Re: Tascam HS-P82

There's a lot to like about everything in the Sound Devices product line. But I think they missed the mark on the 552. 5 tracks of audio would be plenty for me, but the lack of discrete record channels is a deal killer. A puzzling product, actually.

BTW - I am no total Tascam fanboi. I do own a Tascam HD-P2, and before that a Tascam DA-P1 portable DAT. I've produced good work with both, but I will note the build quality of the HD-P2 was far lower than the DA-P1, which was (and still is) a beautifully built piece of equipment.

The HD-P2 has been great, but it seems disposable and not built to last. Specifically, the metal XLR connectors on mine are rusting, even though it has been well cared for and stored in a Pelican 1550 case. I have no clue how this happened, and none of my other gear operated in the same conditions has rusted.

People don't rave about Tascam mic preamps, but I guess I'm not all that sophisticated. When my stuff is projected on the big screen to audiences of 200-300 or so, it sounds 100% Hollywood.

I've been around since open reel multitrack days, and Teac and Tascam were always semi-pro gear, not something you would find in Abbey Road Studios. Still, I think Tascam is on par with RED and Sony EX1/EX3, and certainly Canon EOS 5D Mk II.