Tascam 246 Overview
The Tascam 246 was the best recorder on the market under the Tascam Portastudio line during a time when 4Track recorders were in-demand. The 4-track recorder was introduced as a more home recording friendly version of its predecessor, the reel to reel. Originally released in 1985, the 246 model cassette recorder featured definitive hifi analog sound recording and boasts quality craftsmanship, compared to toyish knobs and faders like that of its counterparts.
Sound Quality
The 246 produces exceptional sound quality for a multitrack cassette recorder, the best of all models of similar type really. The sound produced can be described as nice and surprisingly warm. The playback on the 246 will sound familiar for anyone keen on vintage analog sounding audio. Higher frequencies sound somewhat muted with noise reduction on, but this is fairly standard and should be expected from non digital cassette recorders.
An admired asset of the model is it has an integrated four buss mixer.
Some people complain about the 246 being overly big and bulky for a multitrack cassette recorder. Others argue that it’s not an issue because this machine lends itself more to stay in one place rather than a mobile recorder that you take on the go with you. In fact, substantial size and specifically weight in the analog days often meant higher quality in electronics.
Specifications
Analog/Digital: Analog Cassette Tape
2-Head Single Compact Cassette Deck
4-Track 4-Channel Track system
4.8, 9.5 cm/s Tape Speed
1 x record & playback | 1 x erase Heads
Motor: 1 x capstan, 1 x reel, 1 x ancillary
Tape Type: CrO2
Noise Reduction: DBX
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 18kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 95dB
Wow to Flutter: 0.06%
Total Harmonic Distortion: 1.0%
Input: 300mV (line), 1mV (mic)
Output: 0.3V (line)
Dimensions: 500 x 401 x 123mm
Weight: 10.3kg
Release Year: 1985
For context, its important to understand that a cassette tape has a real estate of only 4 tracks. Two for stereo left and right on Side A, and two for Side B.
Inputs & Outputs
Uses
- Audio Recording
- Instrument Recording
- Vocal Recording
- Tracking and soloing musical Instruments and different audio tracks
- Sampling
- Adding warmth, character and nostalgia to audio tracks
- Adding and removing EQ to audio tracks
For Sale & Where to buy
Keep in mind that you will likely be buying used or refurbished. If you find one of these bad boys in mint brand new condition, that’s a rare gem. The same wouldn’t be said 10 years ago or so, but its a safe bet at this point with analog audio equipment manufacturing being so far in the past. If you find one of these in mint condition, you will definitely be able to find a buyer, if not only for parts. (rubber will likely still need to be replaced on a new item that is so old).
Check Ebay
The Best Tape for the Tascam 246
- Do not use extra long cassette tapes to avoid thin tapes and steer clear of breakage and other issues. As a rule of thumb, don’t go over 90 minute long tapes.
- Only use high bias type ii cassettes.
Keep in mind that to calculate the record time for any four track cassette recorder you will need to divide the tape duration by four
Recommended Cassette For The Tascam 246
Maxell High Bias Cassette Tapes 60 minute
Maxell High Bias Cassette Tapes 90 minute
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- If you are having issues with sound cutting in and out on an input then it may be dirty. You can clean around the input by using Deoxit Gold G5 and common spray can Duster.
- If a good clean doesn’t fix your popping and sound cutting issues then you can fix this by soldering the loose solder joint with a soldering iron.
- Keep the tape heads clean using cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.
- It’s also been said that it’s a good idea to stretch out the tape prior to use for best recording. This can be done by fast forwarding and rewinding the tape the four times before use. What difference this makes i’m not exactly sure.
Belts
A common issue for tape recorders is that the belts inside will naturally deteriorate and wear out over time. You will know this is the case when you press play or record and your tape will stop instantly. Rubber is always the first to go when things age, luckily belts and other peices can be replaced. Unless they have been replaced recently you will likely need to replace both the capsptan belt and the main drive belt. Try Ebay when looking for replacement belts.
Pinch Rollers
Make sure to inspect the pinch roller for dents. This is a part that is harder to come by than belts. Water is fine for cleaning the pinch roller. Its also a good idea to replace the rubber on these.
Your best best is to find these on Ebay. People used to say to go through Tascam for belts and pinch rollers even after the 246 Portastudio was discontinued. However, i’m not sure if they still produce these parts or not.
Manual & How To Use
Download (right click save as)