Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI — 4-Track Cassette Recorder | Original Power Supply + Blank Tape | Tested, Excellent Condition

Up for sale: a Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI 4-track cassette recorder in excellent condition. Fully tested — every function works exactly as it should. This is the original first-generation 424, the version producers specifically hunt for.

Why the MKI, not the MKII or MKIII?

The MKI is the only 424 with three tape speeds. The MKII and MKIII dropped to two. That slowest setting is where the heavily saturated, warbly lo-fi character lives — the sound people buy a 424 for in the first place. It’s also the circuit JHS reverse-engineered for the 424 Gain Stage pedal, which tells you how specifically this generation’s preamps are prized.

What’s included

• Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI
• Original Tascam factory power supply (not a third-party replacement — these are the hardest part of a 424 to source)
• Blank cassette, so you can record the day it lands

Features

• 4-track simultaneous recording and playback
• Three tape speeds — MKI exclusive
• dbx Type II noise reduction
• Pitch control / varispeed
• 1/4” mic/line inputs on channels 1–4
• Records to standard Type II high-bias cassettes

Note: the MKI uses 1/4” inputs. For a dynamic mic like an SM57, you’ll want a Hi-Z XLR-to-1/4” adapter.

Condition

Excellent. Cosmetically clean with minimal wear. All faders, knobs, and transport functions tested and operating smoothly. Tape transport runs true in both directions at all speeds.

Who this is for

Songwriters, lo-fi and bedroom-pop producers, and anyone who wants to bounce ideas to tape instead of staring at a screen. Track four parts, bounce down, run stems through it for natural tape compression and glue, or just write on it — no computer required.

Carefully packed and shipped fast. Message me with any questions.