Teac A3440 tape recorder

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Member Since: Jun 08, 2008

Hi everyone. I'm a new member of this site and am enjoying the info. I've had my home studio gear since I was a teenager back in the late 70's and have only recently moved into the computer music space.

So here's my issue. I grew up with my trusty Teac A3440 4 track and learned how to ping pong tracks to get those mutli-track pieces recorded. Moving to Cakewalk (Sonar 6 LE) looks like heaven - and it's just the "light" version!

So do I sell off old faithful, or is there a reason to keep it (besides the nostalgia and the fact that to me it looks cool in my producer station)? From looking at eBay there certainly seems to be a market for good quality vintage gear (makes me feel old), and I could turn the cash into some more software. I have previously sold all of my analog synths, and whilst sometimes I regret it, I console myself with all the new gear I have since acquired.

What do people think?

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Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 29, 2008 10:50 am

It's possible that the old Tape deck has nice preamps in it. These preamps may be comparible to a 500$ preamp if you bought one new.

I'm not saying it is, but it's certainly worth entertaining the idea of using it for it's preamps.

Looking at an online pic, it seems the preamps are 1/4" inputs. This may lessen your options to use it as just a preamp.

With that in mind, I would possibly keep it for a year or so, just to see if you find a need to keep it. Also, you may find a specific need for some $$$ in the future. Keep it until you find something you really want to swap it for, then cha-ching! ! !



of course, this is all my un-educated opinion =).

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 29, 2008 02:38 pm

Welcome to HRC Graham. Sounds like you belong in the club with several of us old timers. Growing up with analog gear and jumping into digital head first.

The analog synth part is interesting as well indeed.

But that aside, nice choice on Sonar LE. I have used Cakewalks software since the first on floppy disc. I ran an Atari 1040 ST for years locked to all my hardware and later locking it to midi when that became available to control all my hardware synthe's.

But as pjk stated, you can integrate the TEAC into your system if you wish, or you can take the path I did and simply sell it for as you stated more software or other digital gear to go with your new found system.

I myself run Sonar 7 PE now with Project 5 2.5 rewired most times for my software synthes.

If your a synth head you will find a lot of killer stuff out there now that can do a pretty close job of replacing the old gear. I know for me parting with my last Juno 106 was tuff, but after finding the z3ta synth from RGC audio which is now part of cakewalk that was the end of the Juno and gave me a little more space to use for other controller's.

But indeed, welcome to HRC for sure.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Jun 29, 2008 04:56 pm

Best reason to keep the TEAC: it looks cool.

That's why I hang on to my old AKAI and Magnecord. Need another reason? Neh.
http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/images/icon7.gif


Member
Since: Jun 08, 2008


Jun 30, 2008 07:41 am

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestions. Think I'll take some of pjk's advice and just sit on it for a while until I am sure that I don't need it. Besides, as Herb says, it does look cool.

For the record, as pjk thought, the inputs for the pre-amps are 1/4". I personally don't need pre-amps as everything I have (digital piano, synths, sound modules, sound card) are all direct input. In any case, I have pre-amps in my mixer if I have a need in the future.

Thanks also Noize2u for the assurance that I've done the right thing by choosing Cakewalk. I have long been an owner of Roland gear (going back to the original EP10 piano and SH5 synth), so didn't need much convincing to choose my Edirol UA25 and the bundled software.

This is all pure hobby for me, and my new software is going to take me a while to fully explore - I'm looking forward to it, and it's given my music a shot in the arm.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 30, 2008 07:16 pm

Your welcome for the welcome indeed.

I have to give Cakewalk a lot of credit for providing so much with their software while others charge extra to have it. They have some killer stuff now that allows me to even go as far as a finished master without ever leaving Sonar. The synth rack was the best thing they ever did to Sonar if you ask me. I love the way Project 5 has it all on one page, but having the extra goodies to spread out on 2 screens in Sonar is killer.

But ya, Roland was a big part of my analog synth days. My road rack for awhile contained 6 pieces of Roland gear among other various synths.

I miss those days.

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