need a BIG hammer

[skipr]

I recently came into possesion of a tascam 424 MK III. When I record on track 1, everything seems to go well, but when I try to overdub, either it doesn't record, or I'm not able to hear it. Tascam is no help AT ALL, and this is getting really frustrating
Thanks

[Doc Holiday]

Can you hear what you've recorded onto track one? If not, check the track assignment switches. They have to be set to tape for playback and mic/line input for recording. Can you give a little more info?

[skipr]

Yeah, I can hear what I've done on track one, and hear the instrument (guitar) thru the head phones. But on playback, I can only hear track one. Don't even know if the new track has recorded or not.
thanks

[A Reel Person]

First, I'd have to respectfully disagree with Doc's comments above, 'cause what that'll get you is an inadvertent "track-bounce", (which is undesirable).

A) While recording primary tracks and overdubbing, you should select your Inputs to either "Mic/Line" or "OFF". Use the section that's called "Effect-2/Tape-Cue" for listening back to tracks while overdubbing.

B) When you've completed your recording of all 4-tracks, THEN you may switch the "Input Select" to "Tape", and use the "Main" section of the mixer for "Remix" (or "Mixdown") without any undue side effects.

That's just a quick quip, but I suggest you download the manual, and read it entirely, cover to cover. Honestly, it's not that hard, and except for giving my primary advice, above, I'm not prepared to type out a step by step foolproof procedure.

Luckily for you, the manual's still available for download. It holds all the keys to the wonderment of the Tascam 424mkIII.

http://www.tascam.com/Products/424mkIII.html

[Doc Holiday]

Are you sure the track assignments are set right for recording and playing back the new track? Does the recorder have a cue function? If so, maybe you're just hearing what is set to play back through the cue. I don't know, sounds like you need to consult the manual if you have one. BTW, where in Alabama are you?

[Doc Holiday]

RP is right about the track bounce. Sorry about that.

[A Reel Person]

and I'm also familiar with the common pitfalls of new users, as they come to grips with the workings of the Portastudio.

Fortunately for all of us, the actual manual is still available for download. The manual should answer all your questions,... if you read it.

[billyshuler]

The 2 training videos are worth the money too.

[skipr]

Hey, thanks folks. I already got the manual, have read and re-read that. Also read the corrections on the web site here. Maybe with that and all of your help, it'll get going. Where can those videos be found? Tascam said they had no more documentation for the 424MKIII. Maybe Bailey Bros will have something. And I'm in Jasper, Alabama, Doc. I'm gonna go see what your suggestions will do.
Thanks again

[Doc Holiday]

Originally Posted by skipr

Hey, thanks folks. And I'm in Jasper, Alabama, Doc.

I'm just a little south of Birmingham. Roll Tide!

[A Reel Person]

but I'll assure you they're bootleg copies. Nonetheless, they are viewable, they do have good tips and are easy to follow.

[skipr]

Ok, the problem I have is getting the overdubbing to record on track one. When I turn the pan all the way to the right as instructed by the manual, I get no signal in track two recording. No level lights. I can hear thruogh the monitor but it won't record. At least I'm getting to recognize the problems! HA! Roll tide my big ol' redneck butt..did you happen to watch the Iron bowl? HA!...just joking. A little.
Thanks
Skip
p.s. the real irony here..I got this to help my writing, but I've spent so much time on it, I haven't been writing. (?)

[A Reel Person]

Forget overdubbing for a minute. Do a quick 4-track test tape.

Plug one guitar or mic into Input 1. Select Channel 1 to Input Select to Mic/Line, and all other inputs set to "Off". Set ALL the REC_FUNCTION switches down, into "Buss L/Buss R" recording mode on ALL TRACKS, 1-4.

(Use a test tape)

First, put the Channel 1 Pan control in the center. At this time, ALL TRACKS SHOULD SHOW THE SAME SIGNAL.

Rotate the Pan control all the way LEFT, and Tracks 1 and 3 should show signal, but NOT 2 and 4.

Rotate the Pan control all the way RIGHT, and Tracks 2 and 4 should show signal, but NOT 1 and 3.

NOW, rotate the Pan control to the Center position again, and you should have EQUAL SIGNAL ON ALL 4 TRACKS.

Press REC/PLAY and record about a minute of playing onto ALL 4 TRACKS SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Rewind.
SET ALL REC FUNCTION SWITCHES TO SAFE.
Playback the test tape you just made.

Leave the Main mix section alone, & bring the tracks up in the phones with the Track Cue section.

You should have the same mono guitar track on all 4-tracks on playback, just as you recorded earlier in this example.

IF THAT'S NOT THE CASE, STOP. DO NOT PASS "GO". DO NOT COLLECT $200.

What this is supposed to illustrate, is the effect of PAN on assigning the inputs to the tracks, and that LEFT Pan feeds signal to Tracks 1/3 and RIGHT Pan feeds signal to Tracks 2/4, while using "BUSS-MODE" (Buss-L/Buss-R) recording with the REC-FUNCTION switches.

Portastudio is complex, yet simple at the same time, but you have to start at the very basics.

Based on your post, I'm assuming you've recorded your first track successfully to Track 1. The first overdub would be targetted to Track 2, and the Pan control could be set either hard Right (to route sound to Track 2), or just set on the center position (would accomplish the same thing), but not hard left. Set Track 2's REC FUNCTION set to BUSS R, and all other REC FUNCTION switches set to SAFE. Bring the Track 1 material up in the phones in the Tape Cue.

Don't confuse DIRECT mode recording with BUSS L/R mode recording. The Portastudio uses a combination of the mixer's PAN control & "BUSS L/BUSS R" REC FUNCTION switches, to assign any Channel's signal to any Tracks.

[skipr]

I'll be more than happy to try your suggestions. And I never claimed to be a genius on any of this. Matter of fact, that's why I got on this post to begin with, to help me through some of the basics. And I truly do appreciate all your helpful advice and tips. Just continue to be patience.
Thanks again
Skip

[A Reel Person]

It's highly technical and simple at the same time. Sorry if I repeat myself.

The important thing is to learn how the Main section of the mixer routes Inputs left and right, and that tracks 1/3 get their program material from e'thing on the left side of the mix, and tracks 2/4 get their program material from e'thing on the right side of the mix. Through a combination of Pan and Rec-Function/Buss L-R, you may route any of the Inputs to any of the Tracks, without repatching. It's one of the beauties of the design, that maybe takes a while to appreciate.

A key to remember, is that you may leave the Pan control in the center, and it routes signal equally to the left and right, so for many phases of recording and overdubbing, they can just be left in the center.

Another thing to remember is to make proper use of the Cue section.

You should go through that simple example above, until you get familiar with the routing functions. Having all 4 Rec-Function's set to Buss L/R and panning the single channel around should illustrate how the basic mix/assign function works.

Sorry if I sounded harsh. Catch my edits. Sorry if I repeat myself.

I cannot vouch for the 100% accuracy in the 424mIII manual, but I blieve so. If my example fails you, above, go thru the examples in the manual again.

[Doc Holiday]

Originally Posted by skipr

did you happen to watch the Iron bowl?

OK, can't argue with you on that. War Eagle!

[skipr]

Thanks abunch again. I'm not getting any signal LED's on tracks 2 or 4. No matter where I have the bussL/bssR record switches on. Is there something I should be doing with some of the monitor switches?
Thanks.....and GO Blazers!

[A Reel Person]

If you followed my step-by-step setup and record-test, you should have recorded 4 equal tracks of the same mono signal, simultaneously.

If you're not getting signal passed to the tracks on Tracks 2 & 4, then it's starting to sound like there's a hardware problem. I have to qualify that with, "sight unseen & best guess effort".

Keep trying. If your Porta doesn't register signal on Tracks 2/4, then ultimately it may be deemed in need of service.

I'll check my posts, & my procedures/tips asap on my own 424mkIII, when I get home later tonight,... just to see if there's any key item I omitted.

Hang in there!!

PS: Where and for how much did you get the 424mkIII? Is the original owner available to take your questions or offer advice?

/DA

TIP: try doing the same 4x track test, above, but use each Input Channel in succession,... Test from Input 1, Input 2, Input 3 & Input 4,... with all other steps being the same.

TIP2: If there's no signal passed to Tracks 2/4, then that MIGHT indicate a problem with Buss-R on the Main section of the mixer. You should be able to determine this by setting the L/R-Stereo in the Monitor section and listening in headphones as you pan left and right.

TIP3: After doing the other-inputs test, per the above, switch each track to DIRECT mode recording, and test again using all 4-inputs.

If there's any confusion on what I just said, consult the manual again and/or post your questions here.

Pls keep us posted!!!

Thanx!!

[skipr]

Well, so far no luck one demonic 424, but I do have the videos on the way. Found them at zZounds. Talk to you later.
Skip

[A Reel Person]

One of the basic concepts of the Portastudio is that it's easy to use, once you grasp the basic architecture and functions of the machine, which are easy but complex at the same time. It's really a powerful little machine.

I'm starting to wonder if you have a basic electronic problem, but sight unseen it's impossible for me to tell. What you're saying your 424 does (or doesn't do) just doesn't seem right.

I hope the videos help clear things up. I have them, and they explain the functions of the 424mkIII very well.

Keep testing and posting, if you get a chance & good luck!

[skipr]

Eureka! Got the video earlier this week, and with it, and all of your help, I got 2 tracks recorded as I thought they should be. Just wanted to say thanks a bunch. Like you said RP, simple yet complex. Like a woman! ha! I'll be in touch. and thanks again.
Skip
p.s. Doc, I'm really not that big of a football fan. How far South of B'ham are you?

[Doc Holiday]

Originally Posted by skipr

Eureka! Got the video earlier this week, and with it, and all of your help, I got 2 tracks recorded as I thought they should be. Just wanted to say thanks a bunch. Like you said RP, simple yet complex. Like a woman! ha! I'll be in touch. and thanks again.
Skip
p.s. Doc, I'm really not that big of a football fan. How far South of B'ham are you?

Cool! Glad you got it working.
I'm about 20 miles South of B'ham. Outskirts of McCalla/Bessemer.