This page about Tascam 122 MKIII is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Rediscover the quintessential charm of analog with the Tascam 122 MKIII, a revered relic in the realm of studio recording gear. Celebrated for its 3-head cassette deck design, this tape deck is the industry’s gold standard, trusted by audio professionals for its superior performance and reliability. Whether you're in a broadcast operation or a music production environment, the Tascam 122 MKIII ensures your recordings are captured with precision and clarity.

Designed with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections, it adapts effortlessly to a variety of setups. The Hysteresis Tension Servo Control system is a standout feature, providing extraordinary transport stability, reducing wow, flutter, and distortion even in challenging conditions. With its auto spacer and dual auto-locators, you can bookmark specific tape points for easy navigation.

The 122 MKIII also includes front-access bias and pitch controls, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments that audiophiles will appreciate. Additionally, Dolby B and C noise reduction, along with HX PRO, deliver crisp articulation of higher frequencies, making every note and nuance shine. Built to withstand the test of time, the Tascam 122 MKIII is more than just a tape deck—it's a testament to timeless audio quality.

Key Features:

  • 3-head cassette deck for high-quality recording and playback
  • Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections
  • Hysteresis Tension Servo Control for stable tape transport
  • Dolby B and C noise reduction with HX PRO
  • Bias and pitch controls for precise adjustments
  • Auto spacer and dual auto-locators for tape navigation
  • Rack-mountable design for studio integration
  • Front panel microphone inputs and calibration controls

FAQs

What are the key features of the Tascam 122 MKIII tape deck?

The Tascam 122 MKIII is a professional-grade cassette deck known for its 3-head design, pitch control, and Dolby B/C noise reduction, making it ideal for high-quality recording and playback in studio environments.

Does the Tascam 122 MKIII support pitch control adjustments?

Yes, the Tascam 122 MKIII features pitch control, allowing you to adjust playback speed to match the desired pitch, which is useful for various recording and playback applications.

What kind of noise reduction does the Tascam 122 MKIII offer?

The Tascam 122 MKIII includes Dolby B and C noise reduction systems, which help to minimize tape hiss and improve the overall sound quality of recordings.

Is the Tascam 122 MKIII suitable for professional studio use?

Yes, the Tascam 122 MKIII is designed for professional studio applications, offering high-fidelity recording and playback with its 3-head design and comprehensive noise reduction features.

Can the Tascam 122 MKIII handle both recording and playback?

The Tascam 122 MKIII is equipped with a 3-head system that allows simultaneous recording and playback monitoring, making it versatile for studio recording tasks.

Old But Cool

Old But Cool

Old But Cool Vintage Audio / TASCAM Cassette Deck 122MK III

Video thumbnail for Old But Cool Vintage Audio / TASCAM Cassette Deck  122MK III by Old But Cool

Old But Cool Vintage Audio / TASCAM Cassette Deck 122MK III

Old But Cool

Old But Cool

Video thumbnail for Последний из Tascam 122 mk3. by Радиолаб

Последний из Tascam 122 mk3.

Радиолаб

Радиолаб

Video thumbnail for Do It Yourself Musician #35 Tascam 122 MkIII Repair Part 1 Headphone Jack by DoItYourselfMusician

Do It Yourself Musician #35 Tascam 122 MkIII Repair Part 1 Headphone Jack

DoItYourselfMusician

DoItYourselfMusician

Video thumbnail for Tascam 122 MKiii Cassette Recorder with Remote Control by tooleyoclock

Tascam 122 MKiii Cassette Recorder with Remote Control

tooleyoclock

tooleyoclock

Video thumbnail for TASCAM 122 MKIII (1994 - 2006) 🇸🇰 SK +  🇭🇺HU narration - Part 1. by Electronic Gadgeteering

TASCAM 122 MKIII (1994 - 2006) 🇸🇰 SK + 🇭🇺HU narration - Part 1.

Electronic Gadgeteering

Electronic Gadgeteering

Video thumbnail for TASCAM 122 MKIII: Gear C Upgrade by Hammy Technoid

TASCAM 122 MKIII: Gear C Upgrade

Hammy Technoid

Hammy Technoid

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tascam 122 MKIII.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend replacing the "C" gear and belts to restore full functionality, ensuring longevity of 5-10 years with proper maintenance.

    Source
  • A belt kit with assorted sizes from Amazon is suggested for easy replacement, resolving issues of the motor spinning without reel movement.

    Source
  • Users suggest replacing the cassette reel back light, which is soldered to a PCB under the cassette mechanism faceplate.

    Source

User experience

  • When the belt fails, users report hearing the motor spin freely, which indicates a common maintenance requirement for this model.

    Source
  • Anecdotal evidence suggests that unserviced 122 MKIII decks can produce high-quality bootlegs on midrange TDK Type II tapes, impressing professional sound engineers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Tascam 122 MKIII lacks a manual tape EQ selector, opting for automatic EQ adjustments instead.

    Source
  • The 122 MKIII is noted for its large solenoids that actuate the heads, similar to reel-to-reel recorders, emphasizing its broadcast-quality design.

    Source

Build quality

  • The MKIII is considered a minor tech update with newer components and more stable circuitry but fewer adjustment points compared to its predecessors.

    Source
  • The Tascam 122 MKIII features mechanically coupled recording volume knobs, offering a tactile and robust user experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MKII is favored for its improved tape transport system, including quartz stabilization and servo motors, as well as Dolby HX Pro, compared to the MKIII.

    Source
  • While the MKIII lacks some robustness compared to the first gen, it offers features the original does not.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Tascam 122 MKIII is compatible with studio rack setups, offering convenience for integration into professional recording environments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider soldering a through-hole capacitor to SMT pads for easier repair and maintenance of internal components.

    Source

Other

  • Replacement idler tyres are more readily available for the MKII and later versions, presenting a sourcing challenge for MKIII owners.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Tascam 122 MKIII

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Google Drive

Used for the slapback delay on the drums in the chorus of "No One Knows", as stated by producer Eric Valentine in this September 14, 2019 "Making Records with Eric Valentine" video at 24:20. The initial anecdote is made at 21:05.

And when I did my little drum rough mix, I put like a little slapback on the drums. At the time, I though that would be cool. So then, but that only comes in the choruses, so... (...) And then here's a TASCAM cassette deck [pictures a 122 MKIII] that I used for the slap that you heard on the chorus sections.

See how Tom Lord-Alge uses Tascam 122 MKIII

Tom Lord-Alge

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Included in Tom Lord Alge's gear list in the April 2000 issue of Sound on Sound.

J

Joakim

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via CROWDSPACER STUDIO NYC

According to a list of equipment which is used in his studio, Crowdspacer, Joakim is also a user of Tascam 122 MKIII tape machine.

See how Surachai uses Tascam 122 MKIII

Surachai

Music Producer

...
Verified via Native Instruments Blog

the Tascam 122 can be seen in the first image on this page

See how Alexander Metzger uses Tascam 122 MKIII

Alexander Metzger

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Alexander Metzger, also known as Alex Butcher (affiliated with World of Intros, Vengeance Sound, and Refx), is shown in a Facebook photo using the Tascam 122 MKIII tape deck.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tascam 122 MKIII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More TASCAM Tape Decks

tascam 112 MKII

 

# 13

Rank

Tom Lord-Alge Claude VonStroke
2 artists using
TASCAM 134

 

# 18

Rank

Glenn Richards
1 artist using
Tascam 112

 

# 22

Rank

 
Landscape.fm HC-TT

$175.00 - $345.00

# 3

Rank

Richard Devine Andrew Huang Toshiji Mikawa
4 artists using
Korg CR4

 

# 9

Rank

Blake Mills Eric Cannata Jamie Lidell
4 artists using
Akai 4000db

 

# 14

Rank

 
Denon DRM-550

 

# 15

Rank

Elizabeth Parker
1 artist using
Uher CG330

 

# 19

Rank

 
Studer A721

 

# 21

Rank

 
AIWA FX-70

 

# 24

Rank

 

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jeromy
    jeromy

    Gear IQ 238