TASCAM 2488 Details
OVERVIEW
- 24 tracks with 24-bit recording with no loss of track count at 24-bit like other models
- General Midi sound module with 64 voices and 128 sounds and SMF player
- 36 channel mixer with 8 assignable compressors and an additional stereo compressor on the main outs
- 4 XLR inputs (total of 8 inputs) with phantom power
- Big LCD for viewing down to the waveform level, EQ screen,
- USB 2.0 port for .wav file import and export
- CD-RW burner included for burning masters and backing up all sound and mixer data
- Very high marks for 'ease of use'
The most affordable 24-track recording and mixing workstation for your
home studio.
Way way back in 1979, when we introduced the first 4-track cassette tape Portastudio, we were also helping set the professional audio industry standard for recording tracks: twenty-four. Like the Portastudio, 24 recording tracks caught on, becoming the primary creative tool for artists and producers worldwide. Was then. Still is. Only now everyone can have access to that magic number of tracks.Twenty-fi ve years after the fi rst Portastudio comes the incredible 2488. It's by far the most affordable 24-track recording and mixing workstation ever made for home studios — and the only model within three times its price range that can truly run 24 tracks at 24-bits/ 44.1kHz.Eight inputs can be simultaneously recorded into the XLR and W" inputs.
Twenty physical faders control the mixdown channels;
each channel has 3-band EQ and access to three built-in effects processors.A 40GB internal hard disk gives the user ample space for twenty to thirty2 24-track songs and virtual tracks for comping. Plus the 2488 has a USB 2.0 port for back-up via home computer.
TASCAM, the company that virtually invented home recording with the Portastudio
line of recording workstations, showed the 2488, a 24-track recording workstation
for under $1,500. The 2488 records 24 tracks of audio at 24-bit resolution,
with 250 virtual tracks, powerful editing and looping functions for stunning
production quality. Its 36 mixer inputs mix 24 playback tracks, eight analog
inputs, a 64-voice MIDI tone generator and stereo effects processor.
"To many musicians, 24 tracks is more than just a number," says Jim Mack, TASCAM Division Manager. "24 track recording is the standard for major label acts recording in big studios, and never before has it been so affordable for artists recording at home. And with the MIDI sound module, plus mixing and CD burning features of the 2488 means you can produce pro-quality CDs using just the 2488."
The
TASCAM 2488 is a 24-track / 24-bit production workstation with 36 mixer channels. 3-band EQ is provided for all 24 channels, plus the eight inputs and tone generator channel. Three aux sends – one for each mixer channel except for the effects return – send to a loop effect with effects like reverb and delay or external devices. Up to eight dynamics processors can be utilized while recording or mixing, and an additional stereo compressor is dedicated to the stereo output. When your song is mixed, the 2488 can master and burn a CD using the built-in CD-RW drive, or transfer your track to a computer using the high-speed USB 2.0 connection
3-band EQ is provided for all 24 channels, plus the eight inputs and tone generator
channel. Three aux sends - one for each mixer channel except for the effects
return - send to a loop effect with effects like reverb and delay or external
devices. Up to eight dynamics processors can be utilized while recording or
mixing, and an additional stereo compressor is dedicated to the stereo output.
When your song is mixed, the 2488 can master and burn a CD using the built-in
CD-RW drive, or transfer your track to a computer using the high-speed USB 2.0
connection.
8 inputs can be simultaneously recorded into the XLR and 1/4" inputs. 20
physical faders control the mixdown channels, and each channel has 3-band EQ
and access to 3 built-in effects processors. A built-in standard MIDI player
and general MIDI sound module provide an additional stereo sound source for
fuller arrangements. For the final mix, the built-in CD-RW drive can record
the 2-track master mixdown in addition to backing up the hard drive and importing
and exporting WAV files.
Features:
- 24-track recording at 44.1kHz/24-bit
- 36-channel mixer
- 3-band EQ on 24 channels, 8 inputs and tone generator with high and low sweepable
shelving bands and full parametric mid band
- 3 aux sends on all channels except the effects return
- Loop effect provides reverb, delay, chorus and more on an aux send and return
- Up to 8 assignable dynamics processors for compression during recording or
mixdown
- Assignable guitar multi-effects processor for distortion, flange, and more
- Dedicated stereo compressor on the stereo output
- 8 inputs: 4 XLR with phantom power, 4 - 1/4" mic/line inputs
- 20 - 45mm faders including master fader
- Large LCD display for viewing meters and edit parameters
- CD-RW drive to record mixdown, import/export WAV files and backup hard drive
- 64-voice General MIDI sound module
- Standard MIDI file player
- High-speed USB 2.0 jack connects to PC for data backup and SMF/WAV file transfer
The 2488's Standard MIDI player and General MIDI sound module provide an additional stereo sound source for fuller arrange-ments.
Complete waveform editing including cut/copy/paste/loop gives you DAW-like flexibility for building that next hit recording.
And for the final mix, the built-in CD-RW drive can turn your 2-track master mixdown into a Red Book CD, or use it to back up the hard drive or import and export .WAV files.
If you want the best of both worlds — a portable, compact workstation and the creative power of 24, 24-bit digital tracks — look no further.
TASCAM's 2488 was developed utilizing Analog Devices' SHARC
ADSP-21161N processor. This super-charged chip adds powerful multi-effects, dynamics
processing, and stereo compression to the Portastudio's robust functionality
Home Recording
The 2488 does everything you need to record,
mix and master your own CDs. It features 8 mic inputs – four with phantom power – for connecting
high-quality microphones. There's even an instrument-
level input for connecting a guitar or bass.
Since it records at 24-bit resolution, you're sure to
capture every detail of your performance. Even if
you only have one or two mics, you can build up
an arrangement, track-by-track, until you have a
24-track arrangement. For example, use the Loop
Paste function to automatically paste a drum loop
through your song.
The 2488 has a 36-channel mixer, which allows
you to mix all 24 tracks plus the eight inputs and
built-in MIDI tone generator. Each of these channels
has three aux sends and three-band parametric
EQ for shaping your mix. An internal loop effect
send and return are also provided to add effects
like reverb, delay, chorus and more. You even get
compression and guitar effects which can be assigned
to any mixer channel, and a dedicated stereo
compressor on the master output bus. When
you've perfected your mix, you can capture it to
the drive for mastering, then burn it to a CD or
transfer it to a computer using USB or USB 2.0 for
MP3 encoding and sharing.
Live Recording
The eight low-noise mic preamps on the 2488
are ideal for capturing a dynamic live performance.
For a great live mix, first get a stereo output from
the live sound board. Since drums and guitars are
usually loud enough without going through the PA,
the sound board mix usually doesn't have much of
these instruments. Take four mics and put them
on the drums and guitar so you can mix these in
later. Finally, put a pair of mics (or stereo mic) in
the middle of the crowd to record the audience and
the sound of the room. A flexible, easy-to-use digital
patchbay lets you route any input to any track
while you monitor levels with the large, backlit LCD
display. There's even a loud headphone output so
you can monitor during the gig.
After the performance, you can mix down the
eight tracks to create a stereo mix. Use the internal
effects or bring in a pair of effects processors to
polish your sound. You can even punch in over the
live recording to replace a wrong note after the
fact. Use the 2488's eight dynamics processors to
keep your volume levels steady and add punch
the bass and drums. When you have a mix you
you can burn CDs to sell at your next gig, make
demo to get into better clubs, or transfer the mix
your computer for uploading to your band's website.
The 2488 is even compact enough to bring along
band rehearsals, so you can record every practice.
MIDI Sequencing
The 2488 excels in a MIDI sequencing environment,
especially when your computer and hard
drive aren't fast enough to record audio. Use your
favorite sequencing program on your desktop or
laptop computer, connecting synthesizers to the
computer's MIDI interface for recording. Connect
another cable to the MIDI input of the 2488 to access
its 64-voice, 16-part multitimbral tone generator.
The built-in synth module features great piano,
bass, strings, drums and more, all arranged in the
General MIDI standard. You can even transfer your
MIDI sequence to the built-in Standard MIDI File
player with integrated tempo map.
It's simple to record audio tracks on the 2488
while staying in sync with your sequencer using
MIDI Timecode. Powerful track editing features allow
you to fix mistakes, copy and paste sections, or
silence a track to quiet noisy sources. When you're
ready to mix, use the 36-channel mixer to sum together
all 24 tracks, plus the eight inputs for your
synthesizer tracks. The 2488 can even receive MIDI
volume and pan commands so you can automate
your mix. You can transfer the finished mix back
to your computer using USB or USB 2.0, or burn a
CD with the internal CD-RW drive.
Project Studio Recording
As your studio grows, the 2488 will be powerful
and flexible enough to incorporate new processors
and other studio gear. Four of the eight microphone
inputs supply phantom power for high-quality
microphones, and a front panel instrument input
is provided for direct recording of guitar or
bass. There's even a digital input and output for
connecting CD players, DAT recorders or computer
interfaces. A dedicated monitor section allows you
to monitor a variety of sources, adjust the playback
level and even check your mix in mono.
The 2488 sports a powerful 36-channel mixer,
enough for the 24 tracks of recorded audio plus
effects returns, the MIDI tone generator and the
eight inputs. Three-band EQ is offered on every
input, track and tone generator channel, plus a
loop effect and up to eight dynamics processors
to add compression to your mixer channels. The
high and low EQ bands are sweepable shelving
controls, and the middle band is fully parametric
for pinpoint control over your sound. The 2488
offers a choice of eight dynamics processors or
four dynamics plus a guitar effects insert, and
a stereo compressor is always available for the
master output. You also get three aux sends, one
for the internal loop effect and two for external
effects processors, to add the final touch to your
mix. When your mix is finished, you can burn a CD
with the internal burner, transfer to a computer
using USB or USB 2.0, or record it digitally to your
favorite mixdown device. The CD drive can also be
used for importing and exporting WAV files and
for backing up the hard drive.
2488 Effects
Multi Effect
- Distortion-Flanger
- Distortion-Phaser
- Distortion-Chorus
- Distortion-Exciter
- Distortion-Pitch
- Distortion-Tremolo
- Distortion-Vibrato
- Distortion-Wah
- Compressor-Flanger
- Compressor-Phaser
- Compressor-Chorus
- Compressor-Exciter
- Compressor-Pitch
- Compressor-Tremolo
- Compressor-Vibrato
- Compressor-Wah
Mic Effect
- Compression
- Exciter
- De-Esser
Single Effect
- Reverb
- Delay
- Chorus
- Pitch Shift
- Flanger
- Phasor
- Gate + Reverb
- Compressor-Wah
Tuner
Tascam 2488 Digital Multitrack Workstation at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
| Sound Quality |
8 | |
| Features |
9 | |
| Ease Of Use |
8 | |
| Value |
9 | |
| Reliability |
9 | |
| Overall |
9 | |
24 tracks at 24bit! Ideal for bands using alot of live instruments who need 24 vs. 16 bits. Midi instruments, electric guitar,... generally do not need the 24 bits. Effects are OK- other brands generally better. Sound module and SMF import are a plus though the sound quality is mediocre. Pretty easy to use- Tascam has been doing this along time. Outstanding value if you need 24 bits and/or 24 tracks.
-
-08/29/04
Tascam 2488 Digital Multitrack Workstation at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
| Sound Quality |
9 | |
| Features |
7 | |
| Ease Of Use |
6 | |
| Value |
6 | |
| Reliability |
3 | |
| Overall |
7 | |
The tascam 2488 is a nice piece of equipment,however it has some flaws too.I like the things it do but it has crashed on me several times. The last time it crashed it had to go in for repair. I am still waiting to get my unit back.It is very hard to get to talk to a tascam tech. because they are very busy.Also the manual dosen't explain certain things very well, like most manuals .I recommend if you want to purchase the tascam 2488 that you purchase the D.V.D so you can get a better understanding on how to use this unit. Hopefully I get my unit back and hopefully it wont crash anymore because if it do my rating for the 2488 will go down for the unit even more and I will not purchase another afforable all in one recorder board anymore. Tank you for taking the time to read my comment on the tascam 2488.Mark Mixx Isis Style Music Group.248-521-4811
-mark mixx mrsslowwalker@aol.com
-redford,mi, 01/24/06
Tascam 2488 Digital Multitrack Workstation at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
| Sound Quality |
10 | |
| Features |
9 | |
| Ease Of Use |
6 | |
| Value |
8 | |
| Reliability |
10 | |
| Overall |
8 | |
Lots of BANG for the buck! But, what's that glitch/scratch sound at the end of the last recorded (any recorded piece) song on a finalized CD? Seems I might have to record an additional blank "song space" on the hard drive after the last piece to get rid of it. I havn't tried that yet. Any song I put at the end has that scratch sound at the very end of the piece on the finalized CD. The FX sound great and are easy to program though, limitted to only two types at mixdown from a bag of dozens. Haven't figured out how to "record-in" FX to maximize the types to use on additional tracks per song/composition. Many tracks/limited FX. Haven't figured out how to use the 25th track, GM sounds. Would like to see a larger view screen. I have to use lots of extra lighting
-Brownstonemusicwerks peterbrown@bellsouth.net
-Florida, 09/13/04
Tascam 2488 Digital Multitrack Workstation at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
| Sound Quality |
9 | |
| Features |
8 | |
| Ease Of Use |
5 | |
| Value |
8 | |
| Reliability |
9 | |
| Overall |
8 | |
I took my machine back for a refund. What I realy need a machine with individual track outputs. Didn't understand the SUB outs on this machine. Loved working with the workstation over my computer. I will consider getting the unit again after further research.
-Sloanman Stevensloan@aemail4u.com
-San Bernardino CA, 03/25/08
TASCAM 2488 DIGITAL MULTITRACK WKSTATION
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