TASCAM 22-2 – 2-Track / 15 IPS Professional Reel-to-Reel

Another somewhat unusual deck from my personal collection that I am thinning out.

The TASCAM 22-2 is an interesting little machine. At first glance it looks almost modest next to the big 10.5" studio decks, but look at the specifications: this is a true 2-track, 2-channel machine running at 7.5 and 15 ips — yet it uses standard 7" reels.

That is a rather unusual combination.

The 22-2 was essentially TASCAM's compact approach to a serious two-track recorder. Instead of the usual consumer 7" formula of quarter-track stereo at 3¾/7½ ips, TASCAM gave it three heads, half-track stereo and 15 ips capability. In other words, the emphasis here was recording quality rather than long playing time or consumer conveniences.

Of course, there is a tradeoff. A 7" reel doesn't give you a tremendous amount of recording time at 15 ips. But for shorter recordings, mixdowns, live recording, transfers or simply playing around with true half-track 15 ips recording, this is a remarkably compact way of doing it.

I have larger 15 ips machines in my collection, which is ultimately why this one is being sold. But I've always thought the 22-2 was a neat little deck precisely because it packs that format into such a small package.

As with the other vintage audio equipment I sell, this wasn't simply plugged in, found to turn, and put on Reverb. It was professionally serviced/refurbished and is operating properly.

Service performed:

• Replacement of capstan driver
• Repair of pinch roller
• Repair of power/driver circuit
• Repair of frequency generator circuit
• Cleaning and lubrication of controls; demagnetization of the heads

Cosmetically, please judge from the photographs. I prefer good pictures to calling 40-plus-year-old equipment "mint."

If you're looking for a conventional 7" consumer reel-to-reel, this probably isn't it. But if the idea of a compact two-track machine that runs at 15 ips appeals to you, there aren't many decks quite like the 22-2.

Comes with extras - what you see in the pictures (the reels in the video are just for the demo). Never understood why many sellers don't include bits that are needed to be able to use the machines out of the box... Altogether it will include:

• Metal Maxell takeup reel - a $50 "value"
• 7" AMPEX reel with tape (a lagniappe)

Please see the pictures - they're part of the description.  See video for a demo. I had an iPod hooked up to the inputs - so, you can hear the 'source' (jumping to the 21st century...:-)).

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Perhaps you can find it listed elsewhere for less (and I have seen them go for MORE) - but, in my case, you would be getting a thoroughly checked-out and refreshed unit with no stories.

See the feedback; I don't buy items to flip - it's not a source of income for me (especially when you consider the Reverb fees), no matter what IRS would like to think. These are "rescues", something I enjoy doing.

IRS now charges "income tax" on Reverb sales -- so, expect the prices to go up to compensate.

It will go out well packed and fully insured - through UPS Ground/Reverb Safe Shipping - given the weight, it's not cheap but is WELL WORTH the surety it brings.

A standard disclaimer:    While the unit is fully operational to the best of my knowledge, it is being sold "as-described" because some folks here and on other platforms harbor peculiar misapprehensions about how a 40-50 year old piece of vintage electronics should look and function.