Akai MG614/1212/1214 Multitrack Recorders

Clint wrote:I'll have to make some 'beats' before I can record them. If I can remember how to lol...Truth is I'm putting a studio together for a side project I'm working on. Some of you will be aware of it from the MPC60 forum.

Am I the only dude here with one of these "Rolls Royce of analogue four tracks"?? Where have these rare beasts ended up??

I knew someone who had the one that took the odd vhs like cassette.. but that was years ago. You don't really see those around here in my experience. Obviously the usual tascams are around now and then seeing as they were cheaper and easier for the masses to obtain etc..

but you see tons and tons of akai 4000ds reel to reel machines around here for sale. I think when it came to spending a bit more on something like that people just went for reel to reel machines instead.

Here she is...

**** that thing is huge

what did you think about the stem/bus recorder brauer mix idea? you could use your onyx as the board (and/or DA converter) and the akai as a less fi version of the four buses (or two stereo buses)

Looks good next to the 60.

AntonPD wrote:**** that thing is huge

what did you think about the stem/bus recorder brauer mix idea? you could use your onyx as the board (and/or DA converter) and the akai as a less fi version of the four buses (or two stereo buses)

Well the Onyx has 6 busses and the MG614 has 6 channels, so thats the most obvious way of patching it in like a stem/bus recorder. But I'll really have to have a think because I've got a lot of samplers here and a couple of keyboards.

Just discovered this MG614 has fixed frequency low-pass filters available on each output, a la SP1200, and that could be useful with an MPC60.

The MG614 manual PDF http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j& ... 2k&cad=rja

oh, i figured it was a four track, better yet
i want to do something similar here, gotta get this dissertation finished first though

Amazing condition and really nice looking.

Clint wrote:Just discovered this MG614 has fixed frequency low-pass filters available on each output, a la SP1200, and that could be useful with an MPC60.

Where did you see this?

Can't see it in the manual or other info.

How is it selected/de-selected, and what is it's purpose?

On the SP1200 you select the filters on the individual outs by clicking the plug in half way, can't see any way to select filters on the MG614.

EDIT: I can see a low pass filter, set at 9kHz, on input or track 1, when used for tape sync, since it also records the tape sync at 23kHz on the same track, maybe that is what you are talking about?


Not sure I understand the 4-track cassette hype going on here, beyond being a product with similar design to the MPC60.

Don't think I would get too excited about using a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder in productions, is this really any different in terms of sound quality and features?

Is this really useful in today's recording processes?

Clint wrote:The side panels are exactly the same size as on the MPC60, but the MG614 casing is wider by about 5cms and 2-3cms higher off a desk, front to back depth is pretty similar.

The MG614 is just a beautiful piece, it predates the MPC60 by a year or so. Some places say its from 86 others say 87. Mine is from 87. I believe the earlier MG1212 & MG1214 also share the side panel design.

So, that would suggest that the whole case design of the MPC60 was pre-existing at Akai.

From the case design, and comments that the flip up LCD was added by Akai after Roger didn't like the fixed screen of the ADR15 prototype that Akai showed them, it sounds like Roger didn't have much direct input to the industrial design of the MPC60.

The low pass filters are a byproduct of having a jack inserted into the sync in/out . 10khz for track 1, 13khz for track 2, and 18khz for tracks 3 and 4. Not designed to be a feature, but there to be manipulated if need be. See page 27 of the manual.
"Low pass filters are connected...to ensure a reliable tape sync operation".

This means if you want use the LP filters all you need to do is insert a jack into TAPE SYNC IN/OUT. This applies even when no sync is being used.

Akai made some decent stuff back in the day, and it wasn't all designed by Roger Linn. The S900, S950, MG614, their VX analogue synths are all serious bits of kit and go well with MPC's.

I read about track 1 having a 9kHz filter in the manual for tape sync, didn't know the other tracks also had them, must be to filter out any bleed from the 23kHz sync signal on track 1.

Should try recording audio into the tape sync input, and see what comes out, after being shifted to 23kHz and back.

Also should try syncing it to the MPC60, and seeing how it goes recording vocals and other instrument overdubs on top of an MPC60 song.

I use the 6 tracks to track 6 assignable outputs from the su700 out !

The eq and trim (overdriven!) are just too crazy for words havent found a mixer that sounds warmer then this one

Also the tape is very nice for I think compression and just giving some more warmth to your tracks.

Mg614 ftw!

shyftexhales wrote:I use the 6 tracks to track 6 assignable outputs from the su700 out !

The eq and trim (overdriven!) are just too crazy for words havent found a mixer that sounds warmer then this one

Also the tape is very nice for I think compression and just giving some more warmth to your tracks.

Mg614 ftw!

Hope you dont mind shyftexhales, saw this on your website. We love pics!

haha thanks clint! I will upload newer pics soon!

Any usage tip's, tricks, advice for the MG614? Surely there must be more than two or three people here with this dope four-track...