Tascam Portastudio 464

The Tascam 464 is a Portastudio designed to record 4 tracks onto a standard cassette. It features a built in mixer with three bands of EQ on each channel, XLR inputs on channels 1-4, and 1/4" inputs for the other inputs. It can record on up to 4 tracks simultaneously. The manual is very easy to follow, it is very easy to master after running through the operations a few times.

The 464 has a pitch wheel to change the speed/pitch, two computer controlled memory locations with auto-punch in, a return to zero locate button, two loops for effect and auxiliary, an option to record a SMPTE track on track 4, and dbx Type II noise reduction. Two speed modes can be engaged, low (1.875 ips) and high (3.75 ips). For the best recordings, high quality Type II cassettes 60 minutes or shorter in length should be used at high speed. Decent sounding recordings can be made without the dbx, the use of which will be subjective to the recordist. If you want to try and eliminate hiss without engaging the dbx, recording at high speed with the pitch wheel all the way to maximum will help, but will cut down on recording time. At high speed, a 60 minute tape will provide approximately 15 minutes of recording time.

The 464 is a pretty solid machine for a cassette Portastudio. I've never owned a 424, but I have used one on many occasions, and in spite of the difference in appearance, the functions and sound quality seem identical to me. For a solo recordist with a small project studio the Tascam 464 is a great machine, capable of producing some excellent demos across simple, 4 track recordings. As such, this would be a suitable machine for rap/hip-hop and singer songwriter/folk music with limited instrumentation. This is an excellent first machine, so long as you don't mind be limited to working with only 4 tracks.

1. how long the uilisez you?

I use the 464 for just over two years now. I had the desire to return to recording techniques "low-fi" that are impossible to emulate on a PC though. However the sound of this machine I was literally blown away by its quality, if only one blunder to make placement of microphones in the sound (an art whose practice is progessivement lost with the advent of digital) . It is possible to achieve exellentes demos with a grain well to the old way-late 80s.

2. What is so special that you love the most, least?

The big highlight of this machine compared to most of its competitors (including within other models from Tascam) is a 3 band EQ really super effective. The ability to touch turns to mediums frankly necessary once we have acquired a taste.

I also love the fact that with a machine in this way, the quality of the songwriting becomes paramount. Being limited by 4-track pushes the user to really focus on the essence of the song. The music gets better.

What I like least is the integrated power supply that is not transparent at the recording, but the noise level is acceptable if only one uses the DBX.

3.Aviez you tried many other models before buying it?

I tried the 424 which is very good (separate power supply) but only has a 2-band EQ and has no XLR inputs.

4. How would you rate the quality / price?

TOP! Today these machines sell for a pittance. They were very expensive when they leave. Performances are at the rendezvous, even today. The 4-K7 tracks did not sound "very disappointed" as it would be easy to believe and has a special charm. I am super happy.

5. With experience, you do again this choice? ...

Without hesitation!

I have used for several years, I cut his teeth on it.
Do not expect a mega sound (it is only normal tapes).
This is the best 4-track tape that I use is cohrente essay.
Especially very practical to store Bauches composting.
Also a good training using the mixing desk intgre (the record is made fr).
on the other hand, to record BMD, a 4-track does not do much, we can see up to 3 tracks of 1 (table tennis), but also added the breath.
I recommend that wants to buy a record 30seconds of a pure kind frquence 440Hz and 1000Hz OR cost so read, we do not hear it falter.
As we age, the DBiT band is less rgulier.
I have expressed all possible connections, he taught me a lot.