Buy a 2488 Neo or DP-24sd?

[Ajax]

Hi, I have a chance to buy a Neo tomorrow for $200, in great condition. Is it too old and will I have more breakdowns from parts failing? Or should I get a new DP-24 and have the piece of mind?
The DP-24 doesn’t have MIDI which really turns me off because I’m always adding synths, drums, etc later.

I’ve been using Ableton since it came out as my DAW but I just like Tascams with knobs and faders better (that’s not even a subject of argument) I’ll be using a PC and a Tascam.

My workflow is, plug in and record. NO LATENCY! Then dump to the PC for mastering. Any advice is appreciated and I look forward to contributing to the forum. Thanks again!

 

[Scott Tribbey]

Read my thread that breaks down the difference between the two. I have the good dp24 (non-sd) and I still have to say the 2488 neo is considerably more powerful. The dp-24 is not without is advantages though. However, without the MIDI sync capability I would have little interest in the current dp series. It makes it so easy to keep the recorder in sync with an external sequencer.

http://www.tascamforums.com/threads/comparing-the-2488-neo-and-the-dp24-non-sd.5469/

 

[Ajax]

Thanks Scott, I did, that was the first post that caught my eye...I’m searching a lot through the forum. Great post, thanks for that.
The no midi is the biggest oversight in the galaxy! But...I guess a workaround would be the ability to import wav’s at the same bpm? I guess that would work for loops.
I’ve been all over the web and have read all good things about the Neo. I’m handy and can repair if needed. Thanks again!

 

[Scott Tribbey]

You have the ability to edit with 3mS timing on either unit so you can resync stuff so long as the bpm is correct. It's just a pain because they don't provide a simple "slide" function that would move the whole track in either direction. That would make it much easier. You basically have to copy to a new track and then move it back for very short timing changes.

Tascam appears to be "milking the cow" on these recorders so feature/cost reductions are probably the plan until they stop making them at some point. That's unfortunate as there are plenty of people who like the no-computer, live recording work flow.

I hope I'm wrong about this. Zoom seems to see a positive future in the market and has introduced some cool new products at the same price point and higher. However even these, while great live recorders, have little if any onboard editing. The Livetrak series have fairly minimal displays and no track bouncing at all apparently aside from the final stereo mixdown. Zoom is changing the direction here and ditching the idea of a standalone portable studio where recording and editing can be completed. Even the Livetrak name indicates where they are going. Needless to say, no MIDI features on the new Zooms either.

 

[Scott Tribbey]

The biggest issue with the neo is the durability of the encoder which gets used for EVERYTHING and accordingly wears out. The hard drive is also a limited life part, which can be replaced though it's not SATA so that has a limited future as well. As noted in my other thread, the hard drive actually provides faster edits than the sd in some cases.

The other problem with replacement parts is you have to get them from someplace other than Tascam. Tascam does sell parts to the public but their support is substandard so you likely won't get any response from them. I certainly didn't. The parts supplier I ordered from has trouble getting them to respond!

 

[Ajax]

Got it! For $200, I’ll give it a go. Brought a mic and headphones to the place (pawn shop in the hood) tested a few things and seems silky smooth so far.
Actually looks like it was barely used, seriously. I’ll do some recording over the weekend and see what shape it’s really in. Damn, nice looking machine!!! Definitely going to open it up, clean out dust with air and check for roaches! I’ve had that happen before with old equipment. Not fun!

 

[Scott Tribbey]

Ick! :O

 

[Scott Tribbey]

Make sure that encoder works perfectly in both directions. If I were you I would get a backup encoder anyhow. If you use it much you will likely need the replacement at some point. Looks like more or less a full disassembly to replace it but it is what it is.

The encoders can be ordered from Full Compass. (no affiliation)
2488 encoder, part# E0040080 - $10.16.
Call 800-356-5844

 

[Ajax]

Thanks Scott, I was already thinking that...maybe a few for safe keeping.
Is the 2488 MK2 encoder the same? That’s all I can find online.
Thanks again!

 

[Ajax]

Got a good deal...not $10 good but all I can think of when I look at the Neo... is Nick Frost in Shaun of the dead when he sees his friends dads car (a jaguar)
“Who’s a pretty boy then?!”
I don’t think this was used that much...

Only thing is that it’s been sitting around for quite some time everything looks picture-perfect but the sliders are a little scratchy because of dust ....and trust me I’m super gentle when I’m moving them.

What is the best way to clean the faders ? So many conflicting methods. Isopropyl? Deoxit? I want to hit it tomorrow morning with the air compressor to blow loose dust out of it, then clean any stubborn debris.
Thanks! So stoked to have a machine with character again!

 

[Scott Tribbey]

The encoder is a conservative guess on my part. I'm quite sure the 2488 mk2 encoder is identical as apparently nothing physical changed from the mk2 to the neo, just the software and the paint job (which was a big improvement). There would be no good reason for them to change the encoder in the neo considering the control panel boards are no-doubt identical. It's just a simple (cheap) relative encoder anyhow.

DeOxit G5 is amazing for just about anything with contacts, pots, encoders, switches, etc.. However, keep it away from silicone button strips like those used in your average remote control. The silicone actually absorbs the G5 and expands it's physical dimensions! This may not be a permanent destruction though. I applied G5 to the pots on a little Novation Xio synth that has a row of silicone buttons right next to the pots. I noticed that the buttons were suddenly not working correctly. Upon removing the control panel I found it was a floppy noodle of buttons and assumed I had wrecked my awesome sounding little synth. I don't remember if I soaked or just doused the button strip in isopropyl but a few hours later it returned to it's normal shape and worked fine. There is no way to say if the isopropyl helped or if the strip would have normally returned to it's proper shape when the G5 evaporated. I'm not going to run single variable experiments to find out.

 

[Scott Tribbey]

Looks like Tascam is going live recorder-only route as well.

https://reverb.com/news/tascam-announces-vintage-styled-model-24-multitrack-recording-mixer

Very much like the new Zooms.

 

[Ajax]

I saw that Model 24 on twitter. Not as handsome as the Neo, 24sd and 32sd to me though. Little pricey too. If it could control your DAW or soft synths it may be worth it...

Thanks for the tips on cleaning. I’ll procede with caution as I normally do, the unit doesn’t need much.

 

[Scott Tribbey]

The nice, and somewhat counterintuitive, thing about DeOxit G5 is that it leaves a mildly oily film behind that conditions contacts for further use. Isopropyl won't do that for you.

 

[Ajax]

Loving the Neo so far!!!! What a nice break from Ableton. I prefer using my ears. Some people say “then work like that on a pc” but I just can’t. I write totally different stuff and play cleaner on the Neo!