Designed for 19″ rack mounting, it offered high-quality, 4-channel sync recording and playback with selectable dbx II noise reduction. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the Tascam 234, its features, and its impact on the world of audio recording. One of the most striking things about the Tascam 234 is its compact design. Measuring just 5 13/16″ in height and 14 1/16″ in depth, it was a real space saver for home recording studios. It came with silver-coloured screw-on handles and a rack mount end plate, which made it easy to install, and transport.
The Tascam 234 was a 4-track cassette recorder that could handle both standard and high-speed cassette tapes. It had three motors and microprocessor control, which allowed for precise synchronisation of multiple tracks. It also had a Simul-Sync feature that enabled you to record and play back all four tracks simultaneously.
The deck’s presentation was simple and straightforward, with all the necessary functions included and no unnecessary frills. It had four VU meters, one for each track, and an LED peak indicator that helped you monitor the levels and prevent distortion. It also had a headphone output with level control, which allowed you to monitor the mix in real-time.
One of the standout features of the Tascam 234 was its selectable dbx II noise reduction. This advanced noise reduction system reduced tape hiss and other unwanted noise, resulting in cleaner recordings. With this feature, you could create a 4-track master cassette with up to 10 different parts, each no more than second-generation recording. If pushed to its useful limit, up to 15 parts could be squeezed onto a single cassette with excellent results.
The Tascam 234 was a revolutionary device that had a significant impact on the world of audio recording, at least it would have if the Portastudio wasn’t a more appealing solution for most home recording musicians. It was a game changer for musicians, sound engineers, and recording enthusiasts who wanted to create high-quality recordings with their existing mixer.
The compact sise of the Tascam 234 made it an ideal tool for home recording setups. Its simplicity and ease of use made it accessible to a wide range of users, even those who were new to recording. And its advanced features, such as selectable dbx II noise reduction, gave users more control over the recording process and enabled them to create cleaner, more professional-sounding recordings.
The Tascam 234 Syncaset 4-channel cassette deck was a formidable recording tool that offered excellent performance and functionality considering its cassette tape format.
Features
- Simultaneous sync and ping-pong recording is possible.
- Equipped with MIC/INST input with TRIM that can change input level.
- 4-channel independent Rec Function Select method is adopted.
- Equipped with an auto-locator for repeated recording and playback and a memory repeat function.
- Equipped with stereo Cue out and Pan pot that enable mix down by itself.
- Recording / playback pitch control of ± 12% is possible.
- Equipped with VU meter with peak indicator.
- Equipped with 4-digit LED counter.
- Equipped with a headphone port for stereo / mono switching and volume control.
- EIA (19 inch) rack mounting angle is equipped as standard.
- Punch-in / punch-out / remote pedal sold separately can be connected.
- A separately sold remote controller can be connected.
