TASCAM 246 Portastudio 4-Track Cassette Recorder 1980s - With new belts and rollers fitted

Tascam Porta 246, the top of the 244/246 line and one of the best cassette Portastudios Tascam ever built. Four tracks recorded simultaneously to standard cassette at double speed, dbx noise reduction, a proper six channel mixer with EQ and aux sends, varispeed, and punch in and out. This is the machine a lot of people are chasing right now for lo-fi and tape saturation work, and for good reason.

What I've done

I fitted a full new transport rubber set from Tascam Ninja: capstan belt, control belt, both idler tyres and the pinch roller tyre. That's roughly six months ago. The rubber is the thing that always goes on these, and it's the job most sellers haven't done. It's done here.

Condition

Cosmetically it's in good shape for its age, with the usual light marks you'd expect from a machine of this vintage, all shown in the photos. It sits in a really nicely made wooden case, hand built and good quality, which is a big part of why it's survived this well.

The transport runs, varispeed works and it plays audio back from tape. There's a video showing all of that, so you can see and hear it before you commit.

One thing to flag honestly: the stop button sits slightly pushed in compared to the others. I think it's missing a spring, but I'm not certain. It still works and the transport stops as it should, it just doesn't sit flush. You can see it in the video. Easy enough for anyone comfortable inside these, but I'd rather you knew now than found out later.

What I'm not claiming

I haven't fully tested every function. Everything I have tried seems to work well, but I can't guarantee that every channel, control and function on the machine is in perfect order. I would suggest that the buyer gets it serviced by a tech.

Parts and service support for the 244/246 is good. Tascam Ninja and others supply rubber and spares, service manuals are freely available and there's a large community around these machines.

Sold as seen, based on the photos and video. No returns.

Ask me anything before you buy and I'll answer honestly, including "I don't know", which will be the answer to some of it.

Collection and shipping

Collection preferred from Hertfordshire. Shipping can be arranged at cost, message me with your postcode and I'll get a quote. It'll be packed and shipped by Mail Boxes Etc and insured.