🔥【PRO REFURB】Tascam Portastudio 488mkII 8-Track Cassette/Mixer! MTR💥GUARANTY

Description

Since 1999
Thanks for viewing our listing, please read all the information given!
We do our best to
honestly and accurately describe all items, but we are only human and it is possible that we may make oversights or errors. If there is any doubt, or contradicting information, please ask first before buying or making an offer.
We ask that all our buyers give us the chance to discuss any issues.
~~~
By buying this item, or making a Best Offer, you agree to contact us before leaving less than positive feedback, any rating less than 5, or starting a return. ~~~
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This listing is for a lightly-used, Tascam Portastudio 488 MKII High-speed 8-Track Cassette Recorder w/ 12-Channel Mixer made in Japan by TEAC!
PROFESSIONALLY REFURBISHED, TESTED & GUARANTEED! **
INCLUDES FREE SHIPPING, SUPPORT
&
60-DAY FREE RETURN / REPAIR / EXCHANGE
!!**
~~~
After selling over TWO HUNDRED of these great Portastudios, we have learned that they all have similar issues. After 30+ years,
the belts go bad, rubber parts deteriorate, lube turns to glue, and solder joints weaken.
So it is inevitable
, sooner or later they will all need service, no matter how little use they have had
.
In fact, this deck uses the same Tascam transport as several other decks, which has an issue with the "C Gear" aging badly and eventually cracking. So, we always replace this gear in any deck using this transport, whether
or not
it has cracked yet.
Our tech
has performed extensive service on this deck,
ensuring you reliable service for years to come!
See below for specific service performed.
We are so confident of our work we have doubled our guarantee to a 60-day Free Return Policy!
Don't forget, we also clean and de-mag all cassette decks when we give them one last test immediately before shipment. So your deck will be guaranteed to be ready to use right out of the box!
~~~
See what our previous refurb customers had to say!
NICE MACHINE!!!!! A+++++ 5 gold star e-bayer all the way Thanks
Great seller! Brilliant refurbishing job on an old relic from the 1990s!
Fantastic - Went above & beyond to make sure everything was right - yay!
Arrived in time and well packed. Great condition and great sound, as described.
Awesome amp, shipped very quickly! Also, EPIC packing! Great Ebay seller!
WOW great company! Highly recommended. Great communication and service.
well packed, arrived safely, works great, looks awesome. Thank you.
The TASCAM Portastudio was the world's first four-track recorder based on a standard compact audio cassette tape. The 488 MKII is the
pinnacle
of this pre-MIDI generation, it's rarity makes it one of the most sought after of the "old school" analog Portastudios
making them increasingly hard to come by.
The term portastudio is exclusive to TASCAM however it is generally used to describe all self-contained cassette-based multitrack recorders dedicated to music production. The Model 488 MKII is the ultimate of the Portastudio line, the absolute maximum of features possible was packed into this final entry from Tascam. T
o increase the quality of the recording, t
he 488 MKII uses high-speed recording,
3-3/4 ips, twice the normal
speed of a standard audio cassette.
The recorder has 8 tracks while the mixer has 4 group outs; you can record a maximum of 4 tracks at one time. This is a 120V AC,
and LED indicators work correctly, with all inpu
60 Hz unit with an attached power cord designed for US use.
Condition:
This beautiful deck is in
excellent condition with minimal signs of use and nice, bright display! Aside from the typical scuffing to the base, the only thing worth mentioning is a spot below the door where label residue was removed that is too faint to make out well in the pics. All the original knobs are present & complete, and the door and display plexis are clear with minimal scuffing. Please examine the pictures thoroughly for actual condition.
Service:
When inspected, this deck powered right up and the transport actually worked, still it went to our tech for the full treatment. Not only was the capstan belt stretched & needed replacement, and a
lthough the "C Gear" hadn't cracked yet, it was yellowed and broke in half when removed. So it was replaced with one of the new, improved gears we sourced, with the brass insert for longevity & reliability.
They aren't Chinese knock-offs or made on a 3-D printer in someone's basement, but well worth the added expense to ensure years of reliable service.
All decks receive a full restoration which includes the following services and much more, all performed by our qualified technician:
The exterior, all knobs & plexis are cleaned & detailed
Unit is dismantled so all switches & pots can be cleaned internally with Specialist Contact Cleaner (proven superior to DeoxIT by our customers)
While apart, all PC boards are inspected & questionable solder joints are re-flowed. To prevent future issues, all input/output jacks are re-flowed, whether or not they appear to need it
All faders treated with DeoxIT F5, specifically designed to both clean & lubricate fader controls
Any faulty components, such as jacks, LEDs, feet, etc., are replaced
Cassette transport mechanism is cleaned & lubed with non-petroleum based lube to assure long life
New improved "C Gear" installed
The capstan belt is replaced with a high-quality neoprene belt
Other rubber components, such as idler wheels & pinch rollers, are inspected and either rejuvenated with Rubber Renue, or replaced if questionable.
All PC boards are inspected; all questionable solder joints are re-flowed and electrolytic caps are inspected for bulging or leakage and replaced if questionable
Audio levels calibrated & balanced
Tape Speed calibrated
Tape path is cleaned and heads cleaned & demagnetized
Testing:
Once serviced, this deck was set up on our test bench and all switches, functions and LED indicators work correctly, with all inputs and outputs confirmed as operational. Every knob was confirmed operational & distortion-free! The cassette deck also works correctly with a clear, steady playback at high-speed. We recorded a short test tape to all four tracks, using all channels, and played it back with no issues. An overdub, and mix-down was then performed successfully. There are a multitude of other features on this deck, so we can't test them all. But, if there is a particular function you would like tested just let us know before buying. The manual has gone missing but no worries, it can be found online (unfortunately eBay no longer allows us to put the link in the listing for you).
What a great find on a quality piece of equipment!
**FREE SUPPORT MUST BE UTILIZED BEFORE RETURN IS REQUESTED!
Manufacture Product Information:
(sample photos)
TASCAM
Portastudio 488 MKII 8-Track High-Speed Cassette Recorder
Courtesy of
homerecording.com
:
(original 424 text courtesy of Tom Roussell, who typed this all in from the owner's manual; edited/converted to 8-track specs by Dragon)
The Tascam 488 MKII Portastudio is a 8-track "Multitrack Master" cassette tape recorder and a full-function mixer with 8 inputs/stereo outputs combined into a single workstation. The 488 MKII records on readily available standard (Philips) Compact Cassette tape, high bias Type II. The recorder has 8 tracks while the mixer has 4 group outs; you can record on up to 4 tracks at one time. The 488 MKII's dbx Noise Reduction virtually eliminates unwanted tape noise. A special SYNC feature turns off the dbx on track 8 separately, making it possible to record and play back the MIDI sync tones or SMPTE/EBU time code without being affected by the dbx encode/decode. This ensures that the sync tones/code are recorded and played back without unnecessary processing. With proper operating techniques, it is not necessary to leave a guard band between music and sync tone tracks because of the low crosstalk of the TASCAM heads.
The transport controls of the 488 MKII are microprocessor operated, allowing highly reliable functions that make the unit easier to use:
* A three-point autolocator (MEMO 1 and 2 and RTZ) lets the tape STOP or PAUSE at, or PLAY from preset points.
* REPEAT allows a section to played over and over between the MEMO 1 and MEMO 2 points.
* REHEARSAL programs the 488 MKII to repeat a punch-in/out sequence as many times as you wish, and AUTO IN/OUT actually executes it on tape exactly as you "previewed" in REHEARSAL.
* The tape speed can be increased or decreased with the PITCH CONTROL dial in both playback and record, to match pitch or for special effects.
MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Tape: Compact Cassette (C-30 to 90), High-Bias (Type II, CrO2)
Track Format: 8-track/8-channel, single direction record/play
Head Configuration: 8-channel record/play (permalloy) x 1
8-channel erase (ferrite) x 1
Motor: DC servo motor x 1
DC reel motor x 1
DC ancillary motor x 1
Tape Speed: 9.5 cm/sec. (3-3/4 ips) +/- 1%
Pitch Control: +/- 12% (approx.)
Wow and Flutter: 0.04% WRMS , +/- 0.06% W. Peak
Fast Winding Time: 80 sec. (approx.) with C-60
Dimensions (WxHxD): 528 x 128 x 437 mm (20 13/16" x 5 1/16" x 17 3/16")
Weight: 7.1 kg (15 lbs. 10 oz.)
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS Mixer Section
MIC/LINE INPUT (Ch.1, Ch.2) (XLR type connector x 2)
Input Impedance: 2.8k ohms
Nominal Input Level: -60 dBV (1mV) (MIC position)
-20 dBV (0.1 V) (LINE position)
Maximum Input Level: +5 dBV (1.8 V) at Trim Min.
MIC/LINE INPUT, Ch.1-2 (1/4" phone jack x 2)
Input Impedance: 5.8k ohms
Nominal Input Level: -50 dBV (3mV) (MIC position)
-10 dBV (0.3 V) (LINE position)
Maximum Input Level: +5 dBV (1.8 V) at Trim Min.
STEREO INPUT, Ch.9-12 (1/4" phone jack x 4)
Input Impedance: 10k ohms
Nominal Input Level: -10 dBV (0.3 V)
Maximum Input Level: + 5 dBV (1.8 V)
SUB INPUT (RCA jack x 2)
Input Impedance: 47k ohms
Nominal Input Level: -10 dBV (0.3 V)
Maximum Input Level: + 5 dBV (1.8 V)
LINE OUTPUT (RCA jack x 2)
Output Impedance: 100 ohms
Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (0.3 V)
Minimum Load Impedance: 2k ohms
EFFECT 1+2 SEND (1/4" phone jack)
Output Impedance: 100 ohms
Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (0.3 V)
Minimum Load Impedance: 2k ohms
CUE OUTPUT (RCA jack)
Output Impedance: 100 ohms
Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (0.3 V)
Minimum Load Impedance: 2k ohms
MONITOR OUTPUT (RCA jack x 2)
Output Impedance: 690 ohms
Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (0.3 V)
PHONES (1/4" stereo phone jack x 1)
Nominal Load Impedance: 30 ohms
Maximum Output Level: 100 mW (approx.)
Equalizer
HIGH (Shelving): 10 kHz, +/- 12 dB
MID (Parametric): 250 Hz to 5 kHz, +/- 12 dB
LOW (Shelving): 100 Hz, +/- 12 dB
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 22 kHz, +1/-2 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio UNWTD (20 Hz to 20 kHz)/ IHF A WTD
1 MIC INPUT to LINE OUTPUT: 65 dB / 68 dB
4 MIC INPUTS to LINE OUTPUT: 60 dB / 63 dB
1 LINE INPUT to LINE OUTPUT: 79 dB / 83 dB
8 LINE INPUTS to LINE OUTPUT: 76 dB / 79 dB
Distortion
1 MIC INPUT to LINE OUTPUT: 0.05% (at 1 kHz, 20 dB above nominal input level with 30 kHz low-pass filter inserted)
1 LINE INPUT to LINE OUTPUT: 0.05% (at 1 kHz)
Crosstalk: 55 dB (at 1 kHz, nominal input level with 30 kHz low-pass filter inserted)
Recorder Section
Noise Reduction: dbx TYPE II
Frequency Response (overall): 40 Hz to 14 kHz, +/- 3 dB (without dbx)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (overall): UNWTD (20 Hz to 20 kHz)/IHF A WTD
54 dB/58 dB (without dbx)
90 dB/95 dB (with dbx)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 1.3% (at 400 Hz, 0 dB level)
Crosstalk (Channel Separation): 50 dB (without dbx at 1 kHz), 70 dB (with dbx at 1 kHz)
Erasure: 65 dB (at 1 kHz, +10 dB level)
Other Power Requirements
USA/CANADA: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
EUROPE: 230 V AC, 50 Hz
U.K./AUSTRALIA: 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Power Consumption: 39 W
The exterior, all knobs & plexis are cleaned & detailed
Unit is dismantled so all switches & pots can be cleaned internally with Specialist Contact Cleaner (proven superior to DeoxIT by our customers)
While apart, all PC boards are inspected & questionable solder joints are re-flowed. To prevent future issues, all input/output jacks are re-flowed, whether or not they appear to need it
All faders treated with DeoxIT F5, specifically designed to both clean & lubricate fader controls
Any faulty components, such as jacks, LEDs, feet, etc., are replaced
Cassette transport mechanism is cleaned & lubed with non-petroleum based lube to assure long life
New improved "C Gear" installed
The capstan belt is replaced with a high-quality neoprene belt
Other rubber components, such as idler wheels & pinch rollers, are inspected and either rejuvenated with Rubber Renue, or replaced if questionable.
All PC boards are inspected; all questionable solder joints are re-flowed and electrolytic caps are inspected for bulging or leakage and replaced if questionable
Audio levels calibrated & balanced
Tape Speed calibrated
Tape path is cleaned and heads cleaned & demagnetized
In these specifications, 0 dBV is referenced to 1 Volt. Actual voltage levels are also given in parenthesis (0.316 V for -10 dBV rounded off to 0.3 V).
NOTE: These units can require knowledge and expertise to set up and use. Please do independent research to make sure this is the right
equipment
for you before buying.
This item has minor wear consistent with light use, please see pics. You will receive exactly what is pictured, no other accessories, test equipment or media are offered.
Please do not interpret our efforts as a thorough testing of all elements this equipment has to offer. If there is a particular test you would like performed please let us know before buying and we would be glad to accommodate any reasonable, detailed request.
We do not have the equipment to do full calibration on high-end units like this, and cannot guarantee it is, or will remain after shipment, fully within manufacturer specs. So we do advise that you protect your investment with a professional tune-up from a local shop before you put this deck into prolonged use.
Internet
State
Sales Tax:
In June 2018, The Supreme Court mandated that all States may charge & collect State Sales Tax on all internet purchases shipped into their state. Many states have begun the process and eBay now automatically charges this tax on checkout.
Your seller has absolutely nothing to do with this process and receives none of these funds!
As of Dec, 2020 the following states charge, or plan on charging, State Sales Tax on all orders shipped to their state.
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV,
and
WY
.
More states will surely be added to the list. For questions or more info please contact eBay, or your local State Dept of Revenue.
Important Information:
This item is guaranteed to be as described! Only what is pictured is included, no other items are offered unless otherwise specified with "not pictured". The "Item specifics," "Detailed item description," and "Manufacture information" sections describe the item as it comes new from the manufacturer and may contain accessories or other features not offered in this listing.
Remember that description terms can be subjective, so please rely on the pictures provided for actual condition.
Buyer understands that there may be issues unknown to us at the time of testing or inspection, and accepts this possibility when buying.
If our listed BIN price isn't within your budget please don't hesitate to send us a reasonable offer, no more than 20% below our current price, and we will get back to you right away! Please understand that any offer made & accepted is a binding agreement with the agreement that payment will be made immediately. Please also remember that we are not just flipping random finds, so we do not haggle. We offer thoughtfully sourced decks that deserve the hours of specialized servicing they have received, so please respect any "Best Price" offer you may receive as an effort to save both our time with a fair, final price.
Buyer pays actual shipping cost as calculated by eBay.* If this is a Free Shipping listing then all offers also include that Free Shipping!**
*
* We package all items very carefully, which means the outer box can be very large. Because of this UPS bills us by "dimensional weight" instead of the actual weight! From our previous feedback you will find this care, and expense, is much appreciated.
**Free Shipping it is for the lower 48 only and the shipping method may vary.
We DO NOT guarantee compatibility or specific usage, please make sure this is what you need before buying! We are not experts in most equipment, so we can only guarantee that this works as described and has what is pictured. If specific parts, devices, upgrades, software or expertise is required for use it is entirely the responsibility of the buyer.
Please read our Policies below before buying. Any bidders, buyers, and offers, agree to the terms of these Policies.
The Best, Ltd
The internet's most trusted source for Professionally Refurbished Vintage Audio Equipment!
By buying from The Best, Ltd., you agree to contact us directly before leaving less than positive feedback, any rating less than 5, or starting a return.
All items ship within one business day of payment being processed!
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All buyers agree to make immediate payment, or contact us
within
24 hours to arrange payment where we must receive payment within 3 days. All Best Offer sales are made or accepted with the understanding that payment will be made immediately. Any transaction that does not meet these requirements is subject to substitution or cancellation.
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UPS & FedEx do not ship to PO Boxes, so if you are including a PO Box as your Confirmed shipping address you must select USPS as your shipping service.
The minimum amount due on any unpaid auctions will be the 15% refund/restocking fee as outlined in our Return Policy.
Shipping Policy
The Best, Ltd is an Internet only company, will call is not available. In some circumstances we will allow pick-up on paid items, but this must be arranged before buying.
Domestic packages ship UPS or USPS, if available, tracking # for all packages shipped from our facility will be supplied through eBay. Rush shipping service is available, contact us for rates.
The Best, Ltd will not ship packages COD, payment must be received and cleared before any item is shipped, sorry no exceptions.
Items must be shipped to the address provided with payment, sorry no exceptions. Per eBay Policy, all orders valued at 0 or more may be shipped with the "Signature Required" service added at no charge.
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If auction states Free Shipping, it is for the lower 48 only and the service used is at our
discretion
.
All shipments will be processed within 1 business days of payment whenever possible, if stock issues cause a delay the customer will be notified and alternate shipment will be arranged.
If delivery cannot be completed to the address provided, the customer is responsible for any charges incurred by return or re-delivery. The Best, Ltd reserves the right to refuse any re-delivery attempts at their discretion. The item will be considered a returned item and a refund, if any, will be issued as outlined in our Return Policy.
As The Best, Ltd always insures all packages, the shipping company takes full responsibility for lost or damaged packages (excluding incidents of inclement weather or natural disaster) so an eBay Return must NOT be started. You agree to cooperate with any insurance investigation, which must be completed before repairs are made, or any replacement or refund is sent. All damaged items must be returned for inspection unaltered, with all the exact same original packaging. As a courtesy, The Best, Ltd will file and pursue your claim, but we will not be held responsible for any delays or denied claims.
International Information
NO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE!
NO EXCEPTIONS!
If you are not in the US, and use a Forwarding Shipper to send your item outside the US, all guarantees and return offers are immediately voided!
Return Policy
Our Free Support MUST be used before any return is requested, for any reason!
Item can be exchanged, new items within 30 days, used items within 14 days, if defective or not as described, full refund of purchase price if exchange is not available.
If due to seller error:
The Best, Ltd. will issue a pre-paid return label, or make
pre-arranged
reimbursement for return shipping expenses on returns completed per this policy. Return shipping cost is not to exceed original shipping cost.
For any other reason, including "No-contact returns":
Purchase amount less original shipping cost and a 15% refund/restocking fee refunded. If original shipping was included the actual shipping cost will be deducted from refund.
The returned item may need to be inspected before fault is determined. Returned item must be received before a replacement can be shipped or a refund issued. Item must be in original, unaltered condition with all original packaging. Electronic items cannot be opened or tampered with, sealed items must remain sealed, "Mint" items must remain "Mint."
No returns will be accepted unless we are first contacted for Free Support / Troubleshooting / Evaluation!
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By buying from The Best, Ltd. you agree to abide by the conditions posted in the listing, all The Best, Ltd. policies, and the rules and policies of the venue. In addition you agree to settle any and all disputes in third-party mediation venue. All Claims between the parties must be resolved using the dispute resolution mechanism posted. Should the buyer file any action contrary to this, or the should buyer's actions require The Best, Ltd to enter litigation, The Best, Ltd can recover any and all attorneys' fees and costs from the losing party.
Title & Listing
All buyers must read the entire listing before buying! eBay limits the amount of information that can be put in the listing title,n and "Condition" section, therefore the buyer must read the actual listing description to understand what they are buying. We cannot be responsible for any misunderstandings that occur because the listing, or Return Policy, was not read completely. If there are any contradictions or unclear information, the buyer must ask for clarification before buying.
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& tap the Title for the Full Item Description!
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