Yeah. Another one of those mixdown inquiries.

[analogsid]

I've purchased a Tascam 414 Portastudio. I've got a question abouot mixing down. I'm on a strict budget and I've checked out a couple of options available for mixing down. I've got the options of mixing down via soundcard, cassette deck, dsd ( i forgot what that means, but i'm still familar with the concept ). In all honesty I'd rather go with the cassette deck because it seems to be the cheapest. Thing is. What if I want to send in a CD to a friend or label? I'm screwed. Why the hell would they want to pop in a tape?

I'm not bothered by the hiss and overall quality of the tape, that's an aesthetic to me...but it's the medium I'm concerned about. Is there any possible way to convert the audio from my casettes to a harddrive INEXPENSIVELY?

your help is greatly appreciated. i'm glad i've found this forum and can associate with other tascam heads. thanks thanks thanks.

[andyhix]

something like this maybe. Never used it, never heard anything about it. Just found it with a quick search. Probably it's about as cheap as you're gonna find, though.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--IONURECORD

For around $100, there are several 2 track USB or FW audio interfaces available.

[busby99]

I use a standalone CD recorder to mix down to. I bought it six or seven years ago and paid around $200, but I just did a quick search and now they can be had for around $100.00. There are more expensive ones, but the one I have works fine and I'm sure any of the other models out there would work for you as well.

Once you've recorded the CD you can do whatever you want with it. I actually us the recorder mostly to mix down and free up more tracks. Then I record a final "master" and save it on my laptop. Sometimes I fool around with Goldwave software for a little EQ or to add a little loudness, but straight from the CD recorder to the car or home stereo works as well.