Cassette 4-tracking was a considerable micro-culture during the 80s and early 90s. While a cassette doesn’t have the sonic range seen in digital equipment or in high-end tape machines, it does have a certain quality that’s hard to replicate. The pinnacle of cassette multi-tracking was the Tascam Midistudio 688. No slouch, this workhorse has produced hit songs and is well-regarded by those who can harness its power.
The power of the Tascam 688 was also its curse. A quick look at the control panel gave the immediate urge to grab a manual. Nevertheless, once the muscle memory kicked in, the ability to work miracles with the 688 kicked in, too.
The most recognizable song recorded with the 688 was White Town’s “Your Woman” (in fact, the entire record Women In Technology was done on the machine).
If you’ve got your hands on one of these machines, chances are it’s second hand (they were first produced in 1990) and you’ll need to check the manual. It’s your lucky day, because I have a zipped up copy for you. Enjoy!
Where in the process are you having a problem?
I have a fuzzy memory of reading in either Recording or EQ magazine of some of the heavy hitters of rap using this machine and an SM57 for vocals on some of their hits. Wish I could be more specific. They probably appreciated compressed sonic quality of cassette tape. But I can tell you that at that time Prince used the rack mount version of this machine to record his concerts.
If you already own one of these machines and need a mixer but can’t afford one, then fine, go ahead and use it as a mixer, but going out and buying one of these units just to use as a mixer is retarded. You’ll be infinitely better off buying a cheap new mixer made by Yamaha, Mackie, Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, Behringer, etc., than using an old cassette portastudio for that purpose.
Nice article, great to see a lot of people still believe in the 688. I bought mine off of craiglist about 7 or 8 years ago, with an anvil case for $300. My question is besides the midiizer, is there any other way to sinc up my dr-770 and korg ms2000b? What about the Tascam MTS-30? Also is there a forum for 688 users? Thanks
Just purchased a 688 a few days ago. Not my first foray into recording, but it is my first decent desk recorder.
It seems like there are a lot of happy people out there still belting out tunes with these, and I’m a big fan of analog – so I’m hoping I made a good decision buying this and not a bunch of sounds for my kurzweil.
I am trying to find someone to tell me how to use mine as a pa mixer.. if anyone can give me instructions on how to do this please lemme know.. Thanks
Good, old analogue. thanks for the manual tascam 688 :)))