Tascam 688 MIDI studio sync

I used to do this with Cakewalk 3.0 and a MOTU MidiXpress. What are you generating the timing code with?
Using SMPTE or the midi code?
I always used SMPTE.
T

TOM DEERING
Sonar P is the generator for various time codes, I have tried MTC and SMPTE via midi out to the 688 which 'records' this signal to a dedicated track (8). Then rewinding the tape to start and setting the 688 to load/send this time code back to Sonar P. By setting sonar to start by waiting for an MTC code, when the tape is run Sonar will start and stop under control of the 688 but the problem is that it reverts to it's own beat/timing. I have two 688's and the quality produced by these machines cannot be matched by many of the open reel type recorders, My studio is a blended one of analog and digital so it would be great if this problem were solved. ******
SOENS
Regarding your problem with the 644's which I beleive run at normal cassette speed, and given my experience of repairing my 688s I think you should check the capstan belt which may have stretched over the years and if so will cause speed fluctuations making it impossible to use. It is a 'fiddly' job to replace the belt (check Ebay for 644 spares) but if you get them going again very worth while.
 
 

Many thanks Tom for the input and time responding. I have tried changing variables without much success regarding tempo. My thinking is that I'm asking to much of the 688 or maybe Sonar P ... but I'll play around a bit and see. I agree with you regarding the 688, I paid just under four grand many many years ago for 2 of them and still think it was money well spent even though I've made one a donar!

SupaReels Music
SOENS
Regarding your problem with the 644's which I beleive run at normal cassette speed, and given my experience of repairing my 688s I think you should check the capstan belt which may have stretched over the years and if so will cause speed fluctuations making it impossible to use. It is a 'fiddly' job to replace the belt (check Ebay for 644 spares) but if you get them going again very worth while.

Not to hijack Tom's thread but...
 
The 238 runs at 2x speed (3¾ ips)
Motor hums loudly
Tape speed - overly fast (no fluctuations)
VARI speed control - not working
 
The 644s are switchable from 1x (1⅞) to 2x (3¾)
644-1
Motor hums (pitch changes with VARI speed control)
VARI speed control - works
PLAY - not working
FF - works
REW - works
Main output wire - broke
LEDs - work
External PSU - works
 
644-2
Motor is quiet
VARI speed control - works
PLAY - not working
FF - works
REW - works
Main output wire - broke
LEDs - work (some lenses broke)
External PSU - not working
 
Motor symptoms came on instantly not gradually.
 
 

TOM
Thanks Tom, your dead right! I pulled a thread from a Home recording website and the reason for this problem is due to Sonar P is sending SMPTE/MTC or MIDI Sync. The tascam is 'recording' the midi beat clock and converting it to an FSK tone. Sonar is responding to the start continue and stop although (as you have said) I would need something to convert the O/P (FSK) from the Tascam to an MTC or SMPTE signal.... So I might invest or I might not I'll see, depends on how much of this 'old stuff' I wanna keep. Of course the get around is just to record anolog straight to Sonar P and retime then mix! Cheers good thread
 
SOENS
As I never owned a 238 I have no input to help, as regards to the other 2 recorders (And sorry I thought the 644 was one speed ie 1⅞) The No 1 still could be the drive belt, but in both cases I would research in detail various faults and carefully attampt a home repair ... whats to loose!

 
Yep you are 'off topic'But for the record I started with Cubase (very early version) back in the day and over time a DX7 Mk1 and an Atari computer, outboard ART FX/ORBIT V2/Roland U220/Spl Vitalizer/ two Tascam 688 Plus a few other bit and bobs. Then a PSR 500 'workstation' which became the goto, for Sonar 5 producer anon then Sonar 7 / 8 and now Platinum. I never really push a mix, never did but if it was required I had a trusty Yamaha 2020b II, I remember buying it and the guy in the shop saying " You know this doesn't make any sounds don't you" then "do you know what this does?" Heady days. I think Platinum has a good amount of goodies, well, enough for me so most of the time these days when I have a mix I go digital, and in truth most people are happy with the result, plus it's a dam' site quicker than analogue. To be utterly truthful a lot of stuff you buy for a studio is unnecessary ... A good song, guitar/keyboard, good mike, and something decent to record it on will really do about 600$ 'ish. But it's still nice to have a sh** load to play with!  
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