Does anyone still use cassette recorders?

Kevin Holmes · Post by **Kevin Holmes** » 8 Dec 2007 8:30 am

I have a Fostex x34 that I bought in 2002 but never used.

All of the newer stuff seems to be digital and way cheaper that what I paid.

I figured that I'd use the recorder that I have until I can afford an eight or sixteen track.

Is this reasonable thinking?

Any input'd be appreciated.

--Kevin

Pete Macomber · Post by **Pete Macomber** » 8 Dec 2007 1:49 pm

Don't toss that machine out! It will always be useful for its simplicity and analog glory. I have an old teac in mint condition. The tone is quite good and tracks can be easily dumped to a computer for post production.
-Useful for widening the gamut of tones captured.
Keep it dust free, in a case.

You have a very useful tool there.

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 8 Dec 2007 5:17 pm

Personally, I don't care for the sound of tape hiss.

Kevin Holmes · Post by **Kevin Holmes** » 9 Dec 2007 5:39 am

Thanks for both of your replies.

I did expect that because of tape's limitations, I'd want to move to a digital unit when I could afford to(probably in the summer).

I was hoping that I'd be able to use the 4-track till then, because some of the accessories (like monitors) I'd need for a digital recorder anyway.

--Kevin

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 9 Dec 2007 9:56 am

You already have a digital recorder built into your computer. You'll need some software but there are free ones if you don't want to shuck out the cash for something like Sonar 7.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 9 Dec 2007 3:15 pm

I still use my Tascam 4 tracker, right now it's home for a bunch of Guitar Catalogs sitting on it

tp

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 9 Dec 2007 7:09 pm

I have a Marantz PMD430 which I used just last night to record the band and it does a very nice job with very little noise.

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 11 Dec 2007 8:52 am

I have found that my Tascam Portastudio makes a very good preamp when recording vinyl onto the computer

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 12 Dec 2007 8:59 pm

I still use a Tascam 8-channel reel-to-reel a lot. I have a digital 24-channel recorder, but the Tascam is easier to use. The worst that can happen on tape is stretching or breaking, and you still have a recording. With a hard disk or minidisks you can put in hours of work and then be confronted with the dreaded message, "Disk Read Error", at which stage you've lost everything.