For those seeing this video for the first time, some important information: The Tascam 688 and 238 are the ONLY 8 track cassette machines besides a TOA machine that can record ALL 8 tracks at once simultaneously. All others, from Yamaha, Fostex etc.. cannot record all 8. They have 8 tracks but it buses the record ins to two separate 4 track groups.
Man this was awesome to find, I found this unit and could find much info, and stoked for you detailed videos. Great work man. Glad to find you, keep it up. Onward.
I have the smaller brother (644), a fantastic unit, I use it all the time, once I figured out the scene display lol.. Its great for songwriting as all the distractions are out of the way :)
I bought this when it first came out. It was reliable and sounded great. Had to use one track (8) for SMPTE striping to allow my vocals/guitars to sync with my MIDI tracks recorded on my Atari ST using Hybrid Arts SMPTETRK MIDI "DAW". It was reliable and was hard to sell it after I got married. Highly recommended.....
Yeah for that it really was perfect. And it's basically how Multitrack recordings in the MIDI age were normally done ever since. The only thing that went straight to tape while recording were vocals or drums but Synthesizers or other MIDI-connectivity instruments were just recorded as MIDI tracks on the computer. :)
It compares mostly in the way how many tracks you wanna record at the same time. The Yamaha MT8X, just as the Tascam 488 and 488 MKII all only record up to 4 channels at the same time, despite being 8 track. So if you wanna record more channels like 6 or all 8 at the same time, you can only do that on the Tascam 688. On the other machines you have to rewind and then record the remaining channels in a second run. This is the biggest difference. And of course the LED VU meters for each channel and the main mix.
@@magicspiral3323 well just to a daw master slave situation...is the 688 master or slave...also how to configure from 688 to a daw would be very helpful
Everyone serious about recording their own songs should spend a lot of time using 4 and 8 track cassette machines to learn how to record creatively, given the restrictions imposed by multi-trackers: having to get performances arranged before recording, having to bounce tracks, not relying of a 'fix in the mix' approach. It forces you to think differently. Not relying on infinite tracks and 'editing' creates boundaries to work with, which focuses musical performance(s) and recording technique. All artists are bound by the limits of their medium and tools-take those boundaries away and a work loses something of its authenticity, integrity and artistry. Having the experience of working with restrictive analogue tools and equipment is liberating in an infinite, often soulless, digital world. There's a purity in 4 and 8 track cassette recording that DAW cannot offer. Try it and see for yourself.
Hi Landon, who do you get to service the 688 in North America? I have one that I replaced the capstan variable speed motor and belt. It runs faster than the speed it should, when testing tapes that are recorded on my other 688 unit. I also have the cables and box to sync after applying the time code. Is there still service center to have repairs?
@@mritchea I changed the belt myself. I found instructions online and went for it. Ended up working! You may have to do the same, finding tech folks who still work on ancient machined is becoming a rare breed indeed. Good luck!
Landon - I have a question. I have a bunch of music that I recorded from the 90’s on to a Tascam 488 (I believe it was just onto 4 tracks at the time, not the MKii which was Tascam’s first 8 Track). I recently came across a 688 locally that I am considering purchasing but I need to know if the 688 is backwards compatible before I take that plunge. Because, obviously, I’d like to recover all that old music 😊 So, can the 688 read 4 track tapes recorded on a 488? Thanks for any information you can provide.
Are you familiar with the other tascams like the 424 or 464 or 644? How does this compare in the SOUND department? I'm looking for the best sounding cassette recorder
So I just received one of these that was unfortunately not packed well. Most of the functions seem to work as advertised except for a major one- I can't seem to get the thing to record anything to tape? The meters are working, I get sound in the head phones, monitors, etc. The tape runs, FF, rewinds, all of those functions, etc. However, when I go to play back what I supposedly recorded nothing? I followed the manual, pages 18-19, word for word and still nothing? I even tested my new cassette tapes just to make sure those weren't bad, but that wasn't it? I'm at a loss and may need to return the item? But I thought that I would try these 688 comment sections first, just in case I was totally missing/not trying something, etc. Anyone on here who may have some words of wisdom, know these units well, and might know what is going on, I would sure appreciate it- Thanks.
Hi! Thanks for making this video. I'm 💯 getting one! Question though, about the midi. I'm looking to send all my MPC outputs to the 688 for live mixing and record all 8 tracks at once. Will the midi sync come in handy or would it even matter for my setup since I'm recording it one take? Thanks!
man i've been trying to get stereo monitoring but nothing works. I'm using the scene number 12 and stuff but the panning knob just woulnd't work. if its hard panned, you get a full sound coming out of of both sides. if it's in the center, it sounds quiter still on both sides. same happens on the cue monitor and dual pan knobs. would you know what is that about? thank you !
Did you solve this? I've just started testing one and had the same issue. I got it to work by running through the tutorials in the manual. Also I reset to factory settings, instructions for that in manual too.
Hi! I recently rummaged through my dads old tech from back in the day and stumbled across this beast. I’d love to record live music onto the tape and then send them to my DAW however I don’t know what cables to use and how to use them. If anyone could help me out with this I’d appreciate it majorly!
@@elliotphil-ebosie9191 Yes, I bought 8 RCA to XLR cables off amazon, hooked up the RCA end to the track output on the 688, then put the XLR ends in to channels 1-8 on my interface. Hit record on my laptop, pressed play on the 688 and let the tracks record.
That would not make much sense. You can use the machine as a mixer even without having to grab the outputs via a Cassette adapter. The 688 has all the outputs and stereo output you need. However the Tape-drive motor still runs all the time, when the thing is turned on. Even if you don't use a tape.
Seems like there was some kind of sweet spot a decade or so ago where they were going for cheap. These days though stuff like this and other portastudios and reel to reels have crazy prices.
Anyone know if you can simply record and creat music from scratch using analog dawless machines and no need for a computer for this? Simply plug into the tascam and start recording sound onto cassette tape or is all multitrack cassette recording consoles require computers and softwares? Please help
No computer is required. Multitrack cassette tape studios were first manufactured over 40 years ago so well before most people had computers. The one in the video is the most advanced, but again at 30 years old, requires no computer to use it. It's the reason I'm still using mine!
ok if your recording synths but try classical guitar forget it tape is just for collectors i have a multitrack tape recorder and would never think of recording on it. it's just old tech would you buy a penny farthing if your looking for a bike.
@@slacktoryrecords4193 recording on cassette tape is totally different from recording on a reel of tape. The More fidelity on bigger tape a producer like steve albini can't be compared to someone using a tascam 1/4'' tape. It's these people that think they can achieve the same quality recording. Don't have a clue. That's a my point I have tape / hard disk / daw production and tape is now the worst medium
To me 688 is waste of 900-1000.00! It's to big! It's too heavy! Just get tascam 424 You can link sync 2 of the units together. Only thing is 424 has no xlr mic inputs Take tascam 488mkii It's expensive like 900.00-1200.00!! It only has 2 xlr mic inputs! Only 2! Tascam 424 perfect size without being too big too heavy like tascam 488 mkii , tascam 688, tascam 644(also too big too heavy ,again 644 only has 2 xlr mic inputs!)
what strange if h0w they have that many tracks then putt it 0n cassette t0 us after master s0 why cant it all be d0ne 0n daw then fr0m daw t0 tape deck.
People want a 8 track analogue sound you need 1/2 tape running at proper speed.. What you get with these is the same has dropping your recording to 22lhz and 12 bits. Try it.. youll get the warm you looking for... Cut most hight by 3 db above 16khz. There ya go.. And put a tape plugin emulation Cost me 20$
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I got a 688 In October 1990 and I still have one. Best machine, ever!
For those seeing this video for the first time, some important information: The Tascam 688 and 238 are the ONLY 8 track cassette machines besides a TOA machine that can record ALL 8 tracks at once simultaneously. All others, from Yamaha, Fostex etc.. cannot record all 8. They have 8 tracks but it buses the record ins to two separate 4 track groups.
Good to know, thanks for the insight!
Yamaha mt8x
@@maxbauer1633 you are right
That 688 is a beast of a analog recorder ! Wish I had mine back for that smooth tape compression. I sold mine for computer head Ugh!!
Man this was awesome to find, I found this unit and could find much info, and stoked for you detailed videos. Great work man. Glad to find you, keep it up. Onward.
There is a manual somewhere on the internet. I think it's not that hard to learn the patch matrix, if you replace the word group, with Track.
I have the smaller brother (644), a fantastic unit, I use it all the time, once I figured out the scene display lol.. Its great for songwriting as all the distractions are out of the way :)
I used to crank the speed all the way up on the tape. The quality would be better, love this machine.
I bought this when it first came out. It was reliable and sounded great. Had to use one track (8) for SMPTE striping to allow my vocals/guitars to sync with my MIDI tracks recorded on my Atari ST using Hybrid Arts SMPTETRK MIDI "DAW". It was reliable and was hard to sell it after I got married. Highly recommended.....
Yeah for that it really was perfect. And it's basically how Multitrack recordings in the MIDI age were normally done ever since. The only thing that went straight to tape while recording were vocals or drums but Synthesizers or other MIDI-connectivity instruments were just recorded as MIDI tracks on the computer. :)
Wonder how this compares to the Yamaha MT8X which can also do 8 tracks on one cassette?
It compares mostly in the way how many tracks you wanna record at the same time. The Yamaha MT8X, just as the Tascam 488 and 488 MKII all only record up to 4 channels at the same time, despite being 8 track. So if you wanna record more channels like 6 or all 8 at the same time, you can only do that on the Tascam 688. On the other machines you have to rewind and then record the remaining channels in a second run. This is the biggest difference. And of course the LED VU meters for each channel and the main mix.
Can you do a video .on how to sync up to a DAW there is nothing around in video format
Sync how? Midi? Audio?
@@magicspiral3323 well just to a daw master slave situation...is the 688 master or slave...also how to configure from 688 to a daw would be very helpful
Everyone serious about recording their own songs should spend a lot of time using 4 and 8 track cassette machines to learn how to record creatively, given the restrictions imposed by multi-trackers: having to get performances arranged before recording, having to bounce tracks, not relying of a 'fix in the mix' approach. It forces you to think differently.
Not relying on infinite tracks and 'editing' creates boundaries to work with, which focuses musical performance(s) and recording technique. All artists are bound by the limits of their medium and tools-take those boundaries away and a work loses something of its authenticity, integrity and artistry.
Having the experience of working with restrictive analogue tools and equipment is liberating in an infinite, often soulless, digital world. There's a purity in 4 and 8 track cassette recording that DAW cannot offer. Try it and see for yourself.
c'est le BA.BA !
I like the planning and strategizing on my 4 track.
Hi Landon, who do you get to service the 688 in North America?
I have one that I replaced the capstan variable speed motor and belt. It runs faster than the speed it should, when testing tapes that are recorded on my other 688 unit.
I also have the cables and box to sync after applying the time code.
Is there still service center to have repairs?
@@mritchea I changed the belt myself. I found instructions online and went for it. Ended up working! You may have to do the same, finding tech folks who still work on ancient machined is becoming a rare breed indeed. Good luck!
Landon - I have a question. I have a bunch of music that I recorded from the 90’s on to a Tascam 488 (I believe it was just onto 4 tracks at the time, not the MKii which was Tascam’s first 8 Track).
I recently came across a 688 locally that I am considering purchasing but I need to know if the 688 is backwards compatible before I take that plunge. Because, obviously, I’d like to recover all that old music 😊 So, can the 688 read 4 track tapes recorded on a 488? Thanks for any information you can provide.
Both versions of the 488 recorded to 8 tracks, up to 4 simultaneously. Did you end up getting the 688?
@@BogoEN - nope. Just last week I found a 488 MKII in excellent condition and purchased that instead.
@@kbelltv great machine!
Thanks @@BogoEN I appreciate that feedback. 👍
@@BogoENthe 688 and 238 can record all 8 at once simultaneously. The others cannot including the MT8XII from Yamaha
Combined w the roland w30 w 8 outs....it was a win. Loved it....moved to Logic Audio from there EMAGIC Logic
Thanks for your vid! I have one and I'll dust it off and revive it!
said wants u 2 give it 2 me me am wishs u give me it want 2 go do peeping thom on neybor
Are you familiar with the other tascams like the 424 or 464 or 644? How does this compare in the SOUND department?
I'm looking for the best sounding cassette recorder
Levi Jesse soundwise, I understand the 688 is superior to the 488.
So I just received one of these that was unfortunately not packed well. Most of the functions seem to work as advertised except for a major one- I can't seem to get the thing to record anything to tape? The meters are working, I get sound in the head phones, monitors, etc. The tape runs, FF, rewinds, all of those functions, etc. However, when I go to play back what I supposedly recorded nothing? I followed the manual, pages 18-19, word for word and still nothing? I even tested my new cassette tapes just to make sure those weren't bad, but that wasn't it? I'm at a loss and may need to return the item? But I thought that I would try these 688 comment sections first, just in case I was totally missing/not trying something, etc. Anyone on here who may have some words of wisdom, know these units well, and might know what is going on, I would sure appreciate it- Thanks.
Does your capstan motor run constantly when it is on ? Is the motor louder when it's in high speed ?
I have got one of these (impecable state) and would like to know how much would be an appropriate value to offer it. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Not totally sure...maybe US$750-$1000
How it sounds vs Fostex R8? Your opinion?
Hi! Thanks for making this video. I'm 💯 getting one! Question though, about the midi. I'm looking to send all my MPC outputs to the 688 for live mixing and record all 8 tracks at once. Will the midi sync come in handy or would it even matter for my setup since I'm recording it one take? Thanks!
Midi sync is useful if you need to send midi clock to a synth or sequencer after you’ve recorded something. I never used midi sync myself.
man i've been trying to get stereo monitoring but nothing works. I'm using the scene number 12 and stuff but the panning knob just woulnd't work. if its hard panned, you get a full sound coming out of of both sides. if it's in the center, it sounds quiter still on both sides. same happens on the cue monitor and dual pan knobs. would you know what is that about? thank you !
Did you solve this? I've just started testing one and had the same issue. I got it to work by running through the tutorials in the manual. Also I reset to factory settings, instructions for that in manual too.
Hi! I recently rummaged through my dads old tech from back in the day and stumbled across this beast. I’d love to record live music onto the tape and then send them to my DAW however I don’t know what cables to use and how to use them. If anyone could help me out with this I’d appreciate it majorly!
Is it possible to record the cassette back into logic and have each instrument on a separate track?
@@elliotphil-ebosie9191 Yes, I bought 8 RCA to XLR cables off amazon, hooked up the RCA end to the track output on the 688, then put the XLR ends in to channels 1-8 on my interface. Hit record on my laptop, pressed play on the 688 and let the tracks record.
Can you use the inserts during mixdown or tracking only?
During both, yeah.
What if you use one of those with one of those mp3 cassette adapters?
That would not make much sense. You can use the machine as a mixer even without having to grab the outputs via a Cassette adapter. The 688 has all the outputs and stereo output you need. However the Tape-drive motor still runs all the time, when the thing is turned on. Even if you don't use a tape.
It'd be even cooler if I could afford one lol
Seems like there was some kind of sweet spot a decade or so ago where they were going for cheap. These days though stuff like this and other portastudios and reel to reels have crazy prices.
when you dump the 8 tracks to logic how are you synced up....so when you add more tracks all is aligned
The tracks are recorded as wild audio. No syncing with how I recorded, though these machines are capable of utilizing the 8th track for MIdI time sync
If you could only own 1 tascam, would the 688 do it for you?
I think maybe the 238 or TSR-8
I like what you do
I've got one for sale if anyone is looking. I got it from the former home studio of Richard Marx.
Was this track recorded on it?
Levi Jesse all the music was, yeah.
Wow chucking 8 tracks onto that thin strip of tape hey?
It's amazing cassette is as decent as it is on that thin tape.
Anyone know if you can simply record and creat music from scratch using analog dawless machines and no need for a computer for this? Simply plug into the tascam and start recording sound onto cassette tape or is all multitrack cassette recording consoles require computers and softwares? Please help
No computer is required. Multitrack cassette tape studios were first manufactured over 40 years ago so well before most people had computers. The one in the video is the most advanced, but again at 30 years old, requires no computer to use it. It's the reason I'm still using mine!
You can literally throw your laptop in the trash.
is multitrack in fl studio?
I used Logic Pro X, but you could use FL Studio just the same
whats the price for one of those
Tobi Mang 100 to 1000+$
$500-700 currently
0:20 Duuuuuuude WTF Watch your levels, man xD
It’s analog! Push it in the red! 😈
@@magicspiral3323 HA! You really wanna get that extra compression, dontcha? :P
the Tascam 238 kills this machine
Would agree, that’s been my main machine for years now
I had this machine. The tape recorder would never work.
ok if your recording synths but try classical guitar forget it tape is just for collectors i have a multitrack tape recorder and would never think of recording on it. it's just old tech would you buy a penny farthing if your looking for a bike.
Sounds like you just don’t know what you’re doing.
@@slacktoryrecords4193 recording on cassette tape is totally different from recording on a reel of tape. The More fidelity on bigger tape a producer like steve albini can't be compared to someone using a tascam 1/4'' tape. It's these people that think they can achieve the same quality recording. Don't have a clue. That's a my point I have tape / hard disk / daw production and tape is now the worst medium
LOL fuck classical guitar 😆
@@mrblister8359 How did you gather that he said this is better than any other reel to reel? smh.. what a tool..
@@matts4025 ..go back to the 1960's
To me 688 is waste of 900-1000.00!
It's to big! It's too heavy!
Just get tascam 424
You can link sync 2 of the units together.
Only thing is 424 has no xlr mic inputs
Take tascam 488mkii
It's expensive like 900.00-1200.00!!
It only has 2 xlr mic inputs! Only 2!
Tascam 424 perfect size without being too big too heavy like tascam 488 mkii , tascam 688, tascam 644(also too big too heavy ,again 644 only has 2 xlr mic inputs!)
what strange if h0w they have that many tracks then putt it 0n cassette t0 us after master s0 why cant it all be d0ne 0n daw then fr0m daw t0 tape deck.
Oh it certainly can!
@@magicspiral3323 i been thinking a l0ng time l0l
People want a 8 track analogue sound you need 1/2 tape running at proper speed..
What you get with these is the same has dropping your recording to 22lhz and 12 bits.
Try it.. youll get the warm you looking for...
Cut most hight by 3 db above 16khz.
There ya go..
And put a tape plugin emulation
Cost me 20$
Millenials discovering and playing with analog sound. What a waste of time
I’ve been playing with analog sound for over 30 years. 🤗
@@magicspiral3323bulshit, that's over your age