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Average Price: $650

Standard/Professional

$499

$1700+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Tascam MSR-16 is a celebrated gem among analog multitrack recorders, offering musicians and studio engineers a reliable option for capturing richly detailed audio with vintage warmth. This 16-track tape recorder is renowned for its high-fidelity sound and robust construction, making it a staple in both professional and home studios. With the MSR-16, you can explore the depths of analog recording, delivering a classic sound that digital options often strive to emulate.

Perfect for both seasoned professionals and analog enthusiasts, the Tascam MSR-16 provides unparalleled flexibility and control. Its compatibility with 1/2 inch tape ensures a balance between quality and tape economy, while the user-friendly interface allows for seamless integration into any recording setup. The MSR-16's synchronized recording capabilities make it an excellent choice for complex, multi-layered projects.

Whether you're preserving the nuances of a live performance or piecing together intricate studio compositions, the Tascam MSR-16 stands out as a reliable partner in your creative journey. Its enduring design and superior sound quality continue to make it a beloved choice for those who value the authentic warmth of analog recording.

Key Features:

  • 16-track recording capability
  • Uses 1/2 inch tape format
  • High-fidelity analog sound
  • User-friendly interface for easy operation
  • Synchronized recording for multi-layered projects
  • Compatible with a variety of studio setups
  • Durable construction for long-lasting performance

Product specs

Brand TASCAM
Model MSR-16 1/2" 16-Track Reel to Reel Tape Recorder
Finish Grey
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Recording Gear
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Channels 16

FAQs

How many tracks can the Tascam MSR-16 record simultaneously?

The Tascam MSR-16 can record up to 16 tracks simultaneously, making it ideal for complex recording sessions that require multiple audio sources.

What type of tape does the Tascam MSR-16 use?

The Tascam MSR-16 uses 1/2" reel-to-reel tape, which is a standard format for professional analog multitrack recording.

Is the Tascam MSR-16 suitable for modern studio setups?

While the Tascam MSR-16 offers classic analog warmth, it may require additional equipment, such as a tape machine alignment and maintenance, to integrate into a modern digital studio setup.

What are the main advantages of using the Tascam MSR-16 for recording?

The Tascam MSR-16 provides a warm, classic analog sound with the capability to handle 16 separate audio tracks, which is ideal for capturing complex arrangements and achieving a vintage recording aesthetic.

Does the Tascam MSR-16 require regular maintenance?

Yes, like most analog tape machines, the Tascam MSR-16 requires regular maintenance, including cleaning the tape heads and ensuring the machine is properly aligned for optimal performance.

articoci

articoci

Tascam MSR-16 with Pro Tools

Video thumbnail for Tascam MSR-16 with Pro Tools by articoci

Tascam MSR-16 with Pro Tools

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articoci

Video thumbnail for Analog Recording Tascam MSR 16 by Twin Creek Audio

Analog Recording Tascam MSR 16

Twin Creek Audio

Twin Creek Audio

Video thumbnail for Tascam MSR 16 Recording and Sound Demo by Twin Creek Audio

Tascam MSR 16 Recording and Sound Demo

Twin Creek Audio

Twin Creek Audio

Video thumbnail for Tascam MSR 16 Digital to Analog Transfer and Compare by Twin Creek Audio

Tascam MSR 16 Digital to Analog Transfer and Compare

Twin Creek Audio

Twin Creek Audio

Video thumbnail for Full Analog Mix with Tascam MSR 16 and Soundcraft Sapphyre by Twin Creek Audio

Full Analog Mix with Tascam MSR 16 and Soundcraft Sapphyre

Twin Creek Audio

Twin Creek Audio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tascam MSR-16.

Setup and maintenance

  • Unstable tape speed can stem from issues with pinch roller pressure, tape tension, or capstan servo electronics.

    Source
  • The tach roller's location varies by model; its condition may affect capstan servo feedback.

    Source
  • Rubber components typically require replacement, and calibration with an MRL tape is necessary for optimal performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • MSR-16 uses a direct drive capstan, a detail relevant for troubleshooting speed inconsistencies.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Tascam MSR-16 is significantly heavier than a Mackie 24-channel mixing console, indicating its robust construction.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners emphasize the logistical challenge of acquiring an MSR-16 due to its weight and shipping difficulty, often requiring local pickup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MSR-16 is described as low-fi due to its 16 channels on 1/2” tape, offering a different experience compared to 2-track machines like the Tascam 32.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An auction purchase price of $200 was noted, attributed to the unit being sold "as-is" and limited shipping options.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Tascam MSR-16

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

Grohl is seen with the tascam at 34:09 of the foo fighters movie “Studio 666”

See how Justin Vernon uses Tascam MSR-16

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this article it says Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) used a Tascam MSR-16 while recording his last album 22, A Million

See how Boards of Canada uses Tascam MSR-16

Boards of Canada

Music Producer

...
Verified via bocpages

"Whether they're working separately or together, getting ideas down is generally a result of recording extended jams to tape on anything from a Tascam MSR-16 reel-to-reel to an old Revox recorder to a Grundig machine to an ordinary cassette. Remix, 2005"

See how Squarepusher uses Tascam MSR-16

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the "Old School" section of this interview, Jenkinson explains his experiences with recording mediums throughout the years. According to Tom Jenkinson himself, "[...] As for recording, I used tape recorders exclusively until 2001. I first had a Fostex M80 quarter-inch eight-track, and in the late '90s I obtained a half-inch Tascam MSR16. I still use that, though it's being repaired at the moment. I have to say that I'm not obsessive about it. Recording to tape, or to a computer-based multitrack, is a means to an end. I mix and match now. I've used Sonic Foundry's Vegas, and more recently Nuendo, but I don't endorse or recommend them. There's no love in it for me, they really are just tools."

See how Clay Parton uses Tascam MSR-16

Clay Parton

Singer, Guitarist

Duster

...
Verified via Imgur

Duster replied to a comment on instagram, stating what tape recorders they used

See how Brian D'Addario uses Tascam MSR-16

Brian D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

...
Verified via Audiotechnology

Janothan Rado on what was used in the studio to record "Do Hollywood":

“Dream Star is a tape recorder studio. I have a Tascam MSR-16 16-track, an old Tascam 288 eight-track, and I recently got a Tascam 24-track. The Lemon Twigs record was done on the 16-track, which is a half-inch machine. I also have a 32-channel Yamaha desk, and a 16-channel Tascam M2516 mixer that we used for monitoring. I love Tascam as a brand, because their stuff is so geared towards home studio recording. It’s meant for the average person to buy and be able to use straight away. It is very simple. I didn’t go to recording school or anything, and have never worked in studios, so I taught myself everything, and they are very easy machines to learn on.”

See how Martin Glover uses Tascam MSR-16

Martin Glover

Bassist, Music Producer

Killing Joke

...
Verified via Muzines

With these words Youth heaves himself to his feet and suggests that he takes me for a quick tour of the building before he gets back to work. First he shows me the DDA studio in the basement, which sports a Tascam analogue 24-track, Lexicons 480L and PCM70, an Akai/Linn MPC60, and Genelec and NS10 monitors. A visiting M1 is subjected to his derision, much to the amusement of the programmer. Upstairs he shows me the 16-track studio, home to a Tascam MSR16 and a Soundtracs PC series desk, and the small editing suite with its Macintosh and Soundtools digital editing. Finally there's the demo room, with a Tascam M312B desk, Atari, S1000, Midiverb II, SPX50D, NS10s', and, surprisingly, a DX7II. The latter instrument is being played by Jaz Coleman, who's making a gothic-sounding godawful racket together with Geordie Walker on electric guitar.

T

Terry Pulliam

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Photo

In an interview featured in the December 1992 issue of Canadian Musician, conducted by Tim Arsenault, Terry Pulliam, alongside members of the rock band Sloan, discussed the recording processes of their projects "Smeared" and "Peppermint." Within this dialogue, it was confirmed that Pulliam utilized the Tascam MSR-16, a piece of studio recording gear from the analog multitrack recorders category, to facilitate these recordings. This information provides direct evidence of Pulliam's usage of the Tascam MSR-16 in his professional work.

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 MSR-16, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
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AKG C414 XLS
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1
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1
Slate Pro Audio Dragon
Slate Pro Audio Dragon Effects Processors
1
Roland Juno-60
Roland Juno-60 Synthesizers
1

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