Full Version: Tascam 1884 - Is It Good?
I am thinking of getting a Tascam 1884, but I'm not sure how it rates against something like the Motu 828 or 896 combined with a Mackie Control Universal... has anyone been using one with OS X for a while? Is it reliable? Does it sound great?
As said at other places: Go for the Yamaha 01x digital mixing studio. By far the best user experience in combination with the Mac. Check out http://www.01xray.com for information and the forums for user feedback.
- Mackie control
- Very high quality sound
- Firewire connectivity
- Digital faders
- Many, many features
- Mackie control
- Very high quality sound
- Firewire connectivity
- Digital faders
- Many, many features
Oh no! More options! Just when I thought I had narrowed it down! Checking out 01X website now, thanks for the tip!
I've been using an FW-1884 with Logic Pro for about 8 months. Drivers were a bit dodgy at first, but the latest one is fine. Love it to bits - it does everything I want it to, and very very well.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
I've been using an FW-1884 with Logic Pro for about 8 months. Drivers were a bit dodgy at first, but the latest one is fine. Love it to bits - it does everything I want it to, and very very well.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
I've been using an FW-1884 with Logic Pro for about 8 months. Drivers were a bit dodgy at first, but the latest one is fine. Love it to bits - it does everything I want it to, and very very well.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
I've been using an FW-1884 with Logic Pro for about 8 months. Drivers were a bit dodgy at first, but the latest one is fine. Love it to bits - it does everything I want it to, and very very well.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
It is different from the 01x - you'll have to decide which you prefer, but IMHO there are a few significant advantages of the Tascam:
1. 100mm Faders instead of 60mm, and smooth as anything
2. Touch sensitivity - on the TASCAM you just put your finger on a fader to select the track - on the Yamaha it does not selecty until you move the fader.
3. Expandability - I added an FE-8 a few months ago after finding it frustrating having to switch between banks all the time - you cannot expand the Yamaha.
There are plenty of other differences, but you'll see that from the specs. Thing is, they're both really good, so you won't make a bad decision.
Bizarre - quadruple post - sorry chaps!
Thanx Rololux
Your words bring me hope and comfort! They were worth stating 4 times!
The only trouble I have now is I am stuck in this apparent backwater of Oz, where there are 01xes for me to try, but would you believe it, there is NOT ONE 1884 available!
And... get this- thanx to problems with the same sole distributor, Logic Pro6 is NOT Available!!
They think my G5 may be coming sometime in the next month....
Patience is a virtue they say...
In the mean time, thanx for confirming that my instincts are not completely crazy- I have not heard a bad word about the 1884 yet.
Your words bring me hope and comfort! They were worth stating 4 times!
The only trouble I have now is I am stuck in this apparent backwater of Oz, where there are 01xes for me to try, but would you believe it, there is NOT ONE 1884 available!
And... get this- thanx to problems with the same sole distributor, Logic Pro6 is NOT Available!!
They think my G5 may be coming sometime in the next month....
Patience is a virtue they say...
In the mean time, thanx for confirming that my instincts are not completely crazy- I have not heard a bad word about the 1884 yet.
Markiewicz,
..Just in case you might reconsider the O1X, ..DON'T! On one hand, it really is a very cool audio/midi interface - Control Surface, with many attributes that the 1884 doesn't have, but the most important attribute of all, simply put, doesn't work well in Mac OS X and with most DAWs. I've read that the O1X is now working with Cubase, but that there are noted problems still.
..The idea was/is mLAN networking..... The ability to hook up a Yamaha keyboard(MOTIF ES), the O1X, and other mLAN compatible ..all up together with just a few Firewire cables. No other cables at all would be needed, except for a mic, guitar or bass cable in the HI Z. Great idea, but as it is a common practice these days for companies to release their unfinished products/software/drivers ..well, let's just say, ..this is the mother of them all. Don't take my word for it though. Just read(if they haven't screened by now) all the unhappy owners of a great in theory product that fell from grace. ..I was one of those very disappointed owners. Luckily, I was able to get a full refund.
The only thing Tascam left out when creating the FW1884 was the LED read out. Would have been nice! Other than that, it's an excellent unit. Wish there were more choices in the way of an all in one audio/midi/Control Surface/interface, but it'll be tough to beat the FW1884, I'm sure. ...And if for no other reason, ...cause it actually works. ...I don't own, but have tested the FW1884 and it's most definitely a unit anyone would be happy to own.
Good luck and have fun with which ever new toy(s) -
..Just in case you might reconsider the O1X, ..DON'T! On one hand, it really is a very cool audio/midi interface - Control Surface, with many attributes that the 1884 doesn't have, but the most important attribute of all, simply put, doesn't work well in Mac OS X and with most DAWs. I've read that the O1X is now working with Cubase, but that there are noted problems still.
..The idea was/is mLAN networking..... The ability to hook up a Yamaha keyboard(MOTIF ES), the O1X, and other mLAN compatible ..all up together with just a few Firewire cables. No other cables at all would be needed, except for a mic, guitar or bass cable in the HI Z. Great idea, but as it is a common practice these days for companies to release their unfinished products/software/drivers ..well, let's just say, ..this is the mother of them all. Don't take my word for it though. Just read(if they haven't screened by now) all the unhappy owners of a great in theory product that fell from grace. ..I was one of those very disappointed owners. Luckily, I was able to get a full refund.
The only thing Tascam left out when creating the FW1884 was the LED read out. Would have been nice! Other than that, it's an excellent unit. Wish there were more choices in the way of an all in one audio/midi/Control Surface/interface, but it'll be tough to beat the FW1884, I'm sure. ...And if for no other reason, ...cause it actually works. ...I don't own, but have tested the FW1884 and it's most definitely a unit anyone would be happy to own.
Good luck and have fun with which ever new toy(s) -
Thanx Nels,
isn't it shocking that you can buy something the price of a small car (well, an old one anyway) and then bring it home to find it doesn't work!
I was slightly sus about the 01x and its bundled windows-only sequencer package...
...I think I would prefer something that works!
Ah, mLan... will it be another BETA video, will it be another 8 track cartridge, will it be an Amiga? Or will it grow to rule the world?
So how have you replaced your 01X?
isn't it shocking that you can buy something the price of a small car (well, an old one anyway) and then bring it home to find it doesn't work!
I was slightly sus about the 01x and its bundled windows-only sequencer package...
...I think I would prefer something that works!
Ah, mLan... will it be another BETA video, will it be another 8 track cartridge, will it be an Amiga? Or will it grow to rule the world?
So how have you replaced your 01X?
Hello. First of all happy researching and happy shopping. I hope you find the right control surface and/or digital mixer that you can live with and achieve your recording aspirations.
Yamaha O1x
+ 60mm motorized faders are adjustable to "near" touch sensitive levels, although i'd prefer 100mm
+ expandability? connect up to (8) O1x & control all of them via Studio Manager!
+ expandability? oh! and jack an i88x to each of those O1x
Just ONE i88x with O1x is tremendous! Yamaha DM2000 mic pres, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 more channels S/PDIF plus the 28 channels of input on the O1x. Keep in mind, the O1x manages all of this routing on its own deck without any help from anything or anybody. The faster you get banging buttons the faster you become King Kong on the board.
i got very close to buying a 1884 but i personally didnt like having no scribble strip display AND the 1884 NOT being a true mixer soured me. i wanted hardware that did something without a computer connnected. now that i am recording, let me tell you, it is NICE seldom having to look at a computer screen because i do everything using the O1x display and the rest pretty much is on my MOTIF XS. mind you, i am not saying you never will look at your PC or Mac screen because that simply isn't true. But i swear, i sit at my workstation and the O1x for hours never looking or fiddling with the computer. The O1x display gives me all the information i need to know, including when i call up plugins and adjust them, then i may add dynamics or effect TO that signal and arm it for the record buss. cake. also, most recently i take my mixes with me and edit elsewhere in full pristine fidelity and having every control that is on the O1x on my laptop. when i get home, i load it back into the O1x and bingo.
i too came close to giving up on my O1x. First, i was told wrong information. And this is why i chose to write this verbose storybook. The O1x works EXCELLENT with Logic 5.5 PC & OS9, Cubase, Sonar but I've never used it Digital Performer. However, i do use Tracktion and now use Tracktion 3 ALOT !! Works great on the O1x using Mackie Control. Don't put the O1x in general mode, use Cubase mode! That was mistake number one.
But like one the other posts here said, you gotta figure out for yourself what's best for you and what matters. All i can say is the O1x WILL NOT BE the brick wall in your project studio. O1x will allow you to do things you NEVER could do before having one. the plugins that comes with it are top notch and should be recognized as such and if you're remotely considering buying a mixer or control surface for recording you owe it to yourself to visit keyfax.com and get the O1x DVD and see for yourself. Just don't forget i told you, use Mac OS9, OSX or Windows XP and stay there.
when i learned the 1884 had no scribble strip (display) and was not a true mixer -- i shrugged. but i am hoping future versions of their products recognize these important aspects and integrate them into new and upcoming DAW hardware products.
Remember the O1X is simultaneously acting as your soundcard, MIDI interface, remote controller, digital mixer and your effects processors, amongst other things. So, it may take a bit more time than other products to configure. But contact me (my nic @ aol dot com) and i can get you up and running in 5 min. The O1X doesn't just control your host DAW applications. It also edits & controls your favorite VST plugins. While your computer's CPU is running the actual plugins, the O1X can control & access & manage all pages & parameters plus add EQ, Dynamics & Effects TO the output of those software instruments & effects all using its own processing power. I use Cubase 4 and Tracktion 3 and life is good.
// cheers //
Yamaha O1x
+ 60mm motorized faders are adjustable to "near" touch sensitive levels, although i'd prefer 100mm
+ expandability? connect up to (8) O1x & control all of them via Studio Manager!
+ expandability? oh! and jack an i88x to each of those O1x
Just ONE i88x with O1x is tremendous! Yamaha DM2000 mic pres, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 more channels S/PDIF plus the 28 channels of input on the O1x. Keep in mind, the O1x manages all of this routing on its own deck without any help from anything or anybody. The faster you get banging buttons the faster you become King Kong on the board.
i got very close to buying a 1884 but i personally didnt like having no scribble strip display AND the 1884 NOT being a true mixer soured me. i wanted hardware that did something without a computer connnected. now that i am recording, let me tell you, it is NICE seldom having to look at a computer screen because i do everything using the O1x display and the rest pretty much is on my MOTIF XS. mind you, i am not saying you never will look at your PC or Mac screen because that simply isn't true. But i swear, i sit at my workstation and the O1x for hours never looking or fiddling with the computer. The O1x display gives me all the information i need to know, including when i call up plugins and adjust them, then i may add dynamics or effect TO that signal and arm it for the record buss. cake. also, most recently i take my mixes with me and edit elsewhere in full pristine fidelity and having every control that is on the O1x on my laptop. when i get home, i load it back into the O1x and bingo.
i too came close to giving up on my O1x. First, i was told wrong information. And this is why i chose to write this verbose storybook. The O1x works EXCELLENT with Logic 5.5 PC & OS9, Cubase, Sonar but I've never used it Digital Performer. However, i do use Tracktion and now use Tracktion 3 ALOT !! Works great on the O1x using Mackie Control. Don't put the O1x in general mode, use Cubase mode! That was mistake number one.
But like one the other posts here said, you gotta figure out for yourself what's best for you and what matters. All i can say is the O1x WILL NOT BE the brick wall in your project studio. O1x will allow you to do things you NEVER could do before having one. the plugins that comes with it are top notch and should be recognized as such and if you're remotely considering buying a mixer or control surface for recording you owe it to yourself to visit keyfax.com and get the O1x DVD and see for yourself. Just don't forget i told you, use Mac OS9, OSX or Windows XP and stay there.
when i learned the 1884 had no scribble strip (display) and was not a true mixer -- i shrugged. but i am hoping future versions of their products recognize these important aspects and integrate them into new and upcoming DAW hardware products.
Remember the O1X is simultaneously acting as your soundcard, MIDI interface, remote controller, digital mixer and your effects processors, amongst other things. So, it may take a bit more time than other products to configure. But contact me (my nic @ aol dot com) and i can get you up and running in 5 min. The O1X doesn't just control your host DAW applications. It also edits & controls your favorite VST plugins. While your computer's CPU is running the actual plugins, the O1X can control & access & manage all pages & parameters plus add EQ, Dynamics & Effects TO the output of those software instruments & effects all using its own processing power. I use Cubase 4 and Tracktion 3 and life is good.
// cheers //
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.