By David Gedge
CASSETTE DAY, AGAIN
Two Reels Good
Tascam 202mkVII Dual Cassette Deck
With heightened interest in old ana-
log formats, Tascam's new 202mkVII
dual cassette deck is the latest generation
of the company's professional cassette
recorders. A recording studio staple in
the 1980s and '90s and coveted for their
reliable performance, comprehensive
feature set, and audio quality, the 202
series has long been the leading choice
for aforementioned recording studios,
houses of worship, audio/music enthu-
siasts, and other professional applica-
tions.
The 202mkVII's most noteworthy
new feature and updated for the modern
era is a rear-panel USB output that
enables recording and archiving cas-
settes to digital media. A front-panel
1/4-inch, high-impedance microphone
54 illinoisentertainer.com june 2018
input with dedicated level control
enables live input to be mixed with Tape
1 audio and recorded, in real time, to
Tape 2 for karaoke and voiceover appli-
cations. The mic input also can accept
line-level signals. In addition to the USB
output, the rear panel provides stereo
analog line-level input and output on
unbalanced RCA connectors. A 1/4-inch
stereo headphone output with dedicated
level knob is conveniently located on the
front of the unit.
The dual twin-head cassette decks
can record and play back independently,
including recording simultaneously to
create two tapes with the same source.
Among other applications, this enables
simultaneous creation of a master tape
and a copy for distribution, skipping the
need to duplicate the master tape. The
two decks also provide real-time dub-
bing at the touch of one button. Tape 1
offers pitch control (±12%) and Tape 2
has a Return to Zero function.
The TASCAM 202mkVII offers two
playback modes. Normal playback, as
expected, routes sound to the line out-
puts and headphone output. In Special
playback mode, you can monitor the
sound from one tape using headphones,
while the other tape plays through the
line outputs, making it easy to cue
another tape. A noise-reduction feature
(the equivalent of Dolby B) reduces hiss
during playback.
The 3U rack-mount-
able, professional tape
deck supports recording
and playback of Type I
(normal) and Type II
(chrome) cassette tapes,
as well as playback with
Type IV (metal) tapes. A
dedicated portable wire-
less remote control is also
included.
The Tascam 202mkVII
is available at Tascam
dealers at a MAP/street price of $499.99.
For more information, please visit
www.tascam.com.
Electronic Analog Kicks
Roland KD Series Kick Drums
Roland V-Drums has been established
as the flagship electronic drum kit on the
market and they're taking the acclaimed
electronic percussion lineup to a new
level of acoustic realism. The KD-220
and KD-180 Bass Drums feature full-size
wood shells with Roland’s advanced
trigger electronics built in, allowing
drummers to bring the commanding
stage presence and familiar feel of an
acoustic kick to any V-Drums kit or
hybrid setup. The KD-220 is also includ-
ed in the new flagship TD-50KVX V-
Drums kit, while the KD-180 is included
in the new mid-level TD-25KVX V-
Drums kit.
Roland’s V-Drums are the world’s
leading electronic percussion products,
offering exceptional sound and playabil-
ity plus powerful digital advantages like
instant sound changes, easy volume con-
trol,
integrated
functions for prac-
tice and skill devel-
opment, and many
more. The new KD-
220 and KD-180
Bass Drums elevate
the V-Drums expe-
rience for perform-
ing players, com-
bining true acoustic
kick feel with the
traditional look that
stage
drummers
prefer.
The 22-inch KD-220 features a high-
quality maple shell, while the 18-inch
KD-180 features a high-quality birch
shell. Both models come with custom
chrome hardware and offer compatibili-
ty with doublekick bass drum pedals.
Roland’s innovative and acclaimed air-
damper mechanics work alongside the
acoustic shell to “move air” and provide
resistance as the beater hits the head,
delivering stable and accurate triggering
with real acoustic feel.
The flagship TD-50 series offers
Roland’s latest advancements in drum
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