PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

First of all, hi everybody!!!
I'd like to ask you a question:
Does anybody know anything about the TASCAM M520 console?
I know it's from 1984(?) but haevn't had neither the chance to listen to one, nor be able to find information on the web besides a couple of pics or small comments.
I've been offered one for 1700 dollars. I know the price is kind of high (I've seen them beeing sold for 500 dollars in the USA), but since I live in Argentina bringing one from somewhere else would cost me probably the same or even more.
Are there any mods that I can make to this console?
I own a Yamaha 01v, and I was thinking of selling it and buying this one. But I’m not sure, since I’ll have to get an eight channel D/A Box for my Pulsar card(probably A16 or RME Multiface).
It all depends if the sonics of this console are worth it.
How does it compare against a Mackie or a Soundcraft in the same category (8 bus 20/24 inputs) ?
I know they are two totally different things, but how does it compare aginst the 01v in terms of sound?
Are the preamps good?
I know a lot of people here love the pulsar mixers, but I can't just mix on them. I know they are good, but I just want to get an analog console.
What would you say? Should I go for it?

Thanks very much in advance for you comments.


Martín.

Even in 1984 I wouldn't have bought a Tascam console, in fact I didn't, I bought a Ramsa at the time because it had vastly superior specs to the Tascam. Advances in electronics quality have been huge since then. There is no way this board will stand up sonically to a modern one.

BTW, please tell me you wouldn't buy it without actually hearing it! I'm sure the O1V would be superior in every way.

I think $1700.00 is outrageous for something this old...although I have no idea what used equipment would cost in your country.

R

Well, thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately, in Argentina everything is way more expensive. Besides the fact that we have a fucked up economy with fucked up salaries, you have to add import taxes, which can get as high as 60 or 70 %. But I'm not going to lecture you on Argentinean Taxes
About the console, well, I'm kind of tired of my 01v, and I thought it could be nice to change it for another mixer. This time I want to go analog.
I read in some forums about the preamps of the M520 being nice. But unfortunately I couldn't find much information.
No, I haven't listened to it, but I would if I were really to buy it.
If I had the chance, I'd buy a Yamaha PM1000. I've heard good things about it. But no one seems to own one in these latitudes, or at least willing to sell it.
By the way, I just found a guy who sells a RAMSA WR-T820B 20 channels 8 bus for 2000 dollars. Judging by what you say, this would be a way more convenient choice.
Please, if you have any comments, post them.

Thanks very much.

Martin

I really liked the Ramsa, it was clean and sounded great!

Big mistake to sell it...oh well.

I think it is a much better board than the Tascam. The pre-amps were much better, and the overall signal path had way better specs.

Too bad Argentina is so messed up, but on the upside, you do have all the beef on swords that you can eat!

R

To nprime and to anyone who might want to drop some lines:

I decided to go for the Ramsa. As I told you, they are selling it for u$s2000.
I've read some good comments about it, and besides, I already made my mind. So I guess there's no turning back

Before I do something I might regret: if anybody has some more experience with this board, or thinks that going from all digital (yamaha 01V) to digital/analog (RAMSA and some AD/DA box), please post a comment.

By the way: this is the board I'd be geting:

picture

Thanks

Martín

Any comments,guys????