Tascam - DM-4800 Music Recording Mixer Review

I recently visited a friends newly remodled Studio to help with a CD Mix and got to use the Tascam DM-4800.  What a treat!!!

Now, this mixer is not for the casual user.  It does take some time to learn to access all the available functions, but once you do, you'll realize it wasn't wasted time.

When I began my years as a Recording Engineer the latest thing in mixing was early "Automation" for mixing.  That was handy in the fact that all fader gains in the mix were stored on one track of the multi-track (called "Striping").

For example, you could build a Drum mix on a song and record the data on the "Data Track".  Go back to the front of the song and work with the rest of the mix, say....Bass, Guitars, Keys, ect.

At this point, the Drums would be in the "Read" mode (your previous mix) and the other tracks would be in the "Write" mode.

This way, you could build your mix a section at a time, and the Automation would remember the Fader Gains of each section as you go.  Cool.

The only problem with early Automation was that it only remembered the Fader Gain.  EQ, Aux Sends and such were not stored.  Oh, and you could spend over $10k for the Automation alone.

The Tascam DM-4800 remembers everything.  Not only Fader Gain, but EQ Settings, Aux Sends, Sub Groups....Everything.  In fact, if your outboard FX units have RS-232, USB, or Optical communication, the 4800 will remember the FX Programs and Parameters as well.

Did I mention it sounded great too?  It was very smooth, and for the most part, a transparent component in the recording chain.  It can also be used as a Live Mixer or in "On Location" Recording.

My friend has the 24 Input version, and depending on which options you choose, can be yours from between $5k to $6k through many dealers.

Now, for that price you have a great sounding Console along with all the Flexability and Automation you would ever want.  In my book....That's one heck of a deal.  Thank you, Tascam.