recording with tascam portastudio 424 (4 track)

[mattyj414]

Hey, I had this 4 track in my closet for a while and I figured I'd use it to get some ideas for slide parts on songs I've been writing. I plan to use this only as a tool for writing. Does anyone own this machine? It's pretty easy but I don't have a manual and would like to know what the dbx setting should be and how to use the counter (zero, rewind) feature where it will stop the tape in the breaks between songs. If anyone can help me, I'd appreciate it. Thanks

[ssscientist]

Dbx is a compression/expansion type of noise reduction, which means you need to leave it on all the time both on tracking and mixdown.

As far as the counter goes, it's a 'return to zero' thing and I usually zero mine at the beginning of the song or idea that I'm working on, then go back and catalog the tape with the title of the song and the counter number reset to zero at the beginning of the tape. Then I tuck this sheet into the tape box for storage.

[mattyj414]

thanks..it's a great piece of equipment..very useful..I can't believe that it has been in my closet for over a year..These older four tracks are great for ideas..a friend gave it to me a while ago..thanks again for the info..MJ

[zimmo]

Just use the DBX in the ON position, not the SYNC position. It's hassle free.