Syncaset - 4-Channel Multitrack Recorder
The Tascam 234 Syncaset 4-channel Multitrack Recorder is essentially a campact cassette version of 4-track oper-reel recorders/reproducers with a buit-in 4x2 mixer. And as such it offers some of the same features that put our open-reel machines at the top of their class. The 234 Syncaset even offers a few features its bigger brothers don''t have.
Simul-Sync Recording
The 234 Syncaset gives you Simul-Sync recording, for professional mutitrack recording capability. This unique Tascam functions lets you build up rich, complex recordings - you can add one or more tracks as a time, playing all the parts yourself, until you've created exactly the sound you want. Tracks can be "ping-ponged" back and forth, combining them to open up more tracks. In fact, you can record up to 10 separate tracks with each being transferred to a new track no more than once, so there is no degradation in the quality of the final recording.
Sophisticated Features
One extremely important features the 234 Syncaset has in common with Tascam open-reel multitrack machines is our unique Record Function and Output Select switching matrix. This time-saving system makes setting up record and sync channel assignments easier and faster than ever. The Record Function switches assign the channel sync or record modes, while the Output Select switches select monitoring of either the input source signals or playback from the sync/repro head. A meter switch selects monitoring of the four track on the four respective meters,, or switches meters 1 and 2 to display the levels on the 234's built-in cue mixer output busses. And a Cue selector selects mono or stereo mixer output modes.
The built-in mixer is something that is unique to the 234 Syncaset. In addition to providing a stereo or mono cue mix with full panning on each channel in the stereo mode, it can be used to actually mix down your multitrack tape to stereo format until you're ready to invest in a separate mixer.
There are even a number of locator functions including zero stop and zero play that can make finding the desired spot for recording, overdubbing or mixdown fast and easy - letting you concentrate on creating rather than button pushing.
If the 234 Syncaset is combined in the right way with the right peripheral equipment, it can provide extensive versatility and flexibility for creative multitrack recording. A 234 Syncaset and an M-2A 6-in /4-out mixer, for example, form a system that is capable of creating recordings that you would never have thought possible with "cassette Multitrack". And the 234 is ideal for audio-visual production as well as music recording.
In terms of sound quality the 234 Syncaset has been designed to deliver the best possible. It has a top-performance 2-motor transport that ensures superb tape travel stability and optimum tape-to-head contact. The tape passes the heads a 9,5 cm/s - twice the speed of conventional cassette - so you still get frequency response and Signal-to-Noise Ratio that's on a par with some of the finest stereo cassette decks. And, of course, logic control makes operation smooth, sure, silent and safe.
For even better Signal-to-Noise Ratio and exceptionally broad dynamic range reproduction capability the 234 Syncaset has a built-in, switchable dbx noise reduction system. And it has been designed exclusively to provide optimum performance with chrome tape formulations.
The 234 Syncaset will accept just about any source with no need for any other equipment. Each channel has a line input as well as a phone-jack type microphone input. The microphone inputs have independent trim controls to perfectly match the sensitivity of the respective input for different mikes or even electric guitars and other electric instruments.
A Tascam 234 Syncaset can be used alone, or as the nucleus of a more sophisticated multitrack recording system that is capable of producing some very surprising results.
Specifications
Electrical Parts
Mixer Section
Mic/Inst Input (x 4)
Input Impedance: 100 k Ω , unbalanced
Nominal Input Level: 60 dBV (1 mV) to -10 dBV (0,3 V)
Min. Input Level: -70 dBV (0,3 mV) at TRIM max.
Max. Input Level: +15 dBV (5,6 V), at TRIM min.
Line IN (x 4)
Input Impedance: 22 k Ω , unbalanced
Nominal Input Level: -10 dBV (0,3 mV)
Min. Input Level: -20 dBV (0,1 mV) at Input max.
Max. Input Level: +15 dBV (5,6 V)
Line Out (x 4)
Output Impedance: 100 Ω
Nominal Load Impedance: 10 k Ω
Min. Load Impedance: 1,7 k Ω
Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (0,3 V)
Max. Output Level: +15 dBV (5,6 V)
Cue Out (L, R)
Output Impedance: 100 Ω
Nominal Load Impedance: 10 k Ω
Min. Load Impedance: 1,7 k Ω
Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (0,3 V) PAN fully L/R
Max. Output Level: +15 dBV (5,6 V)
Phones Output (stereo)
Nominal Load Impedance: 3 Ω
Min. Load Impedance: 4 Ω
Max. Output Level: 100 mW (8 Ω )
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz -0/2 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
One Mic/Inst in to Line Out
88 dB (TRIM max.) / 82 dB (TRIM min.) IHF, A weighted
64 dB (TRIM max.) / 78 dn (TRIM min.), unweighted , 20 - 20,000 Hz
One Line in to Line Out
82 dB (IHF, A weighted)
78 dB (unweighted , 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0,5% (1 kHz, 0 VU)
Crosstalk: 65 dB (1 kHz)
Peak Level Indicator: Light up at 8 dB (above 0 VU)
Mechanical Parts
Tape: Compact CassetTe, C-30 to C-90, Chrome,(cobalt) tape (70 µs EQ)
Track Format: 4-track, 4-channel one direction recording/playback
Heads: 4-channel record/playback (Permalloy head);4-channel erase (Ferritte head)
Motors: 1 FG servo-controlled DC capstan motor; 1 DC reel motor; 1 DC control motor
Tape Speed: 9,5 cm/s (3-3/4 ips) ±1%
Pitch Controls: ±12% of normal tape speed
Wow and Flutter: ±0,08% peak (DIN/IEC/ANSI weighted) 0,04% rms (JIS/NAB, weighted)
Fast Wind Time: approx. 85 sec. For C-60 tape
Recording Time: 15 minutes for C-60 tape
Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 147 x 357 mm (19" x 5-13/16" x 14-1/16")
Weight: 9,8 kg net (21-5/8 lbs)



















