transcribing 4-track into computer

[MBP2112]

Howyadoin,

I've had an idea kicking around where I'd get folks with old multitrack analog cassette "garage tapes" to pay me to transcribe their tracks to .wav files and pass them along on a data CD for posterity. After thinking about this, I had some questions...

1. Are there proprietary formats for multitrack cassette recordings, so that I couldn't use, say, a Fostex to read tapes from a Tascam?

2. How much head alignment variance is typical between "perfect" and your run-of-the-mill 80's vintage multitrack cassette deck? Is it enough to make transcribing a nightmare? If I'm working off tapes for which the original recording deck is no longer available, will I have to do a bunch of head alignment tweaking to replicate the conditions of the deck on which the tracks were recorded? Are there decks that have an easier time adjusting head alignment than others?

Thanks!

Mark P.
Salem, MA

[The Ghost of FM]

You would probably need to get both a TASCAM and a Fostex unit to do what you are thinking about because each company used different noise reduction systems on their machines.

TASCAM uses dbx and Fostex typically used Dolby C.

As for head alignment drift, having the skills to preform an azimuth adjustment would be a good thing to learn how to perform so that you can minimize the high frequency loss and phasing issues that might occur between different machines.

Cheers!

[The Ghost of FM]

Azimuth adjustment screws are generally easily accessible on all models of machines so, that part of it should be a major issue.

You just need an insulated jeweler's Phillips screwdriver, a pair of headphones and the means of being able to monitor the outside tracks, 1 & 4 in mono and then adjust the azimuth screw until you get the maximum amount of high frequency content and then the azimuth will be OK for that particular tape you are working on.

Cheers!