Tascam Review: Model 414 Portastudio MKII

History:

Purchase: I purchased the 414 mkII portastudio with cash at Wrays house of music in Lemoyne Pa. to record my personal guitar music and graduate to burning CD's on my newly procured computer. Purchase price I believe was $249.

What I Like About This Tascam Model 414 Portastudio MKII: I enjoy this unit thoroughly because it allows me to record rythym and play along as well as record lead and bass licks with the ability to start over and over until I reach the desired effects. With this ability I also can practice with accompanyment if there are no friends around to jam with. The practice is vital to any musician to explore different avenues and to hone their skills. The Unit can be jacked in directly without the need for an amp, or preamped with your equipment, while implementing effects from other accessories,ie. effects pedals. I have not begun to explore the possibilities acheivable with this unit mostly due to the lack of experience on my part with electronic equipment, but the manufacturers instuction booklet explains many of the features and operations possible in detail in a language even someone as inexperienced as myself can understand. It is a very good starter tool for someone who wishes to record at a beginner level with professional results. The sound reproduced is a quality recording. The ability to transfer the recordings to another medium such as a CD or cassettes is a plus for listening and sharing my music with friends and family. I will probably in the future have a lot more to say about this unit since I have only begun to explore it's process.

What I Do NOT Like About The Tascam Model 414 Portastudio MKII: I have nothing bad to say about this unit except that it picks up every bad note I hit, but on the other hand it is capable of dubbing over so I can make mistakes it allows me to correct them.

Tascam Model 414 Portastudio MKII Quality Rating: The constuction and quality both seem to be top notch, it is a very portable unit and seems to hold up to every day bumps and bruises. I have yet to drop it accidently or damage it in anyway, time will tell how the recording heads hold up, but so far I am pleased with it's durability.

Review Summary: In summary I would recomend this unit to anyone who desires to do some personal recording as well as group recordings. It can handle multiple instruments at the same time. Garage bands will have a ball with this unit.

Rating of this Tascam product: 5

This Tascam Model 414 Portastudio MKII Multitrack Recorders Review Submitted By: Shady Lane

Review Date: 2003-01-28