Calling all Tascam DM-4800 users....

arsis · Post by **arsis** » Mon May 28, 2007 4:13 pm

I'm looking for a new console and the Tascam DM-4800 has caught my eye. 24 pres... control surface... TC reverb... firewire interface... seems like a no brainer. Anybody had any trouble with theirs? Looking to sell a D&R analog desk and move over to a digital board. Thoughts...suggestions? I do music production, rock bands mostly.

Thanks, Brian

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Tue May 29, 2007 7:12 am

Brian,

I don't own the DM4800, but I obviously have quite a bit of experience with it since I have them at my disposal. The DM4800 is NOT a larger DM3200, it's quite different just so you know. The console does sound good, it's easy to use and the new controller section under the screen display was a MAJOR NECESSITY they needed to add. The DM4800 is actually a powerful console and once you get your head around their thinking of how the console is designed, it's not a difficult board at all.

What has you considering this console as opposed to other solutions?

monkey man · Post by **monkey man** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:14 am

I can't really speak for the DM 4800, but I can say that whereas YAMAHA ranks highest in my book for digital desk build quality, I've had Tascam in last place for quite some years.

If you've played with a YAMAHA DM or "O" series desk, then layed your hands on a Tascam, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Brad, whaddaya reckon?

What about the O2R-96 arsis, if it's not too pricey?

arsis · Post by **arsis** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:07 am

I guess it's the idea of the integrated control surface. The reason I haven't bought a control surface yet is because I don't have an ideal place to put it. I have a large frame console and takes up the sweet spot. I had borrowed a Mackie contrlol surface for a couple of weeks from a friend and hated the fact that it had to sit to the side of mix position. So... if the Tascam sounds good it seems like a good solution. Although I'm reluctant to let go of my D&R 4000. It's a great sounding board. Maybe I should save myself the dough and just get an AlphaTrak.

ze3b · Post by **ze3b** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:45 am

I have the Tascam 3200. I love it. The firewire card with 32 in and 32 out makes life much easier. It interfaces perfectly with DP and having 16 nice quality preamps and faders galore is great. Aside from the Controller section and additional pres I'm not sure what the other differences are.

I recorded just a guitar and vocal to demonstrate the preamps for someone else. It's on my site if you want to hear it. Last link called Cold War.
Http://www.captivear.com
then click on mixes.

Zeb

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Tue May 29, 2007 11:27 am

The O2R96 is an excellent console and has a great deal of features. Personally, I feel the mic-pres and converters are better over the DM4800 HOWEVER--it's also twice the price. With that said, the DM4800 at its price is well worth it.

I'm not sure why you'd go from a DM4800 to an Alphatrack, that makes no sense to me--sorry!

Do you want a control surface, or do you want a console? If you like your console, why not just keep it and get a full control-surface system? By changing your console from analog to digital, you change many things.

JadeLatrell · Post by **JadeLatrell** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:54 am

How do the Pres and Converters measure up in terms of quality on the DM4800?

Sub 828? Better than the 828? I use the 828 beacuse that is a good baseline for this forum.

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:58 pm

Well as compared to the 828, absolutely they are superior in both pres and converters by a mile! Now comparing the 828mkII, well that will be more subjective. Per my ears, I'd say yes--they are certainly much better however this is not to say that that 828mkII isn't good, it is. It's obviously a different beast, ya know?

JadeLatrell · Post by **JadeLatrell** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:15 pm

Sure. I was just mentioning the 828MKII (thank you for the correction) as it is a good baseline here.

I've been debating this unit for a while as well but now that I have the Rosetta 800, I no longer would use the converters, and with the selection of Mic Pres I have, I dont think I would use the on board pres much either. Possibly for utility or in a pinch.

So what that means is im looking for more of a control surface, like the Mackie units, but the DM4800 seems more like my style....

Anyways, slightly OT. But thanks for the info.

greatlovesongs · Post by **greatlovesongs** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:21 pm

Hi,

Just switched from a Firewire 800/2-digimax LT set-up. With the exception of a small (but not relavent) issue with the FWmkII card, the DM-4800 is hands down, the best value dollar for donuts on the market. I've been doing this for a long time and have owned, used or heard many of the units/set-ups available in this price range.

It is not fair to compare it to desks/set-ups that are far more expensive........

I'll be honest, I had an issue with this thing at first. I had a legnthy post at Tascamforums about an issue with the FWmkII card. I found many users with the same issue and no apparant fixes from Tascam.
However, I've learned that the issue seems to be somewhat irrelevant for the time being, as it has not affected the sound quality in any way. Even with this small issue....I still stick to my guns, GLAD I bought it!

It had an above average learning curve, not so much because the manual is bad (although it could use some tweaking), but the thing is just so incredibly flexible.
I love this board. For what I spent against the features, sound quality and overall performance....I couldn't be happier.

By the way, the pictures do not do it justice...when it arrived and I unboxed it, I was tickled at how elegant it looked.....sweet.

Just my humble opinion, but as an avid DP user, this mixer is a no-brainer for the dough.
Hope this helps......