TASCAM MSR-16 ½" 16-Track Analogue Tape Recorder – Fully Working & Calibrated

£2,100

For sale is my TASCAM MSR-16 ½" 16-track analogue multitrack tape recorder, a professional studio machine in very good working condition.

The MSR-16 is a genuine ½-inch 16-track analogue tape machine, offering 16 tracks on ½" tape and the classic analogue recording workflow. The machine has been maintained, tested and calibrated, and is currently in working use.

Reason for sale

I am looking to upgrade to an Otari multitrack tape machine, so I am selling the MSR-16.

This has been a very useful machine for my analogue recording setup, but I am now looking to move to a different tape machine and workflow.

Condition & Operation

• ½" tape format
• 16-track analogue recording
• 7.5 IPS and 15 IPS
• Transport functions working correctly
• Recording and playback functioning
• Machine calibrated and checked using test equipment
• Tape path and REC/PLAY head assembly inspected
• Internal electronics clean and well maintained
• Used successfully for multitrack recording
• Videos of the machine operating and recording are available

I have included detailed photographs showing the machine in use, the tape path and head assembly, internal electronics and calibration measurements.

Channels 1 & 16

For full transparency, channels 1 and 16 have some level instability. I have therefore primarily used these two tracks for timecode and metronome, rather than critical audio recording.

The remaining channels have been used successfully for multitrack audio recording.

I am mentioning this clearly so that the buyer has a complete picture of the machine's condition.

DBX Noise Reduction

The MSR-16 features switchable DBX Type I noise reduction.

I personally have been recording with DBX switched off. This is a sonic preference rather than a fault with the DBX system.

I prefer the more open and natural dynamic character of the tape when recording without DBX. In my experience, using DBX can make the sound feel more controlled/processed, whereas recording without noise reduction gives me the analogue character I prefer.

The DBX system is present and switchable; I simply have not used it as part of my own recording workflow.

Please note that recording without DBX naturally results in more audible tape hiss, particularly with a ½" 16-track format. This is one of the compromises of choosing the more open, unprocessed tape sound.

About the MSR-16

The MSR-16 is a particularly useful machine for anyone wanting to work with a genuine analogue multitrack workflow while still having 16 individual tracks available on ½" tape.

It would be well suited to:

• Professional or project recording studios
• Producers and recording engineers
• Analogue/hybrid studios
• Artists wanting to record directly to tape
• Experimental and character-based recording
• Anyone looking for a genuine ½" 16-track machine

The machine has been used in a real recording environment and is being sold as a working piece of professional analogue equipment.

What is Included

TASCAM MSR-16 tape machine only.

The following are NOT included:

• Metal NAB reels/spools shown in the photographs
• Tape shown in the photographs
• Remote control
• Cables
• Other accessories

The reels and tape visible in the photographs are for demonstration purposes only and are not included in the sale.

Demonstration

I will include/show videos of the MSR-16 operating and being used for actual recording, allowing prospective buyers to see the transport, tape handling and machine in operation.

The photographs also show the internal head assembly, electronics and calibration equipment.

Collection

Due to the size and weight of the machine, collection is strongly preferred.

The MSR-16 can be demonstrated to the buyer before collection.

Location: Brighton, East Sussex.

Please feel free to message me with any questions or if you would like additional photographs/videos.

Serious enquiries welcome.