TASCAM Porta 02 MKII

^# 22

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$185.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (8)

1 Review

3 wishlisted

17 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (10)

$185.00 7 available Used

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Average Price: $185

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1700+

Price Tier

In the Analog category, Tascam Porta 02 MKII is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Step into the world of analog recording with the Tascam Porta 02 MKII, your gateway to authentic multitrack magic. This 4-track cassette recorder is perfect for musicians and songwriters eager to capture their creativity with ease and precision. With its compact design and user-friendly controls, the Porta 02 MKII is ideal for both beginners and seasoned recording artists seeking that warm, classic sound.

Equipped with two 1/4" mic/line inputs, the Porta 02 MKII allows you to record up to two tracks simultaneously. Its intuitive mixer offers dedicated linear faders alongside level and pan controls for each channel, giving you full command over your audio landscape. The Hi-Z guitar input is a standout feature, enabling direct recording for guitarists who want to lay down tracks without the hassle of additional equipment.

Monitoring your sessions is a breeze thanks to the headphone output with independent level control. Whether you're mixing down to stereo or simply practicing, the Porta 02 MKII ensures every note is captured with clarity. Its portable nature makes it a versatile companion for on-the-go recording, ensuring your musical ideas are never lost to the ether. Embrace the vintage allure of cassette with the reliability and functionality of modern technology.

Key Features:

4-track cassette recorder with 2-track simultaneous recording capability
Two 1/4" mic/line inputs, including a Hi-Z guitar input
Dedicated linear faders with level and pan controls for each channel
Headphone output with independent level control
Stereo main outs and monitor outs
Industry-standard 17/8 ips tape speed

Product specs

Brand	TASCAM
Model	Porta 02 mkII Ministudio 4-Track Cassette Recorder
Finish	Blue
Year	2000s
Categories	Recording Gear

FAQs

How many tracks can the Tascam Porta 02 MKII record simultaneously?: The Tascam Porta 02 MKII can record two tracks simultaneously on its 4-track cassette recorder, allowing for layering and multitrack recording.
Does the Tascam Porta 02 MKII have a Hi-Z input for direct guitar recording?: Yes, the Tascam Porta 02 MKII includes a Hi-Z guitar input, which allows for direct recording of guitars without the need for an external preamp.
What kind of inputs does the Tascam Porta 02 MKII have?: The Tascam Porta 02 MKII features two 1/4" inputs, including one Hi-Z input for instruments like electric guitars.
Can I control the levels and panning for each track on the Tascam Porta 02 MKII?: Yes, the Tascam Porta 02 MKII provides level and pan controls for each channel, giving you flexibility in mixing your recordings.
Does the Tascam Porta 02 MKII have a headphone output?: The Tascam Porta 02 MKII is equipped with a headphone jack that includes independent level control and stereo/mono switching for monitoring your recordings.

Videos

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Demonic Sweaters

Vintage Tech Review #1 - Tascam Porta 02 MKII 4 Track Cassette Recorder

Demonic Sweaters

Tascam Porta 02 Mk II | Review, Tutorial & Demo

Tetrakan

Tascam Ministudio Porta02 MKII in 2023 - Analog Cassette 4 Track Demo and Review

Demonic Sweaters

Tascam Porta 02 Mk II | Tear Down

Tetrakan

Reviews

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PROS

Great for digitizing old cassettes and preserving analog recordings
Straightforward features ideal for basic recording needs
Remarkable sound quality for a small cassette recorder
Affordable option for a portable multitrack recorder

CONS

Aesthetic appeal not as strong compared to Fostex models
Doesn't match the audio quality of 1/4 reel-to-reel recordings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tascam Porta 02 MKII.

Features and functionality

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The Porta 02 MKII does not automatically split a mono input to both channels unless inputs are specifically configured, contrary to some expectations from older models.
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The Tascam Porta 02 MKII lacks built-in noise reduction, making external solutions like Dbx essential for reducing tape hiss.
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User experience

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Some owners have found that using the guitar channel with both track 1 and 2 engaged allows for sound in both channels, providing a workaround for mono input issues.
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Using the RCA outputs with Type II tapes can yield cleaner audio than the headphone output, according to user experiences.
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Comparisons

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Owners familiar with earlier Porta models note differences in input channel behavior, highlighting changes in mono-to-stereo handling between the original and MKII versions.
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The Tascam 414 or 414MKII are suggested as superior alternatives, offering 2X cassette speed, built-in EQ, and more ins and outs.
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Higher-end models run tapes at 3.75 ips, unlike the Porta 02 MKII's fixed 1.875 ips, contributing to less noise.
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Value and pricing

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Consider a price of $25 or less for non-functional units, as $50-$70 is deemed too high for a broken Tascam Porta 02 MKII.
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Setup and maintenance

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Replacing capacitors may resolve output issues for tracks 3 and 4; capacitors are a common failure point in these devices.
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Achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio involves recording at high levels without distortion and using Type II tapes, as recommended by the Porta 02 manual.
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Use cases and applications

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Enthusiasts of tape recording might find value in acquiring non-functional units for parts or as repair projects if priced very low.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

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1 star

ppoolboy

1931

about 10 years ago

amazing portable casette recorder

this is exactly what you'd expect, and more. Having owned both Tascam and Fostex portable multitrackers, I do prefer Fostex, purely for the aesthetic of the product. That being said, The Portastudio MkII doesn't sound as good a 1/4 reel to reel, as you should expect, but sounds remarkable for a small casette recorder, and is relatively cheap.