Help me with buying Tascam portastudio

[egor08]

friends help! Is it worth buying a tascam porta two cassette player for $150 in this condition?

original product description:

"Selling my TASCAM Porta Two mini studio.

This is a 4-track, 6-channel version, but not HS, with such a slow playback speed.

I have used and tested the device. Below I describe the condition, but I can not give any guarantees. I am selling the device without a guarantee and return. You are buying a very old device! In general, there are obvious signs of wear (see photo).

I am selling the device without a power supply and have always used batteries. If you want to use a power supply, be sure to pay attention to the unusual polarity of the cable, as is usually the case with Tascam.

All four cassette tracks work, and such cassette functions as play, record, stop and fast forward also work. All four volume indicators work.

There are two defects: Firstly, the 6th channel does not work and secondly, problems with adjusting the volume of the headphone output (possibly contacts or a potentiometer in the controller?), so without repair the headphones are practically unusable. All other outputs work perfectly.

I find the unit very suitable for re-recording 4-track tapes. Feel free to ask any additional questions about the news.

The best thing is to come and try it. Delivery is possible."

Why am I asking - because I don’t need channel 6 and a headphone output, I’m going to record everything into my audio interface and onto a computer and record one track at a time, maybe I don’t need these functions at all? Help!

[Sam Spoons]

I think it's too expensive, especially given the various faults and lack of high speed option. I'm guessing you are using it to transfer existing 4 track cassettes to the computer? That is the only reason I would buy one at all.

[Arpangel]

I think it's too expensive, especially given the various faults and lack of high speed option. I'm guessing you are using it to transfer existing 4 track cassettes to the computer? That is the only reason I would buy one at all.

I was going to say this too, as a long term tape four track user, I realised it didn’t do anything, or sound unique enough to warrant the hassle, and it's all a bit trendy now, the death knell for anything.
I keep tape purely to play back old recordings, and what I did use it for can easily be obtained using software.
I'd pay about £50 for it, max.

[James Perrett]

Anyone buying a portastudio should understand that it will need servicing unless they are buying it from a trusted dealer who has already serviced it. Belts will need to be replaced on most of them by now. You would probably be better off looking for someone giving one away and spending the money on getting it serviced.

[tacitus]

I’m looking for a bargepole not to touch this with …

[jaminem]

I'm a 100% with James on this one.
The ONLY reason I would buy one of these things is transfer some old 4 tracks into my DAW.
The Porta 02 was a very budget machine in its day so assuming it works properly (unlikely) it would probably fulfil this purpose but not much else.
If you're looking for it to add some magical mojo to your recordings then I really wouldn't bother. it's an unneccesary faff that takes time to setup and will provide underwhelming results. If you really must have that effect (remember it will sound NOTHING like a Studer) a plugin like this is far easier and far cheaper.

https://www.pluginboutique.com/products ... f7faf6caa0

and when you find that the effect truly is underwhelming you'll have only spent a few $'s