Dylan's TASCAM 388

Some time ago, I started an email correspondence with a fellow named Dylan. Dylan had acquired a TASCAM 388 – aka Studio 8 – and he had a few questions about mixdown decks and about TASCAM analog recording equipment in general. A few months later, he emailed back and said that his 388 had stopped working, and he asked if I knew any technicians in the area. I offered to take a look at it myself, in hopes that it would be a simple fix, so that he wouldn’t have to spend money on having a professional look at it. And, I just wanted to see it, because I’d read a lot about these machines and wanted a close-up look at one.

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Hello readers,

Thank you for visiting my blog, 15ips.com. I started this website to document my progress as I acquire, restore, and maintain analog audio recording equipment for use in my project studio.

I’ve learned a lot by reading others’ blogs, and especially from reading online bulletin boards such as the Analog Only forum at homerecording.com. There are a number of talented, generous people out there who are providing useful information, and I would like to contribute to that body of information.

I’m not a professional. I’m just a musician, making music at home. I also have a certain technical aptitude. I don’t have a big budget for equipment, and this dictates what equipment I buy, and the state of that equipment. Most of the items I encounter are around 20-25 years old, and they typically need of a good deal of restoration and maintenance before being used. So, it was out of necessity that I started doing my own work. I like doing it, and I especially enjoy being somewhat self-sufficient.

I’m starting this blog by writing about the repair work that I’m doing as I’m building my project studio. Most of my equipment is TASCAM gear from the 1980s, which seems to be enjoying some kind of comeback among analog recording enthusiasts. It’s not the best, but I don’t think anyone other than a gear snob can really tell the difference. The great thing about 1980s TASCAM gear is that it’s still affordable, many of the original parts are still available from the manufacturer, and the sound quality is incredible if the equipment is maintained and used properly. It’s perfect for someone who wants to get the most for his budget.

I’ll start with a few articles. I will be grateful if you have a comment for me, or if you have suggestions or other information as I go forward. Please feel free to drop a line!

~ Jeff