iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 24/05/2025

I have a Tascam 424mkIII multitrack cassette recorder going out for sale to my e-mail list at 6 PM Central! (If you're in the market for a 4-track and you're not already on the list, I encourage you to join: recdel.com/list ) #recdel #4track

A top-down view of a blue Tascam 424mkIII multitrack cassette recorder, sitting on a blank, off-white surface.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 24/04/2025

As is common with the Tascam 424mkII, there was a very minor crack extending outward from one of the PCB screw holes — in this case it prevented tracks 2 & 3 from recording/playing back consistently. I probed the broken signal paths and installed four jumper wires to correct the problem. #recdel

A close-up of the underside of the R/P PCB of a Tascam 424mkII multitrack cassette recorder, where four jumper wires (red, white, blue and yellow) have been installed to bridge a crack. The location of the crack has been noted with a line from a Sharpie marker.

On the rear of a Tascam 424mkII multitrack cassette recorder is a silver foil sticker for a now-defunct repair shop, Express Music in Spartanburg, SC, where this machine was likely worked on back in the day.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 18/04/2025

Marantz didn't make it easy to reach the PMD 740's headphone jacks! These two had broken solder joints, so I had to partially remove a number of layers of PCBs to reach and reflow them. Also, check out the straight-up *mud* that I cleaned out of the faders! #recdel

A view from underneath the R/P PCB of the Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder. The PCB, which is bright green, is being partially propped up by a black Maxell cassette tape standing on its side.

A disassembled slide potentiometer fader taken out of a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder for cleaning. The residue and debris that had built up on the track and in the wipers of this fader almost has the consistency of mud.

A close-up view of a disassembled slide potentiometer fader, taken out of a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder for cleaning. The residue and debris that had built up on the track and in the wipers of this fader almost has the consistency of mud.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 03/04/2025

Replaced the broken Clutch Assembly in a Marantz PMD 720. (Left is the old one, right is the new one.) Play didn't work when it arrived, now it does! Also cleaned up some evidence of a previous insect infestation. This machine just needs cleaning and testing before returning to the client. #recdel

On top of a clear ESD plastic bag sits two Clutch Assembly parts which go in Marantz PMD 720 and PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorders. The assembly on the left is missing its spring and bushing; the one on the right is complete.

The removed VU meters from a Marantz PMD 720 multitrack cassette recorder. (The machine itself can be seen in the background.) The metal bar behind the meters has a bunch of debris and residue left over from a insects having previously lived in the machine.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 01/04/2025

We spent a number of hours today A/B testing a handful of Library of Congress C-1 machines, swapping parts/tires in and out. The goal: to deduce why some have sluggish FF/RW yet others don't. Getting to the bottom of it! Next we'll swap in a NOS capstan motor to gauge improvement. #recdel

Two yellow Library of Congress C-1 cassette players rest on a white table, face down, with their back covers removed. This has exposed various internal PCBs, the motor and the rear of the cassette mechanism, with belts and pulleys visible.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 31/03/2025

Replacing the capstan motor in a client's Tascam 424mkIII, I noticed the motor wiggling due to hardened rubber grommets. Replaced 'em with still-flexible ones from another machine. Next I'll be 🕵️‍♀️-ing around McMaster-Carr, hoping to stock future replacements. #recdel

An EG-530KD-2B capstan motor, freshly removed from a Tascam 424mkII multitrack cassette recorder, sits on its back on top of a plastic bag, which itself is on top of a Tascam Porta05 machine. There are three black rubber vibration grommets resting on top of it.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 29/03/2025

Got a working record/playback head transplanted into this Tascam 464. Track 1's record level needed slight adjustment after that, but then all tracks were recording at an equal volume. Satisfying to finally get this machine to the 🏁 line. #recdel

A close-up of a record/playback tape head before it was installed in a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette recorder. The head sits on top of a plastic bag, which itself rests on the LCD screen of the 464 unit.

A Tascam 464 multitrack cassette recorder sits on a black rubber workshop floor, with cassettes and cables nearby.

A view from the underside of the erase and record/playback heads, from the tape mechanism of a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette recorder.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 25/03/2025

Machine #3 was the one from yesterday with fused pinch roller. That one's tested, boxed and ready to return to Brooklyn. Whew!

Close-up of knob caps an buttons in the Monitor section of an Akai MG614 multitrack cassette recorder.

Close-up of some input and output jacks on the top rear of an Akai MG614 multitrack cassette recorder. Some RCA jacks are plugged into the Monitor Out jacks.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 25/03/2025

More progress today on a trio of Akai MG614 units. Machine #1 had a broken, unfixable door, so I drilled a hole and bent a paperclip into place — see pics! — allowing a spring to attach and the Eject function to work despite the broken plastic. (Details about the other two in the comments). #recdel

A paperclip is bent through and around a Slide Eject black plastic part which has been removed from the tape mechanism of an Akai MG614 multitrack cassette recorder. A gloved hand is holding the part in front of a yellow wall.

A close-up, shadowy side view of the tape mechanism from an Akai MG614. A spring grips the newly installed paperclip attached to the (unseen in his photo) Slide Eject plastic.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 24/03/2025

A Sunday night with some Akai MG614s. One had its pinch roller arm fused to the shaft by hardened lubricant, which is always a workout to get loose! Thankfully that's done and now I'm addressing idler tire issues on one and a cassette-loading problem on the other. #recdel

Two tape mechanisms from Akai MG614 multitrack cassette recorders have been removed from their respective machines and rest on the floor alongside a cassette tape, some pliers and two screwdrivers. One of the mechanisms is missing its door.

A close-up of the tape mechanism from an Akai MG614 multitrack cassette recorder, with a cassette tape in the background. The reels and idler tire of the mechanism are visible.

The exposed control PCB and part of the frame of an Akai MG614 multitrack cassette recorder is visible due to the faceplate having been removed.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 22/03/2025

Dealing with a Tascam 464 with low record levels on tracks 3 & 4. After swapping wires around and ruling out all other components, I've determined the record/playback head itself has some kind of internal problem. Bummer! Next step is to source a replacement head from a parts machine. #recdel

The upper side of the tape mechanism in a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette machine, as viewed from below the heads. The wires connecting to the erase head and record/playback head are visible, as well as the reels, idler tire and pinch roller assembly.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 21/03/2025

Boxing this Tascam 424mkIII for its return to Pennsylvania. It arrived with broken solder joints on the RCA jacks, plus lifted solder pads on channel 1's Trim pot, causing low input volume. Fixed these, installed new rubber parts & tactile switches, calibrated and tested. 💯 #recdel

A very clean Tascam 424mkIII multitrack cassette recorder sits atop a brown, pre-used cardboard shipping box on a white linoleum floor.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 20/03/2025

Another 4-track machine returned to a client in Nashville last weekend! One of the gears in the tape mechanism had been fused to its shaft, preventing the heads from engaging with the tape. A full deep-cleaning, fresh lubrication and new belts brought it back to life. #recdel

A man stands on an unnamed street in East Nashville holding a Tascam Porta One multitrack cassette recorder. He wears glasses, a baseball cap and a light-purple t-shirt of the band Low. There is a wooden fence and a rock wall to his left; a row of blurry cars is to his right.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 19/03/2025

There was so much debris inside this Marantz PMD 740 we cleaned out today, it was almost like a nest. We fully expected a tiny, enthusiastic bird or mouse to appear, proclaiming, "So, you'd like to learn about 4-track recording, eh?" before taking us on an adventure. It was *that* dirty! #recdel

The exposed Mixer PCB of a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder. There are many rotary potentimeters, wires, pushbutton switches, and other components. The tape mechanism is visible in the back of the frame.

A close-up image of the Mixer PCB from a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder. Capacitors, slide potentiometers, op amps and other components are visible.

A collection of debris (leaves, dirt?) rests in the corner of the opened case from a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 18/03/2025

Another Tuesday in the RDAV workshop. I've put the Ruxpins in charge of managing the inventory. #recdel

Two 1985 Teddy Ruxpin dolls sit atop an Audio-Technica RMX-64 multitrack cassette recorder, which is on its side. One of the Teddys wears a red bandana around the neck. A pile of tools is on the floor to the left, and to the right is a disassembled Yamaha MT8X multitrack cassette recorder. Behind them are shelves full of other multitrack cassette machines.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 15/03/2025

Returned this Tascam 424mkII 4-track recorder in Nashville yesterday! Refurbished a burnt-out capstan motor and some blown fuses, updated the rubber parts, then deep-cleaned and fully calibrated the machine as usual. The clients will be using it for loop tapes and various recording. #recdel

Two people stand on a sidewalk in East Nashville, Tennessee. The one on the left is older, wearing a baseball cap, holding a Tascam 424mkII multitrack cassette recorder. The one on the right is younger and wears a Sonic Youth t-shirt.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 13/03/2025

Dropped some science on Reddit regarding the monitoring options on the Tascam 424mkII. www.reddit.com/r/cassetteculture/co… #recdel

A screenshot of the header section of a Reddit post in the r/cassetteculture Subreddit, titled, "Tascam Portastudio 424 mkii Question." The text reads:

"I’ve been trying to figure this out to no avail so I’m wondering if anyone can help me out here.

My question is in two parts: Do the L and R switches under monitor turn on sound for both the tape cue monitoring and the actual signal straight from the tape? When I’m playing back the tape should the signal still be coming through even with those switches off?

And also: when I play back my recordings, I can hear them but I see no levels on the screen. I originally accidentally recorded to one of the effects sends or something but now because of this I’m not sure if I’m actually recording correctly or not at all.

Any help would be appreciated!"

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 12/03/2025

Worked on a Tascam 688 this morning; tape speed was all over the place. Usually this means that the motor's voltage regulator needs replacing. In this case that didn't fix it — had to install a motor from my inventory (always a last resort since they're so rare). Speed is consistent now! #recdel

The PCB of the capstan motor from a Tascam 688 multitrack cassette recorder rests on a workbench. The PCB has a circular shape and has a number of capacitors and other components attached. Nearby is the voltage regulator chip which has been removed from the PCB.

A hand holds the capstan motor of a Tascam 688 multitrack cassette recorder from underneath prior to removal. Four wires are attached to the motor.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 10/03/2025

Looking for a Pioneer CT-M6R 6-cassette changer? There's one at an estate sale near me this week. (FYI, prices at this sale will go to 50% on Saturday.) If anybody wants me to pick it up for 'em, let me know! #recdel

An estate sale listing for a Pioneer CT-M6R 6-cassette changer. In the photo, the bay of the device is open and there are five cassettes loaded into it.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 08/03/2025

Recently acquired two Tascam 238 units which I'll be refurbishing to sell as a pair. If the buyer doesn't have a mixer I can help source one, as well as the Tascam MTS-1000 Midiizer needed to sync the two units together. Who's got a studio that could use the deluxe cassette treatment? 😎 #recdel

Two rackmount Tascam 238 multitrack cassette recorders stacked on top of each other on a white linoleum floor.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 06/03/2025

Up until 2 AM last night wrestling with a client's Tascam 464. Solved a ground popping problem by replacing some quad switches, now trying to find the source of low record levels on all tracks. (I suspect more bad switches.) This is the last issue left to tackle before this one's at 100%. #recdel

A close-up of knob caps on the mixer of a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette recorder.

A close-up of a small section of the R/P PCB inside a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette recorder. Visible are capacitors, quad switches, integrated circuits, etc.

A small piece of the printed schematic for the R/P PCB from the Tascam 464 multitrack cassette machine.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 05/03/2025

Provided some guidance on Reddit for a new 4-track user whose Fostex XR-5 "will only play back in reverse." www.reddit.com/r/cassetteculture/co… #recdel

A screenshot of the header section of a Reddit post in the r/cassetteculture Subreddit, titled, "Fostex XR-5 will only play back in reverse." The text reads:

"hi yall, I have zero experience recording with tape and I just bought a fostex XR-5 from a dude on fb marketplace. It had a tape in it and when i turned it on and played the tape it played very fast in reverse. same thing happened when i tried other tapes in it. Does anyone know what the cause of this might be? Theres nothing in the instructions about this and very little info on the internet. any help is greatly appreciated <3"

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 05/03/2025

Replaced all 21 tactile switches on the LCD PCB. This Tascam 464 also had issues with its tape mechanism, indicating many hours of use; replacing the switches increases the functional lifespan. As I say in my repair notes: "All transport buttons now have a satisfying, responsive click." #recdel

A front view of the LCD PCB from a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette recorder. Visible are three LED bulbs (green, yellow and red), a bunch of tactile switches, a few ICs and transistors, various multi-pin wire connections and an LCD display panel.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 05/03/2025

Finished up the Yamaha MT400 I was working on last week. Perfect operating condition now, new belts, etc. Still need to find (or design) a replacement pitch knob cap. It's the only cap of its size/color on this model and the MT400 itself is rare, so there aren't many parts floating around. #recdel

A clean and freshly-refurbished Yamaha MT400 multitrack cassette recorder — missing its pitch knob cap — rests on a white linoleum floor in the sunlight.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 03/03/2025

VU meters glow on this Marantz PMD 740, but the tape mechanism is unresponsive. Thermal camera spotted a very hot 5V regulator; probed and found it was putting out >1V. Replaced it as well as a nearby capacitor and transistor. No dice. Next will examine water damage(?) on/near the pots. #recdel

A thermal camera image of a shorted 5V regulator attached to a heatsink within a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder.

Brown/black water damage surrounding two rotary potentiometers on a PCB within a Marantz PMD 740 multitrack cassette recorder.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 03/03/2025

Got a 4-track cassette recorder that has a missing or broken power adapter? RDAV has you covered! We've got an inventory of compatible adapters to fit all specs. #recdel

A blue gloved hand in front of grass, holding a compatible 12V power adapter for the Tascam 414mkII cassette multitrack recorder.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 02/03/2025

Helped troubleshoot a user's Tascam Porta05 in the Tascam Forums. www.tascamforums.com/threads/porta0… #recdel

A post from a Tascam Forums user asking for help with a Tascam Porta05.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 28/02/2025

Wrapping up work on a New Jersey client's Tascam 414mkII — second one today! — while the sun sets in N. Alabama. Client experienced low recording levels on one track, but we suspect bad cassettes or user error, as we could not replicate the behavior. Returning it deep-cleaned and calibrated. #recdel

A pair of AKG K240 headphones rests on top of a Tascam 414mkII multitrack cassette recorder. These items are on top of a messy workbench, where a Fluke multimeter, Lubriplate grease, some Caig dispeners, a carton of Q-tips and a tangle of cords can be seen.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 28/02/2025

Recently got a new stopwatch from Sper Scientific to use for time-tracking repairs, saving me the few steps it takes to pull up an app. It has a kickstand that allows it to stand up on its own, so I can set it nearby. The industrial design is very pleasing! #recdel

A black rectangular stopwatch with orange and red buttons made by Sper Scientific, sits on top of a blue Hakko fume extractor with black flex tube extending outward behind it. The stopwatch reads 40 minutes and 43 seconds.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 28/02/2025

A voltage regulator overheated, scorching the capstan motor and blowing 2 fuses so this Tascam 424mkII wouldn't power on. Refurbished the motor; replaced the fuses. Cleaned up / replaced melted belts. Fully tested before returning to a Nashville client. (Also finished off the ginger chews!) #recdel

A Tascam 424mkII cassette multitrack recorder rests on a brown wood porch swing, joined by an empty bag of Prince of Peace Mango Ginger Chews.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 28/02/2025

A Tascam 414mkII with 2 different problems, 2 different PCBs, same channel: 1) An oscillator with dry solder joints prevented track 1 recording. 2) A broken 9V rail across Jump A PCB, fixed with - ahem! - jumper wire. A struggle, but I triumphed! This machine is headed back to Brooklyn. #recdel

A newly-refurbished Tascam 414mkII rests on a workbench near a langle of wires and a 2011 MacBook Pro.

A close up of an oscillator on the Bottom PCB of a Tascam 414mkII multitrack cassette recorder.

A red jumper wire peeks out, installed across the length of Jump A PCB inside Tascam 414mkII multitrack cassette recorder.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 27/02/2025

My assistant Nadia handles deep-cleaning every machine that gets sent in for repair, like this client's Tascam 464. Your 4-track cassette recorder may have been dirty when you shipped it out, but you're going to get it back spotless. #recdel

A pile of disassembled parts from a Tascam 464 multitrack cassette machine, along with the strainer used to dry them.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 26/02/2025

My first time seeing the Tascam 688's original box, despite working on a ton of 'em! Few who bought these in the '90s kept the packaging. A shame; the molded inserts make it so much safer to ship this 40 lb. unit for repair. A client of mine snagged this one recently and really lucked out! #recdel

A side view of the cardboard shipping box for a Tascam 688 Midistudio multitrack cassette recorder, with shelves of other cassette machines in the background.

One of the shipping inserts for the Tascam 688 Midistudio multitrack cassette recorder. It is a scored piece of cardboard with two white pieces of styrofoam glued to it.

A close-up side view of the cardboard shipping box for the Tascam 688 Midistudio multitrack cassette recorder. The information displayed includes the serial number.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 26/02/2025

Working on a client's Yamaha MT400. The volume faders on channel 2 and 3 would both cut out at various points along their track; I removed and disassembled both, cleaned the wipers and the tracks, then reinstalled. They're working as they should now! #recdel

A close-up of the channel volume faders on the Mixer PCB of a Yamaha MT400 multitrack cassette machine.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 12/02/2025

Getting familiar with the AC Infinity heater I got for our 3D printing enclosure. We were having some issues printing with Siraya Tech Blu v2 resin that some higher temps will hopefully solve. More 4-track parts on the way! #recdel

An AC Infinity Thermoforge T3 heater on a shelf with some flex tube dangling in front of it.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 06/02/2025

Ran into a friend who operates a Free Blockbuster in our neighborhood, and he gave me this tape that some anonymous ‘90s home recordist had left in there. Now I’m wondering if there is a dusty, forgotten Tascam 688 hiding within walking distance…

A tutorial cassette entitled “Tascam: Unlocking The Midistudios” rests on some brick steps.

The liner notes to the Tascam: Unlocking The Midistudios cassette.

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 02/02/2025

I’ve got a few fully-refurbished Tascam machines for sale right now: an MF-P01, a 414mkII and a 424mkII. Hit me up via the contact link for price, info and more photos! #recdel

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Recursive Delete Audio/Visual @recdel.com · 02/02/2025

Hi! I'm Jack, the owner/operator of Recursive Delete Audio/Visual. I repair & refurbish vintage multitrack cassette recorders. If you have an old machine that needs some attention, reach out via the contact link. I'm always glad to answer questions related to 4-track recording! #recdel

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