The TASCAM 688 MIDIStudio is a cassette-based eight-channel multitrack recording system designed for seamless integration of analogue instruments and MIDI sequencing. Its dual-mix architecture provides up to twenty inputs routed into eight channels and four group busses, and its Scene Display memory offers ninety-nine recallable setups with full MIDI control.
Two inputs per channel (MIC/LINE A with TRIM and LINE B) feed a three-band EQ with sweepable mid frequency, while two AUX sends, channel insert points and four assignable effect returns deliver extensive routing flexibility. A high-performance internal MIDI tape synchroniser (MTS-30 equivalent) on the TASCAM 688 ensures flawless SMPTE-lock with external sequencers or rhythm machines, and real-time MIDI-controlled channel mute automation streamlines complex arrangements.
Equaliser Parameters
- High (shelving): 10 kHz ± 12 dB
- Mid (peaking): 250 Hz–5 kHz sweepable, ± 15 dB
- Low (shelving): 100 Hz ± 12 dB
Additional workflow enhancements to the TASCAM 688 include gapless auto punch-in/out with rehearsal mode, a bi-directional shuttle dial, selectable tape-run-time and index counter modes and continuously variable pitch control of ± 12 %.
The TASCAM 688 MIDIStudio represents a radical departure from earlier PORTASTUDIO models, featuring an entirely redesigned mixer architecture, an upgraded tape transport, fully integrated MIDI implementation and advanced electronic switching.
As the first eight-track PORTASTUDIO tailored for the MIDI era, it combines an eight-channel cassette recorder, a twenty-input mixing console with electronic routing and a built-in MIDI tape synchroniser into a single rack-mount workstation.
The mixer accommodates up to twenty line inputs and four effect returns, with each main channel able to access up to four effects busses for reverbs, delays, choruses and more.
Its internal synchroniser, equivalent to the TASCAM MTS-30, provides Song Position Pointer recall so you can blend MIDI sequencing with multitrack recording, and you can also lock the TASCAM 688 to other multitrack recorders or a VCR via the TASCAM MIDiIZER (note that connecting to some VCRs may require the IF-1000 Parallel Interface Unit).
Features
- Dual-mix system effectively doubling input capacity
- Scene Display memory with ninety-nine scenes and full MIDI control
- Real-time MIDI-controlled channel-mute automation
- Eight channels (twenty inputs) into four group busses
- Two inputs per channel: MIC/LINE A with TRIM control; LINE B
- Three-band EQ stage with sweepable mid frequency on each channel
- Two AUX sends per channel
- INSERT patch point on each main channel
- Four fully assignable effect returns
- Built-in MIDI tape synchroniser (MTS-30 equivalent) for SMPTE-lock
- Accessory 2 port for external synchronisation via TASCAM MIDiizer or ATS-500
- Gapless auto punch-in/out with rehearsal mode
- Bi-directional shuttle dial and selectable tape-run-time/index counter modes
- ± 12 % continuously variable pitch control
