all 4 tracks at a time,but you get what you paid for.

The quality is outstanding!I was pissed off at it one day and kicked it against a wall and OMG it still works.Probably even better than before lol. This thing might be platic but it sure is dang durable.

Its fantastic for the buck

never really had to call.

This thing is fugly,but its ok in the inside.

14 years of experience in guitar(Im in the band "DeathAngel")

anything Metal