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Tascam 244 Porta Studio
Estimated price for orientation: 550 $
Category: Recorders
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: TASCAM Type: Analog Recorder Tracks: 4 Form Factor: Portable Media Type: Cassette
I've spent several hours checking the operation of the unit to ensure every thing works. To the maximum extent possible, I wanted to ensure the new owner would get a fully functional machine. That's what I'd expect. To perform the playback and monitoring functions, a previosly recorded cassette was placed in the transport and music on the cassette transferred from tape into the circuitry. A blank cassette was used to check recording funtions. I recorded Guitar and/or bass tracks on each channel (often referred to as a track). Various switches, controls were used in the recording and monitoring section to check the recording funtions. The tracks were then mixed down, equalized, levels set and panned in stereo using various controls and adjustments to ensure the recording function worked. No issues were found. Details follow.The machine can be broken down into several sections. At the top of the unit are 4 VU meters. On the left side of the player are 4 independent channels with their associated controls,The 5th row is a section I refer to as the recording and monitoring section. The lower right portion of the unit contains the transport mechanism and associated controls. Each section was checked and the details follow.Section 1 VU meters. All VU meters work and the lamps work also. These VU meters show audio levels and are used during both recording and playback. FULLY FUNCTIONAL.Section 2 Indpendent channels (4). Each channel has the following controls:a. Input switch 3 positions: mic/line, off, tape. To record an instrument/mic a cable from the device is connected to one of the 4 guitar style plugs in back of the machine. Placing the input switch to mic/line connects the signal to the recorder. The center position, Off, takes the instrument/mic circuit out referred to as mute in the manual. When placed in Tape position, the redorded signal on the channel is available for listening, mix down, equalization, etc. This switch is FULLY FUNCTIONAL ON ALL CHANNELS.b.Trim knob This knob controls the instrument level for recording. One sets this control for 0 dB on the meter with minor excursions into the red zone. This gives best signal to noise. Each trim knob has an overload LED that lights when the signal is to high. Helps control distortion This knob is FULLY FUNCTION ON ALL CHANNELS. c EQ Each channel has a 2 band parametric equalizer. The center frequency can be shifted with the lower control and the gain with the top control. This provides a EQ range from 62 HZ to 15 Kilocycles (K) on the bottom parametric and 1K to 8K for the top. These EQs can be used when recording, mixing and playback. VERY USEFUL. BOTH OF THESE PARAMETRIC CONTROLS WORK ON ALL 4 CHANNELS. FULLY FUNTIONAL.d. Pre off post switch I always set this switch to "off" so I have no experience with what it does. But it can be used to route a signal to an external effect like echo, etc.e. AUX gain and pan. These controls adjust the gain and pan (left or right stereo placement) to the left or right AUX SEND output jacks on the rear of the unit, Turning pan all the way left sends all the signal from the channel to the left AUX send jack while turning all the way right sends the signal to the right AUX SEND jack or anywhere in-between The stereo effect can be monitored in the headphone monitor circuit by selecting AUX. THE AUX GAIN AND PAN CONTROLS ARE FULLY FUNTIONAL ON ALL CHANNELS.f. PAN This control sets the stereo position for the channel. When recording, the Pan is adjusted all the way left for channels 1 and 3 and right for channels 2 and 4. They are set this way to isolate the sound of each track as it is recorded. For example, if guitar is recorded on channel 1 and bass on channel 2, setting the PAN correctly prevents bleed through of the bass into the guitar track and vise versa. When in playback, this control sets the sterio image of the channel. PAN IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL ON ALL CHANNELS 1-4.g. Channel Faders Each channel has a slideable fader and it controls the recorded output of the channel. These work when the monitor switch (Section3) is placed in Remix. ALL CHANNEL FADERS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.h. Master L R This control adjusts the overall volume of all the channels. MASTER L R IS FULLY FUNCTIONALSection 3 Recording and Monitoring This section contains the following switches/controls:a. Monitor switch This switch has three settings: Remix, cue, and Aux. An LED lights up when this switch is placed in sync or 4 ch Rcrd.When placed in Remix, the channel fader for each channel sets the output level of the recording. FULLY FUNCTIONALWhen placed in Cue, the volume of each track is adjustable by rotating the gain in the Tape Cue section. The sound is mono. FULLY FUNCTIONALWhen placed in Aux, The stereo mix and channel gain is adjusted by the Tape Cue section then sent to the AUX jacks on the back of the unit. FULLY FUNCTIONAL.BUSS MONITOR. This control adjusts the volume of the stereo mix. This control is FULLY FUNCTIONAL.RECORD FUNCTION This switch has 3 positionsSync This positioned is used to sync audio being recorded on a channel to audio previously recorded on another Channel. FULLY FUNCTIONAL.Safe. When in this position, no recording is possible. FULLY FUNCTIONAL4 CH record. Allows recording of all 4 channels at once. Inever used this feature but when the switch is moved to this position, the LED adjacent to the switch and the record LED on the transport section start flashing. This indicates the channels are available for recording. FULLY FUNCTIONALTrack 1 3 and 2 4 switches. These switches are placed as appropriate for the channel that will be recorded. In the center there is a Safe position which prevents recording if selected. BOTH OF THE SWITCHES ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.Aux Rcv. this controls the amount added to the mix from whatever effect (reverb, echo, etc) sent out the Aux send jacks in back of the unit. I have never used this feature as I placed the effect in the signal chain before plugging into the unit.The machine has two headphone jacks and both work. FULLY FUNCTIONALSection 4 Tape Transport Mechanism This section has the controls for the tape transport to include fast forward, fast reverse, play, record, record LED, stop and pause. It also has a pitch control adjustment that controls speed of the transport mechanism, a Zero return button and a reset button. There is a digital readout. The zero return sets the stopping point when the fast reverse button is pressed to what ever location the reset button was pressed. A very useful feature when you're recording a number of songs on the same cassette.CONNECTIONS. The back of the machine has the following outputs:a. Line out Left and Right (L R). These outputs are usually connected to a stereo amplifier. FULLY FUNCTIONALb. Aux out (L R). I connected this to my stereo system then played a tape. FULLY FUNCTIONALc. Aux send (L R) These jacks are used to send signals to effects devices like echo or chorus units. After the signal leaves the effect, it is routed back into the recorder via the Aux rcv jack.d Access 1 through 4. These jacks have jumpers on them. The manual explains their use. If a channel is not jumpered or connected to a instrument, no signal can be recorded. FULLY FUNCTIONALe. Tape Cue (L R) These jacks route a signal to an external mixer for monitoring. FULLY FUNCTIONALf. Tape out 1 through 4 These jacks contain audio data specific to the each individual channel. These outputs can be sent to a mixer for signal processing. FULLY FUNCTIONALg. Mic/Line inputs 1 through 4 Input signal from an instrument or microphone are connected here. When recording, make sure the channel being recorded matches the input jack. (FULLY FUNCTIONAL)My name has been embossed on the bottom of this recorder and my Air Force id number has been lined out. This recorder is in excellent shape and everything works. All the switches, controls, buttons, sliders, outputs, inputs, meters, lights, LEDs work. The transport mechanism works fine. Fast forward, fast reverse, play, record, stop, pause, zero return, reset and the tape meter work as designed. The unit is sold with the owners manual in english and a schematic diagram. A big help if the unit ever needs to be serviced. The bottom of the unit has been marked with my name and an identification number was embossed. This number has been rendered unreadable.
Should you decide to purchase, inspect the item closely when received. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the unit, I encourage you to read the manual thoroughly before operating it. Pages 18 through 42 of the users manual contain much useful information about operating the unit. Pages 36 through 42 provide step by step procedures for recording that first track, syncing the tracks (overdubbing) and playback. While the machine has been engineered to help prevent screw-ups, it is possible to damage the unit if you're not careful. Take your time. Make sure you want this unit. I've spent a lot of time checking the unit and preparing this write-up. Once it leaves here, I don't want it back. I DO NOT OFFER RETURNS.This recorder will be shipped FEDEX ground and will require your personal signature upon delivery. I usually double box items like this. First box contains the item and bubble wrapped or foam placed around item. Then placed in another box and packaged again. Makes shipping a little more expensive but reduces the chance of damage significantly.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Brand: | TASCAM |
| Type: | Analog Recorder | Tracks: | 4 |
| Form Factor: | Portable | Media Type: | Cassette |
I've spent several hours checking the operation of the unit to ensure every thing works. To the maximum extent possible, I wanted to ensure the new owner would get a fully functional machine. That's what I'd expect. To perform the playback and monitoring functions, a previosly recorded cassette was placed in the transport and music on the cassette transferred from tape into the circuitry. A blank cassette was used to check recording funtions. I recorded Guitar and/or bass tracks on each channel (often referred to as a track). Various switches, controls were used in the recording and monitoring section to check the recording funtions. The tracks were then mixed down, equalized, levels set and panned in stereo using various controls and adjustments to ensure the recording function worked. No issues were found. Details follow.The machine can be broken down into several sections. At the top of the unit are 4 VU meters. On the left side of the player are 4 independent channels with their associated controls,The 5th row is a section I refer to as the recording and monitoring section. The lower right portion of the unit contains the transport mechanism and associated controls. Each section was checked and the details follow.Section 1 VU meters. All VU meters work and the lamps work also. These VU meters show audio levels and are used during both recording and playback. FULLY FUNCTIONAL.Section 2 Indpendent channels (4). Each channel has the following controls:a. Input switch 3 positions: mic/line, off, tape. To record an instrument/mic a cable from the device is connected to one of the 4 guitar style plugs in back of the machine. Placing the input switch to mic/line connects the signal to the recorder. The center position, Off, takes the instrument/mic circuit out referred to as mute in the manual. When placed in Tape position, the redorded signal on the channel is available for listening, mix down, equalization, etc. This switch is FULLY FUNCTIONAL ON ALL CHANNELS.b.Trim knob This knob controls the instrument level for recording. One sets this control for 0 dB on the meter with minor excursions into the red zone. This gives best signal to noise. Each trim knob has an overload LED that lights when the signal is to high. Helps control distortion This knob is FULLY FUNCTION ON ALL CHANNELS. c EQ Each channel has a 2 band parametric equalizer. The center frequency can be shifted with the lower control and the gain with the top control. This provides a EQ range from 62 HZ to 15 Kilocycles (K) on the bottom parametric and 1K to 8K for the top. These EQs can be used when recording, mixing and playback. VERY USEFUL. BOTH OF THESE PARAMETRIC CONTROLS WORK ON ALL 4 CHANNELS. FULLY FUNTIONAL.d. Pre off post switch I always set this switch to "off" so I have no experience with what it does. But it can be used to route a signal to an external effect like echo, etc.e. AUX gain and pan. These controls adjust the gain and pan (left or right stereo placement) to the left or right AUX SEND output jacks on the rear of the unit, Turning pan all the way left sends all the signal from the channel to the left AUX send jack while turning all the way right sends the signal to the right AUX SEND jack or anywhere in-between The stereo effect can be monitored in the headphone monitor circuit by selecting AUX. THE AUX GAIN AND PAN CONTROLS ARE FULLY FUNTIONAL ON ALL CHANNELS.f. PAN This control sets the stereo position for the channel. When recording, the Pan is adjusted all the way left for channels 1 and 3 and right for channels 2 and 4. They are set this way to isolate the sound of each track as it is recorded. For example, if guitar is recorded on channel 1 and bass on channel 2, setting the PAN correctly prevents bleed through of the bass into the guitar track and vise versa. When in playback, this control sets the sterio image of the channel. PAN IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL ON ALL CHANNELS 1-4.g. Channel Faders Each channel has a slideable fader and it controls the recorded output of the channel. These work when the monitor switch (Section3) is placed in Remix. ALL CHANNEL FADERS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.h. Master L R This control adjusts the overall volume of all the channels. MASTER L R IS FULLY FUNCTIONALSection 3 Recording and Monitoring This section contains the following switches/controls:a. Monitor switch This switch has three settings: Remix, cue, and Aux. An LED lights up when this switch is placed in sync or 4 ch Rcrd.When placed in Remix, the channel fader for each channel sets the output level of the recording. FULLY FUNCTIONALWhen placed in Cue, the volume of each track is adjustable by rotating the gain in the Tape Cue section. The sound is mono. FULLY FUNCTIONALWhen placed in Aux, The stereo mix and channel gain is adjusted by the Tape Cue section then sent to the AUX jacks on the back of the unit. FULLY FUNCTIONAL.BUSS MONITOR. This control adjusts the volume of the stereo mix. This control is FULLY FUNCTIONAL.RECORD FUNCTION This switch has 3 positionsSync This positioned is used to sync audio being recorded on a channel to audio previously recorded on another Channel. FULLY FUNCTIONAL.Safe. When in this position, no recording is possible. FULLY FUNCTIONAL4 CH record. Allows recording of all 4 channels at once. Inever used this feature but when the switch is moved to this position, the LED adjacent to the switch and the record LED on the transport section start flashing. This indicates the channels are available for recording. FULLY FUNCTIONALTrack 1 3 and 2 4 switches. These switches are placed as appropriate for the channel that will be recorded. In the center there is a Safe position which prevents recording if selected. BOTH OF THE SWITCHES ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.Aux Rcv. this controls the amount added to the mix from whatever effect (reverb, echo, etc) sent out the Aux send jacks in back of the unit. I have never used this feature as I placed the effect in the signal chain before plugging into the unit.The machine has two headphone jacks and both work. FULLY FUNCTIONALSection 4 Tape Transport Mechanism This section has the controls for the tape transport to include fast forward, fast reverse, play, record, record LED, stop and pause. It also has a pitch control adjustment that controls speed of the transport mechanism, a Zero return button and a reset button. There is a digital readout. The zero return sets the stopping point when the fast reverse button is pressed to what ever location the reset button was pressed. A very useful feature when you're recording a number of songs on the same cassette.CONNECTIONS. The back of the machine has the following outputs:a. Line out Left and Right (L R). These outputs are usually connected to a stereo amplifier. FULLY FUNCTIONALb. Aux out (L R). I connected this to my stereo system then played a tape. FULLY FUNCTIONALc. Aux send (L R) These jacks are used to send signals to effects devices like echo or chorus units. After the signal leaves the effect, it is routed back into the recorder via the Aux rcv jack.d Access 1 through 4. These jacks have jumpers on them. The manual explains their use. If a channel is not jumpered or connected to a instrument, no signal can be recorded. FULLY FUNCTIONALe. Tape Cue (L R) These jacks route a signal to an external mixer for monitoring. FULLY FUNCTIONALf. Tape out 1 through 4 These jacks contain audio data specific to the each individual channel. These outputs can be sent to a mixer for signal processing. FULLY FUNCTIONALg. Mic/Line inputs 1 through 4 Input signal from an instrument or microphone are connected here. When recording, make sure the channel being recorded matches the input jack. (FULLY FUNCTIONAL)My name has been embossed on the bottom of this recorder and my Air Force id number has been lined out. This recorder is in excellent shape and everything works. All the switches, controls, buttons, sliders, outputs, inputs, meters, lights, LEDs work. The transport mechanism works fine. Fast forward, fast reverse, play, record, stop, pause, zero return, reset and the tape meter work as designed. The unit is sold with the owners manual in english and a schematic diagram. A big help if the unit ever needs to be serviced. The bottom of the unit has been marked with my name and an identification number was embossed. This number has been rendered unreadable.
Should you decide to purchase, inspect the item closely when received. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the unit, I encourage you to read the manual thoroughly before operating it. Pages 18 through 42 of the users manual contain much useful information about operating the unit. Pages 36 through 42 provide step by step procedures for recording that first track, syncing the tracks (overdubbing) and playback. While the machine has been engineered to help prevent screw-ups, it is possible to damage the unit if you're not careful. Take your time. Make sure you want this unit. I've spent a lot of time checking the unit and preparing this write-up. Once it leaves here, I don't want it back. I DO NOT OFFER RETURNS.This recorder will be shipped FEDEX ground and will require your personal signature upon delivery. I usually double box items like this. First box contains the item and bubble wrapped or foam placed around item. Then placed in another box and packaged again. Makes shipping a little more expensive but reduces the chance of damage significantly.