Product
Tascam 388 Studio 8
Stunning, fully restored example of this wonderful mid-80s "complete 8-track production centre".
We get these as often as we can find them in good condition for restoration. Contact us now to get on the list.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Stunning example of this wonderful mid-80s “complete 8-track production centre” (to quote the manual!).
Serviced and almost ready to ship. We just need to get a new tape delivered and fitted. It will ship in early January.
Description
A great looking, low-use Tascam 388 Studio 8 for sale. It’s a 1/4″ 8-Track Tape Recorder with Mixer.
Supplied in full working order and with warranty. This has been carefully serviced throughout, including recapping and calibration.
Tape: it’s been set up and calibrated to RTM LPR35 which is readily available – Thomann have it in Europe.
Dating from 1985, this was the first combined eight track mixer/tape machine and is definitely not a Portastudio! We’ve previously shied away from them as most have had long hard lives and require a lot of work to be even passable, but when this barely-used example was snuffled out by our gear hounds, we couldn’t resist. They’ve become somewhat popular of late – perhaps unsurprisingly given their use by such varied luminaries as Dan Auerbach (Black Keys), Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) and Madlib.
This review from a pre-Sound-On-Sound Paul White tells you much of what you need to know:
You can find the manual online, and this info below is taken from there:
The Studio 8 is a complete eight track production system.
It contains a full function 8 x 8 x 2 mixer with 8 channel monitoring; combined with an eight track recorder/reproducer with full servo control, remote capability, and SMPTE/EBU/computer interface.
It is an ideal turn-key production facility for off-line audio for video, jingles, commercial radio and television spots, and music.
As a complete system, the Studio 8 virtually eliminates the time consuming and confusing patching normally associated with multi-track audio production.
The most frequently used functions are engaged automatically and many complex operations are internally wired to reduce work by reducing the number of steps necessary to get things done.
Specifications:
- Track system: 8-track, 8-channel, stereo/monaural/multi channel system
- Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase
- Motor: 1 x capstan, 2 x reel
- Reel size: up to 7 inch reel
- Tape speeds: 7 1⁄2 ips
- Wow and flutter: 0.05% (7 1⁄2 ips)
- Frequency response: 30Hz to 16kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 90dB
- Total harmonic distortion: 3%
- Crosstalk: 75dB
- Input: 300mV (line), 1mV (mic)
- Output: 0.3V (line)
- Dimensions: 837 x 220 x 641mm
- Weight: 38kg
- Year: 1985
Condition
Excellent throughout. Only minor signs of age on the front panel (NOTE: it has not been deep cleaned in the shots you see here – it will be even better looking when it arrives!). Wooden end cheeks have a had some restoration and look great as well. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition.
Voltage Information
100v Japanese model. For customers on 220/240v supplies we will supply a high quality step-down transformer free of charge with your purchase - let us know if this is not required. On North American mains (115/120v supplies) this unit will run without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use. We do not recommend using cheap, generic Chinese mains transformers - please ask if you have any questions about powering this unit.
Tax
For sales in UK the price will include 20% VAT. Buyers elsewhere may incur VAT or other local taxes on import.
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