TASCAM 424MkIII Four Track Recorder
No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
3-band EQ with sweepable mid on each channel. 6 channel strips and one stereo input. dbx noise reduction.
Overview
"Hard disk, Schmard disk! Give me a good, old 4-track cassette recorder."
OK! How about a deluxe, new-fangled 4-track cassette recorder? The TASCAM 424 MKIII is the top-of-the-line tape Portastudio, with 4 XLR mic 6 channel strips and one stereo input. Each channel has a 3-band EQ with sweepable mid and 2 effects sends.
With a separate I/O for mixdown deck connection and monitoring, the Portastudio experience is closer than ever to the real-deal studio vibe.
Who is this deck for? Singer-songwriters are the big-time winners. This rig is easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to store. It's also easy to move, so that means you can take it on the road with a minimum of fuss. All you need is a mic and maybe some sort of small multi-FX box, and you're in business. Beginning project and MIDI studios, as well. Also, if you're a hobbyist musician or band member, this is a way to buy most of the recording basics in one fell swoop.
And just for the record: This deck sounds darn good. We've heard of folks doing basic tracking on decks like this, then taking the whole shebang into a regular studio for mixdown and mastering. It's food for thought, and it really works!
Features
4 XLR mic preamps
6 channel strips and 1 stereo input
3-band EQ with sweepable mid on each channel
2 effect sends
3-3/4 ips high tape speed, and 1-7/8 ips normal speed
dbx noise reduction
Electronic transport for better tape handling
Individual track outputs
Separate I/O for mixdown deck connection and monitoring… read more
Optional RC30P punch-in pedal read less
OK! How about a deluxe, new-fangled 4-track cassette recorder? The TASCAM 424 MKIII is the top-of-the-line tape Portastudio, with 4 XLR mic 6 channel strips and one stereo input. Each channel has a 3-band EQ with sweepable mid and 2 effects sends.
With a separate I/O for mixdown deck connection and monitoring, the Portastudio experience is closer than ever to the real-deal studio vibe.
Who is this deck for? Singer-songwriters are the big-time winners. This rig is easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to store. It's also easy to move, so that means you can take it on the road with a minimum of fuss. All you need is a mic and maybe some sort of small multi-FX box, and you're in business. Beginning project and MIDI studios, as well. Also, if you're a hobbyist musician or band member, this is a way to buy most of the recording basics in one fell swoop.
And just for the record: This deck sounds darn good. We've heard of folks doing basic tracking on decks like this, then taking the whole shebang into a regular studio for mixdown and mastering. It's food for thought, and it really works!
Features
4 XLR mic preamps
6 channel strips and 1 stereo input
3-band EQ with sweepable mid on each channel
2 effect sends
3-3/4 ips high tape speed, and 1-7/8 ips normal speed
dbx noise reduction
Electronic transport for better tape handling
Individual track outputs
Separate I/O for mixdown deck connection and monitoring… read more
Optional RC30P punch-in pedal read less
Specs
Simultaneous Record/Play tracks: 4 record, 4 play
Mixer Channels: 6 Mono channels, 3-band EQ (Sweep Mid EQ), 2 Aux sends, 1 Stereo Input
Overall Frequency Response: 40Hz-16kHz, +/-3dB (3 3/4 ips)
Overall Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB 1HF-A weighted, dbx
Wow/Flutter: <0.05% WRMS
Tape Speed: 4.76 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips), 9.5 cm/sec (3-3/4 ips)
Pitch adjustment: +/-12%
Inputs
Ch 1-4: XLR Mic Pre, 1/4 in. Mic/Line In
Ch 5-6: 1/4 in. Mic/Line In
Ch 7-8: 1/4 in. Line In
Sub input: RCA unbalanced
Outputs
Monitor Outputs: RCA unbalanced
Line Output: RCA unbalanced
Aux Send Outs: (2) 1/4 in. Line
Individual Track Outs: RCA unbalanced
Headphone Output: 1/4 in. TRS
Power Consumption: 21W
Dimensions: 419 x 115 x 357 mm
Weight: 4.9 kg
Fast Winding Time: 120 seconds for C60
Optional Accessories: RC30P Punch-in Pedal
Mixer Channels: 6 Mono channels, 3-band EQ (Sweep Mid EQ), 2 Aux sends, 1 Stereo Input
Overall Frequency Response: 40Hz-16kHz, +/-3dB (3 3/4 ips)
Overall Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB 1HF-A weighted, dbx
Wow/Flutter: <0.05% WRMS
Tape Speed: 4.76 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips), 9.5 cm/sec (3-3/4 ips)
Pitch adjustment: +/-12%
Inputs
Ch 1-4: XLR Mic Pre, 1/4 in. Mic/Line In
Ch 5-6: 1/4 in. Mic/Line In
Ch 7-8: 1/4 in. Line In
Sub input: RCA unbalanced
Outputs
Monitor Outputs: RCA unbalanced
Line Output: RCA unbalanced
Aux Send Outs: (2) 1/4 in. Line
Individual Track Outs: RCA unbalanced
Headphone Output: 1/4 in. TRS
Power Consumption: 21W
Dimensions: 419 x 115 x 357 mm
Weight: 4.9 kg
Fast Winding Time: 120 seconds for C60
Optional Accessories: RC30P Punch-in Pedal
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(114 ratings)
Submitted November 20, 2003 by a customer from aol.com
"KISS: (Keep it simple, stupid), or,"
I will use this recorder 'til it quits, which in my experience, will be a long while. I am always looking at the new stuff just in case. I was not able to find, in my opinion, any comparable recorders when I got this one. Tascam is a solid name with solid products.
Sound
The 424 sounds as good as one might expect from a tape recorder. I use it to record miked drums and am very pleased with the results. I use the 424 in conjunction with Tascam's CDRW 700 recorder, Alesis' QS 8.1 Keyboard, AKG studio and drum mikes, Sennheiser 580 headphones, and I get better than industry standard recordings. Really!
Features
I like the four XLR mike inputs. I wish it had six, but hey, it / they work.
Quality
I think the older Porta-Studios had better knobs. They were more sturdy. These new ones are a little wiggly, but I have had no problems with them functionally. Actually, maybe they are better 'cause they might take a little more abuse, if you are so inclined. The rest of the machine is very well put together, very sturdy and appears it will last a long time.
Value
Worth it! Oh yayass. I might even buy another one "jus for fuh."
Manufacturer Support
I spoke with Tascam techs on the phone before I bought their products and had good results. They were able to answer all my brainy questions without delay.
The Wow Factor… read more
I would rather see it more box-like, like the older ones. It is somewhat difficult to grab with one hand, so you gotta use two, which is probably a good idea anyway. It is a neat-looking item though.
Musical Style:
Tatal Chug-Yo-Mug, Classic Rot and Roll an' stuff. read less
Sound
The 424 sounds as good as one might expect from a tape recorder. I use it to record miked drums and am very pleased with the results. I use the 424 in conjunction with Tascam's CDRW 700 recorder, Alesis' QS 8.1 Keyboard, AKG studio and drum mikes, Sennheiser 580 headphones, and I get better than industry standard recordings. Really!
Features
I like the four XLR mike inputs. I wish it had six, but hey, it / they work.
Quality
I think the older Porta-Studios had better knobs. They were more sturdy. These new ones are a little wiggly, but I have had no problems with them functionally. Actually, maybe they are better 'cause they might take a little more abuse, if you are so inclined. The rest of the machine is very well put together, very sturdy and appears it will last a long time.
Value
Worth it! Oh yayass. I might even buy another one "jus for fuh."
Manufacturer Support
I spoke with Tascam techs on the phone before I bought their products and had good results. They were able to answer all my brainy questions without delay.
The Wow Factor… read more
I would rather see it more box-like, like the older ones. It is somewhat difficult to grab with one hand, so you gotta use two, which is probably a good idea anyway. It is a neat-looking item though.
Musical Style:
Tatal Chug-Yo-Mug, Classic Rot and Roll an' stuff. read less
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No longer available at zZounds
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