Direct outputs in 414 MkII

[Vagodeoz]

I know it doesn't have direct outputs, but I'm looking for a way to take out all 4 tracks at once (separetly of course).
I hadn't found a single way until now (that I found it only theoreticly).
The main has 2 tracks, plus aux send 2, that is 3 tracks. And I just thought I could use the other one as a sync track. Not using dbx noise reduction on one channel and then taking it out through the sync output.
Anyone thinks this will work or has anyone found a better way?

[jjones1700]

Grab a 424 mkII and have all 4 tracks with their own output.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the 414.........yet. Are you trying to import the individual tracks to a DAW? I would think you could do tracks 1 and 2 at the same time and then come back to lay down 3 and 4 at the same time if you don't have direct outputs for all 4 channels.

[Vagodeoz]

I already have a 414. And yes, two at a time was my other option, but since tape speed isn't constant, there will be variations between tracks.

[Beck]

You should be able to transfer each track simultaneously with the idea you have:

- Use channels 1&2 for tracks 1&2, with Track-1 panned hard left and Track-2 panned hard right. Track-1 will come out of the Left main out and track-2 will come out of the Right main out. That takes care of tracks 1&2.

- For track three, bring the channel 3 fader all the way down so no signal enters the main stereo mix. Next select TAPE CUE from the Effect2/Tape Cue switch. Use the Effect2 level control for Track 3. The signal from Track-3 will come out of the Effect2 Send/Tape Cue Out. Make sure the Effect2 controls on the other channels are all the way down (Off). You won’t have any control of EQ from the 414 for Track-3.

- Track-4 comes out of SYNC OUT. Make sure the Channel-4 fader is all the way down. You won’t have EQ control for Track-4 either, since the signal is tapped Pre EQ.

So, there you have it… a way to get each track to a separate output, albeit with the limitations of no on-board EQ or fader control for tracks 3&4.

Or, if you are able, you could modify the 414 by adding direct outs. That would be as simple as adding four RCA jacks on the back, with each tapped into the Effect2 control of a channel.

[Vagodeoz]

Wow, I might try that modification in the near future! sounds way easier than I thought
The only limitation is that I don't get noise reduction in channel 4 and in all other channels I do. I usually record drums for example, kick in channel 1, snare in channel 2 and stereo mix of overheads and toms (or sometimes only overheads) in channels 3 and 4, but there would be noise reduction in one channel of the stereo take, which is.... yes you got it... bad! :P but it's just a matter of switching channels and putting probably the kick in the channel 4.
And about the Eq, it's no problem, since I go through my mixer which has a 3 band eq (better than the 2 band of the 414). And also I'm recording it in separate tracks into my pc exactly for that, to compress, eq and process each track individually.
Thanks for helping me clear it out!

[Beck]

Yes definitely put the kick on channel 4. For one, when DBX does have artifacts it’s more common with low frequency transients like thumping bass or kick. Secondly, you can roll off the high frequencies where tape hiss lives because the kick doesn’t have much if anything up there anyway. You can do that with your mixer EQ or within your DAW.

Problem solved!