8
Multitrack Cassette Recorder
The 414 MKII records on readily available standard
(Philips) Compact Cassette tape, high bias Type II.
The recorder has 4 tracks while the mixer has a
stereo output; however, using the Direct Recording
feature you can record on any or all of the 4 tracks at
one time. For more details, see "Recording on More
Than Two Tracks Simultaneously", page 22.
The 414 MKII's dbx Noise Reduction virtually
eliminates unwanted tape noise. A special SYNC
feature turns off the dbx on track 4 separately,
making it possible to record and play back the MIDI
sync tones or SMPTE/EBU time code without being
affected by the dbx encode/decode. This ensures that
the sync tones/code are recorded and played back
without unnecessary processing. With proper
operating techniques, it is not necessary to leave a
guard band between music and sync tone tracks
because of the low crosstalk of the TASCAM heads.
■ ZERO RETURN promptly brings you back to the
beginning of a section of tape, selected by
resetting the tape counter.
■ The tape speed can be increased or decreased
with the PITCH CONTROL dial in both
playback and record, to match pitch or for special
effects.
Track Format and Tape Recommendations
Tape Speed and Track Format
The Portastudio 414 MKII records/plays at 9.5
cm/sec (3-3/4 ips) which is twice (2 X) the normal
speed of a standard audio cassette.
It also employs a discrete 4-channel format head
developed especially by TEAC for TASCAM
multitrack cassette recorders. Here is a comparison
of various cassette formats: