X-300r

[BeatleFred]

Hi Bob: I appreciate the time you took to reply- that Teac model you have is certainly a beauty. I was looking thru my hi fi mag & buying guides backissues and I was surprised to see the X-300R was in the Teac Product Line for quite a while: 1984-1993. Usually it seems like a new model comes out every two years so. I'm pretty sure the X-300, X-700 etc replaced the X-3, X-7-> do you know if there was any significant improvements other than the extra zeroes in the model number (smile). Well, if the model went 'till '93 thats probabaly close to one of the last open reel machines they built. Bob, I wanted to ask: are you familiar with those dbx dynamic range expanders like the 3BX? I was wondering if using one would be beneficial in terms of recording music from FM radio and decompressing the sound so that it sounds more like actual source CD. Sincerely, B/F.

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by BeatleFred
Hi Bob: I appreciate the time you took to reply- that Teac model you have is certainly a beauty. I was looking thru my hi fi mag & buying guides backissues and I was surprised to see the X-300R was in the Teac Product Line for quite a while: 1984-1993. Usually it seems like a new model comes out every two years so. I'm pretty sure the X-300, X-700 etc replaced the X-3, X-7-> do you know if there was any significant improvements other than the extra zeroes in the model number (smile). Well, if the model went 'till '93 thats probabaly close to one of the last open reel machines they built. Bob, I wanted to ask: are you familiar with those dbx dynamic range expanders like the 3BX? I was wondering if using one would be beneficial in terms of recording music from FM radio and decompressing the sound so that it sounds more like actual source CD. Sincerely, B/F.

Fred,

The X-1000R is still a great sounding machine. It was at the top of the "food chain" in the "X" series. Yes, The "X" series was manufactured for many years with great success. I purchased my X-1000R in late 1982 so I am not familar with the enhancements that were designed into subsequent model releases. While TEAC did cease manufacturing consumer models their parent company, Tascam, has, of course, continued to manufacture Pro machines.

I actually own A DBX 3BX that sits boxed up in storage. While it had many compelling qualities it had many problems as well (pumping was the biggest). It was fun toy, none the less. It was a pleasurable listening tool but, I would not recommend one for recording purposes. Tape saturation would be the biggest problem for use in recording. I actually tried it in a few test recordings with the Reel machine and I do not recommend it to be used to expand tracks in recordings!

Bob :)

[BeatleFred]

Hello again, Bob: Are you familiar with the Tascam 32 two-track mixdown machine- if so, would there be any advantage to using that to make recordings- being with just two tracks- the track width is wider? Also, which brand cleaning products do you use? (heads, rubber etc..)

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by BeatleFred
Hello again, Bob: Are you familiar with the Tascam 32 two-track mixdown machine- if so, would there be any advantage to using that to make recordings- being with just two tracks- the track width is wider? Also, which brand cleaning products do you use? (heads, rubber etc..)

Fred,

Yes, I am familar with the Tascam 32, a fine machine. Yes, two tracks provide a wider tape pass over the heads and less cross talk potential than a quarter track machine. However you will burn through twice as much tape because you can record only in one direction. For recording of master tapes of original music this would be highly recommended. For home use, mastering your own programs from CDs and records, this would be a "nice to have" but certainly not a "have to have". I use Tascam Rubber Cleaner and regular 91% solution isopropyl alcohol to clean the heads. Keep your heads and rubber impecably clean. I clean both for each hour (1) of recording and I never incur any problems.

Bob

[BeatleFred]

Bob- Are you familiar with the Tascam DX-4D and 2D noise reduction devices? Are they useful to have in improving the quality of sound or are they not necessary to have. Specifically, I was curious about its use with a Tascam 32 machine- would a DX-2D improve the quality of recordings? Also, I notice more 4D's than 2D's for sale. Can a DX-4D be used with a Tascam 32--> just use 2 of its 4 pairs of input/output jacks in the back?

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by BeatleFred
Bob- Are you familiar with the Tascam DX-4D and 2D noise reduction devices? Are they useful to have in improving the quality of sound or are they not necessary to have. Specifically, I was curious about its use with a Tascam 32 machine- would a DX-2D improve the quality of recordings? Also, I notice more 4D's than 2D's for sale. Can a DX-4D be used with a Tascam 32--> just use 2 of its 4 pairs of input/output jacks in the back?

Fred,

I am not familar with those particular noise reduction devices, only familar with Dolby and DBX noise reduction. I believe that since the devices that you listed are a Tascam product they should work pretty well with the 32. The 4 and 2 designations must refer to capability to either a 2 or 4 track machine. The 32 is a 2 track. Please keep in mind that noise reduction will not improve the quality of the sound but, rather it improves the S/N ratio performance of your recorder which, may improve the quality of the listening experience (reduction in tape hiss) but, not improve the quality of the sound. Personally, to my ears, noise reduction devices added undesirable "color" to recordings and I therefore do not use them. When I record on high output tape and drive the record levels properly, I do not find tape hiss a distraction to the listening experience. In fact, I barely notice it's prescence.

Bob