Quick question on my new Tascam 414 mII

[Siy]

I'm really new to all this stuff, and have just got a tascam through the post. I wanna have a play with it before my band join me to try and descipher how to work this thing.

So, just a question, can I plug a guitar directly into the 'guitar in' socket, or does it have to go through an amp first?

I don't want to blow it up on it's debut!

Thanks,

Siy

[ssscientist]

If you did try to run your guitar thru an amp first then, and only then, would you be putting the unit at risk. That 'guitar in' jack is meant for plugging in a guitar or bass directly...

Further questions might get better response in our 'Tascam' forum under 'User Forums by Brand'.

[Siy]

thanks,

I did notice the tascam forum but only afterwards. someone can move it if they take offence

[jeffree]

Siy, I used to use a 414 myself. Sure, you can run a guitar directly in, but the sound may not do much for you without some sort of processing. If you don't want to mic an amp, then using a small guitar processor (like a POD) will do wonders for improving your tone.

To improve the sound, I'd also recommend cleaning the heads before each session, demagnetizing the heads once or twice a year, using the noise reduction system, recording things as hot as you can, pushing the pitch (speed) control all the way up... and, of course, reading the short manual repeatedly.

Doing these things, I was satisfied with my results as long as I didn't bounce tracks, which really begins to add noise.

Good luck,

J.