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musical instrument details

Tascam 246 Portastudio vintage analogue 4 track cassette recorder - REFURBISHED

Estimated price for orientation: 475 $

Category: Recorders
Class:











Description
Type: Analogue Recorder Media Type: Cassette
Form Factor: Console/Tabletop Features: Pitch Control
Brand: Tascam Inputs/Outputs: Analogue Out, Headphone TRS 1/4" Out
Model: 246 Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
Tracks: 4


You are looking at a Tascam 246 cassette multi-track in very good working and cosmetic condition.It is a US model 120v 60 Hz AC, supplied with a UK style three prong plug step-down transformer for 230v 50hz - equivalent step-down transformers are available for other regions of the world and are not expensive.Many consider this to be the best cassette Portastudio Tascam ever made. The build quality is superior to later Tascam models such as the 424, and it has a really great 6 channel/ 4 bus mixer - Each channel has a great sounding broadcast quality pre-amp, fantastic sounding 2 band parametric EQ, and 2 mono auxillary effects sends.  The elaborate mixer allows for possibilities such as recording a stereo image of 6 microphones on a drum kit to 2 tracks, or using the 2 auxiliary as sends as a stereo pair to a stereo delay or reverb and returning them with EQ via the additional 2 input channels.These were not toys - In the mid eighties they sold for over £1000, something approaching £3000 in today's money!I imported this from the US late last year. I have replaced 2 faulty mixer channels, some missing knobs and blown bulbs using working parts from a donor machine. All the perished rubber parts in the transport have been replaced (new belts, idler tires and pinch roller). The magnetic heads have minimal and even wear, have been cleaned with alcohol and degaussed. The item has been tested for azimuth, playback speed and wow and flutter using professionally produced test cassettes, all were within the tolerances specified in the service manual.

The record/play parameters have been calibrated to provide loud clear recorded signals closely corresponding to input signals. The pots and sliders have been lubricated using Caig deoxit fader lube - the critical pots and sliders you might adjust during a bounce or mix-down such as the faders and pan pots are silent in use; some of the EQ pots and cue pots exhibit a slight rumble when moved, but all the pots etc are quiet when stationary.  I've opened a fresh new old stock Maxell type II chrome tape (the type recommended for this machine) and made a short multi-track recording using a portable battery powered synthesiser (Korg duotron) - the four notes of a major seventh chord each on their own track. This cassette will be included so the buyer can test the machine immediately and make his/her own test recordings.The item will be packed in a sturdy box with plenty of internal packaging and a waterproof outer material. I will of course accept returns in the unlikely event that the item arrives damaged , but due to the age value and weight of the item (12.5kg packed !) I ask the buyer tests the machine within 3 working days of arrival - I may still be able to offer some sort of assistance later than that, but I must insist returns for a refund be flagged shortly after the machine arrives, thanks.