Tascam 246: A Deep Dive into the Legendary 4-Track Portastudio
Why the Tascam 246 Remains a Favorite for Home Recording Enthusiasts
Folks go nuts over the Tascam 246, and I don't blame them. Built like a tank, with knobs and sliders that make you feel like you're at the helm of the Enterprise (Kirk’s Enterprise, not Picard’s), the Tascam 246 is one of the most sought-after vintage Portastudios today!
While some might call the Tascam 246 the 244’s big brother, I say it’s more fitting to think of it as the little brother to the legendary Tascam 388.
Read on as I dive into the history of Tascam’s Portastudio line, explore the standout features of the 246, and discover why it’s still a favorite among recording enthusiasts today.
Why the Tascam 246 Commands a Premium
Out of all the Portastudios being sold on eBay these days, the Tascam 246 consistently commands a premium. And it's not just nostalgia driving the price up.
This machine offers an unmatched combination of features, build quality, and versatility that you won’t find in other models from its time. With six input channels and a four-bus mixer, it’s perfect for more complex recording setups.
The dual tape speeds let you choose between higher-fidelity or longer recording times, and the dbx noise reduction system keeps those recordings clean by reducing tape hiss.
This makes the 246 the kind of machine that stands the test of time—and people are willing to pay for that quality.
The Origins: Tascam’s Portastudio Legacy
Now, before I jump into the 246 itself, let’s talk a little about where this all began. Back in 1979, Tascam introduced the first Portastudio—the Tascam 144—and it changed everything for musicians and home recording.
It was the first time artists could create multi-track recordings without needing an expensive studio. Bruce Springsteen famously recorded his Nebraska album using a 144.
Fast forward a few years, and Tascam continued refining their designs, leading to the 244—which brought parametric EQ and higher-quality sound to the table.
But the 246, released in 1984, took things to a whole new level. It wasn't just a slight upgrade; it was a game-changer for home recording.
What Makes the Tascam 246 Stand Out?
So, what makes the 246 stand out from its predecessors like the 244?
First off, the six inputs. The 244 was great, but with the 246, you had more flexibility to work with multiple instruments or mics at once. It also had a four-bus mixer, which gave you more options when routing signals.
And, of course, the dual tape speeds allowed you to switch between 1⅞ and 3¾ inches per second, giving you control over both sound quality and recording time.
The 246 also has an expanded set of routing options compared to the 244, making it much more versatile for professional-sounding recordings.
And don’t forget those extra VU meters, which helped make the whole recording process feel more precise and intuitive.
The Tascam 246 vs. the 244 and 388
But here's where things get interesting. While many compare the 246 to the 244, I actually think it's much closer in spirit to the Tascam 388.
Like the 388, the 246 was designed for more serious home recording setups. It’s got a similar workflow with its multi-bus mixer, dbx noise reduction, and even the way it handles inputs and routing.
The 388, of course, is an eight-track machine on reel-to-reel, but the 246 brings a lot of that same capability to the cassette format. It’s like the 388's little brother—not quite as big or powerful, but still packing enough features to handle professional recording tasks at home.
My Tascam 246: A Personal Experience
I bought my 246 from a seller on eBay who had advertised it as fully serviced. As I always do with valuable electronics, I requested the seller to double-box it for extra protection during shipping. The seller agreed, but when the 246 arrived, it wasn’t double-boxed. In fact, it was poorly packed, and when I tried to use it, it didn’t work.
The seller filed a damage claim with the carrier, but it was ultimately denied. Considering the high cost of shipping it back and the fact that the unit wasn’t working, the seller and I agreed that I would keep the 246 and attempt to repair it at a discounted price.
Fortunately, I was able to get it working again, but you won’t believe what the issue was! I wrote an article and made a video detailing my entire experience if you want to check that out:
Why You Should Consider Buying a Tascam 246
So why should you consider buying a Tascam 246 today? If you’re into analog recording, the 246 is hard to beat. It offers the perfect balance between vintage charm and practical usability.
Whether you’re recording demos, tracking instruments, or just messing around with tape, the 246 gives you that warm analog sound without the limitations of lower-end cassette recorders.
Plus, it's built to last—you can find units from the 80s still working today, and any issues are often easily fixable. If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed Portastudio with vintage charm, the Tascam 246 should be high on your list.
Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of the Tascam 246
Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why the Tascam 246 is such a special piece of gear. Whether you’re a collector, a vintage gear enthusiast, or just looking to dive into analog recording, this machine has a lot to offer.
If you have any stories about your own 246—or if you're thinking about picking one up—let me know in the comments.
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Take care, and I’ll see you in the next one.