Portastudios that will play 644 tapes

[Jon L. Jacobi]

While there are 644's around i could buy, I was wondering if any of the smaller Portastudios such as the 244 would play the 4-track, high-speed tapes that I recorded when I had the 644 back in the day. In other words, I'm looking for a smaller, possibly cheaper alternative. I don't need the huge mixer.

 

[Pierke]

The Tascam 234 Syncaset plays tapes I recorded on a 244: 4-track, high-speed. Not 100% sure, but I think it would take 644-tapes too. I see no reason why not, but there might be one I’m not aware of.
The 234 is a great machine without a huge mixer. Not a portastudio, but you may want to consider it.

 

[Jon L. Jacobi]

Thanks! Didn't know it existed! But they are rather pricey!

 

[Pierke]

That may be so, but my repair guy was very happy to work on mine, which I had bought in non-working condition, because, he told me, those 234 machines are very well built and are also top soundwise. So they are worth the repair. After thorough servicing, they will keep working for many years.

 

[Jack Saturn]

Jon, depending on what tape speeds you've been using on the Tascam 644 (Normal or High), you'll just need to find another machine that offers both of those speeds and has DBX noise reduction. The aforementioned Tascam 234 is one option, as are any of the 424 models. There's a few Yamaha and Fostex models that would also fit the bill. -Jack