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Product Review: Tascam TSR-8 recorder
Reviewed by: Edward C. DijkEddieCD@yahoo.com
This user’s rating:
Price: $1000 - $1500
Features
2 auto-locator points
DBX on all 8 tracks
Return to Zero
Punch In/Out
MIDI/SMPTE syncro capability on Track 8 with outboard unit
1/2 inch tape - wide tracks for better response overall
Serial port for computer tie-in with appropriate connector/software
What I liked
Simply put, analog audio. This unit is the affordable answer to the projects studio's need for analog recording medium where one might normally find a 2 inch, 24 track unit.
The DBX is finely tuned to eliminate much of the dreaded tape hiss associated with reel to reel tape machines running at 15 ips and it also warms up guitar, synth, and vocal tracks quite nicely.
Also, it's simple to use. No formatting, no computerized hub-bub to get in the way - just straight forward analog tape recording as it was meant to be.
What I didn't like
The unit is not built as solidly as its older sisters: the TASCAM 38-8 and the Otari MX5050-8 track. It can take abuse, but it was never meant for the road and never meant to be abused.
2 head design. I was always a fan of the standardized 3 head design or of the old Ampex interchangable heads routine. But I'm managing. Without 3 heads you cannot do things like tape delay or such. Again, its not a big thing, but it's something I don't necessarily like about it.
Worst of all: TASCAM itself. If you buy one of these units or anything else TASCAM be prepared for the worst customer service you have ever heard/seen. Example: I called TASCAM to get some general information on the TSR-8 and to possibly purchase some parts and the technician I talked to never let me speak - instead he rambled about how antiquated the TSR-8 was as a reel to reel and that I should be using a digital unit, yada, yada, yada. I layed down the law that I am using analog because I want to and that since the unit was still being made by TASCAM that it would be in HIS best interest and in the company's best interest to speak HIGHLY about its gear rather than bash it. He hung up. Word to the wise: if you get one - learn to fix it yourself.
Tips:
1) learn how to repair the unit yourself
2) use only Ampex 456
3) mount the unit horizontally instead of vertically. It lessens the likelyhood of reel deck alignment problems.
4) tracks 1 and 8 (the outer tracks) should be used for drums or bass if at all possible. As these are the outer tracks many times they are more prone to signal loss due to alignment issues and thus should be considered as such while assigning tracks. Mine has always worked fine in this regard, but I use it as a general rule anyways.
5) Learn to love this unit in the face of today's ever growing digital recorder market - it will love you back in return!
Edward C. Dijk, 2000