Tascam 2488 Neo DVD Video Tutorial Demo Review Help

[nealrudd]

I have a question for those who have created master cds on this machine. I've read a lot about how great the final masters sound, either rivaling or surpassing cds done in a professional mastering studio. How is the silence between songs? Is it smooth and seamless like cds you buy at the store, or do you still hear that audible 'thud' that you get on the cds you burn on your computer? Thanks in advance for any answers!

[urheadonastick]

The big downfall of all these products is the same old thing -the instruction- If only they would do a quick easy to understand run-threw from beginning to end record a song mix it master it burn it -1-2-3-THEN start with with the more advanced stuff.

[bam6684]

Can someone tell me how to replay the song I have recorded ...I think I'm having some trouble with the machine itself but I don't if its me or the 2488 neo..

[cojobo34]

To answer some common questions: The 2488 Neo is a decent machine for the money in my experience, but I have had similar issues with buttons that stop working, and now the CD player/writer stopped working :/ only a 90 day warranty, so Im not sure what they might do to help yet.. I will conitinue with answers to problems, message me if you have any more questions, or go to the forums. The DVD for the 2488 is excellent and worth its weight in gold, IMO, especially if ur a novice or new to 2488

[cojobo34]

@cojobo34 But for "Song too short" prob: You need to hold "Shift" and hit "End" at the end of your song. For mixdown--hit the Mixdown button once and its flashing, then zero back to the start of song, hit record and play at same time, adjust levels how you want them through out the song. hit the mixdown button again to listen back to it, and hit ot once more to exit mixdown mode. Then menu, Audio CD, CD writer, choose the song, and burn it.

[bassplayer2011ify]

is there a certain length the tracks have to be because i recorded about a 2 and half min song and it said my track was to short for mastering

[LiveToLoveTv]

is this good for vocals?

[JoeSzilagy]

@LiveToLoveTv It's good for anything- I have one and it sounds great! I guess the better the mic, the better it will be for vocals, but I just use a Sennheiser e-840 or a Shure SM-57. The SM-57 is famous for recording guitar amps. I think either mic is around $100, less if used. Of course you can buy higher end mics.

[dec151974]

No idea Y some here r having problems using the 2488. It’s fail safe/stable & very user friendly. It’s been a wonderful machine time & time again 4 me. I’ve actually owned 3' 2488s over probably twelve years. Never had issues with any of them. Written hundreds of projects on them & had allot of fun in the process. Out of all things I’ve waisted $ on, the 2488 definitely wasn’t one of them. Today I widely use software — but the 2488 is still a great multitrack device 4 quick ideas. Affordable to!

[limpiomott2]

@ryanphen...I checked out the song...it's ..well it's..lol!

[jcsanchez08]

Check out my version of "Heaven and Hell" and "Beautiful,Beautiful". Both were recorded using the Tascam 2488 Neo. "Beautiful" voice track was re-recorded and the new version will be placed in the next couple of days...Let me know what you think..

[77wimmut]

I have a 2488, and it does't work. Reading blogs people are having problems with the later versions of the 2488 also. Can anyone tell me what is the problem: Device error code:05, TG initialze error". It worked good for a year and then this error. Before you buy it's a good idea to do your home work!

[mettttal]

check out my tune "Summer Heat" recorded with the Neo

[guitbibble]

@mettttal Listened to some of your stuff Jason, sounded really good! Sort of like some of Glenn Hughes heavier material. Did you upload your stuff straight from the 2488 Neo onto your computer? Or did you burn it onto a CD first, and from the CD onto Youtube via your computer? I'm also guessing, (from something the guy in this video just said), that in order to get 24-bit you might have to go straight from the Tascam to your computer.

[mettttal]

@guitbibble i burn it to cd, then upload it........getting better recordings done soon !

[Jovalrace]

I just purchaced a Tascam 2488 NEO. I am a novice. Where can I find full Tutorial help to get the most out of this unit.  I Also need some help to get the best recording pakage for the unit.

[ProAudioDVDs]

You can find it on the front page at ProAudioDVDs also at eBay if you wish.

[mettttal]

i've just uploaded a song called "Decimator" on my channel recorded on the Tascam Neo

[beautifullyvain]

can anyone give me tips on how to get the most out of this machine

[ericmitchell29]

The thing he forgot to mention on mixdown with the NEO and the problem its giving you is that.. in order to mixdown and not get the "song to short" error... you have to go to the end of the song... Hold The "Set" "out" buttons. Then you can go back to the beginning of the song.. and mix it down. :)

[ryanphen]

I have purchased Tascam 2488 NEO for about two months now and I really liked it very much. It is my first recording with Digital. Here is song I recorded my wife singing Because You Loved Me through my Tascam 2488 NEO by using only internal effects without of help from external effects. Go visit my channel and click song "Because You Loved Me".

[GuitarMaster268]

@ProAudioDVDsHey, When im done recording and i hit the mixdown/mastering button (i have the neo) i hit (correct me if im wrong) the record and play buttons at the same time, then i mixdown (I dont bother to master it) the song untill the song ends. Then what do I do to get out of mixing and have it save? If i hit the Mixdown/mastering button again it wants a master or a play back. I can listen to my mix playing back there but if i exit out of that any way it wont play the mixed version. HELP!!!!

[4Grantedfund]

Can you place efx on audio recordings right in the 2488?

[metalsealthrash]

Can you record 8 tracks at once? For example, record the drums with 8 mics,bounce it over, record 3 guitar tracks, bounce them over, bass then vocals, etc etc, then master.

[ThePowerchord]

thi is the worst piece of shit ever what ever you do don't ever buy this crap you are better of getting a 25 dollar tape deck, transfering songs to a cd or your pc is nearly impossible i've followed the manual and all i get is messages telling me it needs this or that and i do this or that and then still nothing happens,like i said it's an absolute piece of shit .after all you can't spell tascam without ..SCAM

[hung0sowell]

@ThePowerchord i agree i brought the first 2488, and after 2 months the shit half works!!! half the buttons dont work,and the sound fades in and out. ive read so many bad reviews on the 2488 its not funny,only wish i read them before i brought it !!!!!!!!!!!

[HeIsLegend14]

please help! why is it saying the track is too short? i can't do mixdown or master track. the song is 2:44

[honkytonktim]

@HeIsLegend14 hi...make sure you have set your in/out..........go to the beginning of your song press IN then go to the end of your song and press OUT...with your song in the middle of the In and Out...then try to mixdown if this doesn't help let me know ....good luck

[ZxE73]

@honkytonktim

I did that OVER & OVER!!

I hit locate/set then in at the beginning & then out at my last marker & still error "song too short"!!

Like the other guy I am losing my mind.

Followig manual & your advice yet nothing.

Whats the glitch?

[Smokinjoewhite]

@ZxE73 happening to both my Dad and I, I am sure there are faulty units out there, I recorded my friends band and mastered them no problem (inserted start and end marks mastered then burned the disc it was simple) now when I try or master my own work or my dads it insists our 3-5 min songs are too short even after inserting the marks exactly as i did for my mates band, not only that you cannot transfer unmastered data over usb, get a korg, these things are shit.

[Smokinjoewhite]

@Smokinjoewhite Thanks ZxE73 for some info he sent me, apparently the manual does not describe several functions correctly, the machine itself is brilliant, Tascam should get off their asses and write a revised manual, the manual as it is is a joke, I don't blame people for thinking this unit was crap, however it is the writers of the manual that are to blame.

[urheadonastick]

@Smokinjoewhite

Your so right- the manual is really fucked. There's a video from mind media but he races through it also.Why dont these instruction writers take 10 people with zero experience and see how they make out with the instructions? They would soon see that it was poorly written for the layman.

[Smokinjoewhite]

@urheadonastick That would be a great way to test the instruction manual, they would then find that not only is it badly laid out and written, but they actually (on about 5 occasions that I have encountered so far) said to push one button, when you are supposed to press another button (or combination of buttons) entierly. Now i dont even refer to the manual and seem to be making more progress than i ever did when using it.

[JoeSzilagy]

@Smokinjoewhite I love the machine, I just think they need to hire someone from Roland to design a better manual for it!

[HeIsLegend14]

THANK YOU!!! i couldn't figure out what i was doing wrong. i was just doing what the manual said. i thought i was gonna lose my song forever!

[dandandandanlawlaw]

can the tascam neo improve your voice or do you need a vocal processor?:)

[gridsleep]

Could you make that banner transparent, at least, if not moving it somewhere out of the way? It's really annoying. Thanks for the review, otherwise.

[tdj6464]

My point is , i was just doing a mix quick , just to get familiar with how the 2488 works and i ended up with a usable demo ! I think the factory presets in Mastering helped alot ! This is a breath of fresh air after the problems i had trying to get good demos with a Zoom multitrack ! Zooms presets were mostly non usable . Anyway the 2488 neo is worth the cost and will give you a good demo from what i know , so far . Will come back later if i can get Radio quality!

[Kr4ftw3rk]

@tdj6464 Kinda curious as to how things are turning out. Has any tweaking brought you closer to radio quality sound?

[tdj6464]

@Kr4ftw3rk There's alot that goes down at a Mastering House with expensive equipment that I don't have . They use tube compressors that cost 4,000 and mics that cost more than my car ! Some take material recorded on old analogue mixers , as well as digital and then master it on computers ! This mixer is as close as i've come and is better than a small studio i used 10 years ago . If i had access to a big production studio , i might not be able to get a radio quality sound ?

[tdj6464]

Part 2 . I had all the tracks to 1st song on this 2488 and was thinking of just Mastering through rack and another cd burner but decided to try the Tascams built in mastering . 1st did the mixdown as instructed , not much tweeking , everything peaking - 15db . Then used the Mastering multiband compressor , noise reduction , factory presets . Then burned to built in cd recorder and got a great usable demo . Superior to the Zoom multi track , wich i was struggling with for many years .

[tdj6464]

I've got the 2488 neo this year . Don't loose the manual ! Everything i recorded went through a rack mount set up then to the 2488 input . Used studio condenser mic , eq by ART , used echo from effects rack , used Tascams reverb , also tube compressor behringer , BBE maximizer / compressor in one , Roland space echo pedal for analogue warmth .

[TheWAYLONTRIBUTE]

I'm thinking of getting this..........I thought I heard or read,that these have built in drums???......But I can't seem to find out from online manuals....did I read or heard wrong....or am I just not reading in the right place's..........do these have built in drums or not??

Thanks

[krliltiger]

can this product remove volcals i have the product tascam 2488 neo\

just haveing problem removing the volcal from the track

[sosmooth7]

I own the 2488neo,and did some recording with it. I was amazed at how good the sdound is. If you're not a tecno geek.I'd really advise you to invest the $35 in the DVD tutorial,it is very helpful. using this machine is just like using an analog mixing board with some added technology,and you cannot beat the price.

[sshewfelt1]

i own the mk 1 version and the soundcard finally quit on me after 3 years but it took alot of abuse over 3 years adding and erasing songs, formatting the hard drive and to tell you the truth running your signals through a mackie 1604 vlz3 board will greatly improve your recordings just run the direct outs from the board via 8 channel snake into the neo and you can have semi pro sound for your recordings. gettin this unit on monday for an upgrade

[lacross68]

how would i put music on the tascam to record with lie karaoke music??/

[twaun85327]

does this machine already come with software on it

[brib333]

@twaun85327

Its not that kind of equipment. Its Hardware 100%. You can open the USB gate and import and export files to and from your computer but there is no software involved.

[enyeny7077]

@twaun85327 nope you dont need a software its plug and play

[guitarslf132]

Hi, how many aux send has it got becaue i looked on their website and it ses 3 but on the back there are only 2 holes.And i also wondered wat plugs the stereo outs use. cheers

[brib333]

can you hook up a subwoofer to the neo?

[JoeSzilagy]

@brib333 hook the line out to whatever you want: amplifier, receiver, powered speakers, (I use an old portable home audio system), with whatever speakers can come out of those. With my old system (that originally cost me a whopping $50), I use the three position switch and flick on the auxiliary position to hear what I've done on the Neo, and if I want to compare sounds to music on an FM station for volume, treble and bass levels, I simply switch it to radio. Works beautifully, trust me!

[enyeny7077]

@brib333 nope just left and right

[Vortex4001]

what if i wanted to hook up a motif keyboard with audio cables can this be accomplished....and why just 3band EQ for such an advanced workstation? If Tascam is going to compete with DAW they need to make their products flexible as possible to lure DAW users as customers. now this thing has midi....but i would have to have a midi effect processor or computer, to use midi.

[JoeSzilagy]

@Vortex4001 the three band eq on Tascams sound pretty broad to me, and maybe because eq levels can be adjusted on all sorts of it's effects as well, and mixdown, etc. As a friend of mine told me, one of these is really basically a computer with a physical mixer attached.

[JoeSzilagy]

@Vortex4001

[hung0sowell]

i have the 2488, the first one that came out, and its a piece of crap. loved it untill most buttons stop working, or get stuck,i hope tascam has worked out these problems or you guys will be in the same problems

[philmuzic]

Im having a tough time getting my tracks to 9 tp 32. Can anyone help me.

[dnajela]

can someone tell me how i can une multiple effects, for instance i want one guitar to have one effect, and in another chanel i want another guitar with a diffrent effect.

[msalesha]

i have had this for two weeks and i cant seem to figure out this set in and out points???????????????? help!!!!

[cbmatherstew]

I have a 2488neo and I cant get the drums tuned in right. My snare keeps clicking even at low trim settings. I figured there was something on the console I can adjust, but I just got it. Any suggestions?

[rsemon]

@cbmatherstew bro you need to check the microphones, its seems to be your problem at that point.

[brianvillage123]

@cbmatherstew i would up load your track onto a computer with protools or adobe audition and use a click remover, or it could be your mic.. some mics like sm57s have a loose screen on them if you put some tape or glue on it it might help. also i had this same problem with my bass mic. i accidently had one of the mics up way to high(the floor tom) and my bass was bleeding into it causing it to make a popping sound. i hope something here might help you.

[Fanofgod9]

can anyone tell me if i can record more than one track at once. so far all i can do is record one track at a time. this tascam thing is the shit my dad got one about a week ago.

[yutuvBasura]

of that quality withis unit?? also: can I record on separate channels each thing?? (in my case it would be: one diferent track for each drum piece on a 5 piece set as well as channels for 2guitars, a bass, back up vocals, solos and lead vocals) so it would be around 14 to 15 diferent channels to record an later on mixing them... thanks in advance, any help is VERY appreciated!

[seattlehawkins]

8 at once, so,

5 mics(drums)

2 guitars,

1 bass . ....Then add tracks after (i.e vocals ect)

[yutuvBasura]

and how aboutbthe quality of sound delivered??? I already went ahead and order it 'couse evry1 i know told me this unit is great but im still kooking for an opiniion from outside u know? ... so... somebody with th unit already... can the recording get me at prfessional studio quality??? if not... how far am I from getting it??? (jejeje)

[seattlehawkins]

Pros, 8 inputs, Great Compression, Great reverb,

Cons, Slow procceser(EDITING), Cut/paste and other edits are tedious. Burning cds can be slow.

To tell you the truth, I just bought Protools Mbox mini. Since then the tascam is just sitting on the shelf :( GET PROTOOLS!

[cbmatherstew]

I cant get the drums tuned in right. My snare keeps clicking even at low trim settings. I figured there was something on the console I can adjust, but I just got it. Any suggestions?

[seattlehawkins]

@cbmatherstew What type of mic? make sure it is a Dynamic mic and not a condenser. if thats not it adjust the EQ settings for the snare channel ( turn down the treble,mids,or bass) also u can get tricky with the "compressors" assign compression to the snare track. the proaudiodvd covers all this. check ebay for a cheap used disk.

[yutuvBasura]

I really could use any help i can get, i do not know much about recrding and are just starting up...Inoticed that this guy was mixing a nice sounding track... can I expect to get a sound

[JoeSzilagy]

If you want to hear a good example of the Neo, listen to those tunes that that guy angus 1936 has posted in the right column. I'll bet that's only the beginning of how much potential this machine has.

[Mattera1]

great vid even a stupid musician like me can understand this lol thanks man!!

[triclops8]

Does anyone know the how the sound quality differs from these units compared to computer based program such as Protools? Is there a noticable difference? I only ask because the sampling rate is a little lower on these machines. But, I still have my cassette machines and am happy to use it, though I want to get into the digital realm. I have used Protool, but don't like mixing with a mouse (it is time consuming) and would rather use faders.

[JoeSzilagy]

I've done a lot of research, (prior to getting my Neo two days ago), and some technical guy, who sounded as though he really knew what he was talking about, said that as long as a stand-alone multitrack was 24 bit, and you were using good mics and had a good ear for production, then it should be just as good. Also, the audible differance between 44.1 kHz. and 96 kHz. was likely only noticable to dogs and bats. In other words, I think this will do nicely!

[jeffbec]

I Have the this machine and it really sounds great and does an awesome job from start to finish....I've had no probs with it what soever. If and when I do get another one it will be a neo....Does anyone know if you can restore backups from the MKII to the NEo without any compatibility probs?

[ericxxxway]

I can't wait to get this!!

[maltcus]

After you record. How many effects can you use at one time?

[seattlehawkins]

Multi effects 1.

"send effects" 8 Of the same (i.e. Hall, reverse,ect) BUT!!!!!!!!!!!

You can get tricky at "mastering" By individualy adding effects, Then repeat!  : )

[thunballer1]

hey how can i use the fx for the vocals i'm haveing hard time please help me thanks

[seattlehawkins]

Assign it to the vocal track at recording, or at mix/mastering by "Holding" multi effects key and tapping desired (vocal)track, also press "enter" to enter the effects library, Buy this dvd. He covers everything. alot more than seen here in these youtube vids

[thunballer1]

hey thanks for the reply, like on the guitar it only let me use the fx for one channel,

[seattlehawkins]

The "Multi effect" Records to only 1 channel at live instrument track recording.

The "Single effect" Controlled by the "Send" Button can be assigned Throughout the tracks(i.e. Hall reverb, gate time, reverse, room)

[thunballer1]

so if i used the multi fx for channel one i can't use on channel two, while while recording, and for the vocals i cant add like any fx. it was different on tascam dp01 it wud let me pick alot of vocals fx, thanks

[seattlehawkins]

Went to your Page! Hip Hop! Get protools!

The only reason to have these "antiques" Is to simultaneously record 8 inputs/tracks. like a rock situation. Tascam over korg Tascam/TEAC Has been around for EVER!

[maltcus]

Tascam 2488 Neo vs Korg 3200? I want to totally use a multi track recorder as a start to finish recorder. which do you think would be better. Comments please

[sshewfelt1]

@maltcus tascam all the way baby

[dnajela]

when i try to mixdown it tells me that my track is too short and i need to select another out point can you please help me.

[djdrxx]

you gotta set a out point, meaning if your song 5mins long then set your out point to 5mins. then your ready for mastering.

[hung0sowell]

anyone know what the auto repair program is?

[erotramp]

Thanks for posting. What kind of preamps does this unit use? i can't seem to find that info anywhere. I checked the manual online but nada.

[bluesmills]

Is this unit more user friendly than the Boss 1600, I have a 1600 and I'm very disappointed with the drums on it...

[surfnerd01989]

quick question is it possible to record drums (elctronic drums) and guitar that are pluged into the inputs ( E,F,G,H exct.) at the same time but usein stero tracks?

[vinayamoz]

yes

[Lockjaw101]

Just bought this 2488neo. I am able to record but can not seem to get the single effects to work. I can get to the menu and adjust the effects visually but hear nothing as far as effects go. Do you apply this after the track is laid down? Even then I can hear no effects. What am I missing here?

[vinayamoz]

Push on enter after selecting the effect...Think it's like that it works

[cobley1]

Hi - maybe you can help - is this really a 24 recorder seeing as tracks 13-24 are split over only 6 faders...? thanks

[vinayamoz]

Well 13-24 are stereo ...Just bought it will find more later

[ggassfuk]

I've had the neo for about 2 months now and it's great! The manual does kinda suck but they have a tascam discussion forum and a facebook page which have been very helpful for me. Check em out.

[cobley1]

Hi - maybe you an help - is this really a 24 recorder seeing as tracks 13-24 are split over only 6 faders...? thanks

[ggassfuk]

13-24 are stereo tracks.

so....13/14 is one fader, 15/16 is on fader, etc

[asturel13]

Does anyone know if the Neo is more reliable than the MK I and MK II? Im thinking about getting one because im sick of my unreliable computer, but im put off a bit about all the complaints of unreliablity about the two earlier models.

Appreciate any advice. Cheers.

[kbent88]

ive heard that a couple people have had a crashing problem with them. but they returned them and the problem went away.

[PennyVox]

how do you record vocals on it??

[kbent88]

it has inputs and phnatom power so you can plug in your own mic

[drumari0]

ur question was five months ago so u have probably already got an answer, but just incase...you connect a microphone into input A (back left) and then sing ur wee heart out

[Money0Marked]

i got a problem..i have a tascam 2488 neo and i cant get it to the mastereing screen

[Ichigi000]

same...it says the song is too short and put an other OUT point...did u find why?

[brianleenorman]

i had to call tascam. theres a 15 page manual they emailed me that explains that so simply. the manual that came with it doesnt. this manual made things so much simpler.

[versierterXXL]

press shift or better hold shift while pressing the master button

[hayabusafmw]

what do you think

In between : Tascam 2488 neo

or presonus firestudio project???...

Should i use a all in one to track or buy a interface in stead

???

[caymanconvict01]

i just bought my tascam 2488neo today and the instruction manual is kinda of long and dont like readin that much lol soo if anybody could PLEASE give me anyadvice it would be greatly apreciatted

thankz

[urheadonastick]

Yea buy the Tutorial-it will help quite a bit however you will still need the manual for the fine details-got to study bub-

[brg43]

Looks very cool. Any opinions about this compared to, e.g., a KORG D888? I've been trying to nail down which multitracker to get among the many choices. I want ease of use, multi simultaneous inputs (8) and decent preamps to avoid going outboard. The Neo seems to be the newest of the crop out there and comfortably south of $1k.

[mildogmildogmildog]

i'm getting one of these in a week. I'd love any advice

[versierterXXL]

I have just bought one. The Tascam neo is really awsome and easy to handle. You have everything you need to make fantastic record. I don't like PC programms for recording like cubase etc., they are very hard to handle and often you have problems with your hardware. Anyway the Tascam harddiscrecorder makes you feel like beeing in a real studio, cause it has similar technics. It's awsome and way more fun than the Computer choice

[versierterXXL]

I bought one too. I used to have the Tascam 788 for a long time. It done a great job. But this one is really awsome.

[yesitsme8791]

lovely lookng machine. i've got a D16XD. I heard bad things about the orginal tascam, but from the looks of this..i take all that back. it looks much better than my Korg D16XD!! and that was a good lookin unit

[sourberrymusic]

I love how you talk: slow, articulate and loud. I find it really easy to follow and understand your videos. Good job.

[nomen]

This is a great piece of kit. I bought one earlier this year and I recommend it to any recording musician.