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TASCAM Portastudio 414mkIIby TASCAM
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Features
- 4 mic/line input channels, 2 stereo inputs
- 2 XLR mic inputs, HiZ guitar input
- 2 effect sends
- 2 band EQ on each channel
- 3 3/4 ips high tape speed, dbx noise reduction
Product Description
For you or as a gift. The new 414mkII Portastudio is ideal for newcomers or those experienced in multitrack recording, packing high-end features into a convenient, compact and economical package. A high-speed transport, combined with Hi & Low EQ and dbx noise reduction means great sound. For convenience, there are also 2 XLR microphone inputs, and a 1/4" HiZ guitar input. Use it for demos, as a portable sketch pad, or for practicing recording techniques. 4 track recorder with 8 input mixer 4 mic/line input channels, 2 stereo inputs 2 XLR mic inputs HiZ guitar input 2 effect sends 2 band EQ on each channel 3 3/4 ips high tape speed dbx noise reduction Optional RC-30P punch-in pedalReviews
Good sound; great simplicity, flexibility, and priceI'm a vocalist, and I wanted the ability to produce good quality recordings quickly (i.e. on the spot/during rehearsal) and inexpensively. I recently purchased the Portastudio 414mkII to meet this need, and I'm quite please with its performance to date. For clarity, this is not my demo quality set up. I use an Edirol audio interface and Cakewalk recording software for that purpose. This latter solution works quite well, but is rather cumbersome to set up and carry through to mastering.
I chose the Portastudio 414mkII over similarly priced alternatives because it seemed to present the best combination of price and features. I looked at the more affordable Porta02mkII and MF-P01 by Tascam, but these units lack XLR inputs, EQ controls, and effects send capability. The X-12 by Fostex was similarly oversimplified, in my opinion. I also considered the pricier Pocketstudio 5 and Fostex MR-8 (both digital units), but ultimately rejected these because their interfaces seemed more complicated than necessary for a rehearsal quality unit. The 414mkII's solid array of inputs and outputs also seemed superior to those on these digital units. I did not consider digital multi-tracks with built in CD burners during this purchase. In my mind, units with those capabilities (and price) compete directly with my Edirol/Cakewalk set up.
As I indicate above, I'm quite pleased with the Portastudio 414mkII's performance. Setup was a breeze, the controls are intuitive, and the manual provides excellent guidance on more complicated features. Recording is basically as simple as turning the unit on, taking a few sample levels, and pushing record. Mixing and mastering are similarly simple processes, and I've found myself recording, mixing, and mastering piano/vocal arrangements in roughly 30 minutes.
Most importantly, the sound quality is incredibly good given this unit's price and ease of operation. I've recorded acoustic piano, electronic piano, and voice thus far, and the resulting mix is truly a pleasure to listen to; in fact, it far surpasses my expectations for a unit priced so reasonably. My only negative feedback is that these initial recordings yielded a barely audible hiss when played back through my home stereo at high volume. Please understand, however, that when I say barely audible, I mean it; normal listeners (non audiophiles) will likely not notice the noise at all. I'm now playing with input and recording levels to try and eliminate even that noise. But regardless of success, I'll remain pleased with the sound quality this reasonably priced unit delivers.
Best of luck with your decision, and happy recording!
