Mixing Down

[Bobbert]

Hi everyone, I wonder if anyone can help me with mixing down..

I just got my fisrt Portastudio (TASCAM MF-P01) the other day and I've made some crude versions of some songs I've written. What I wanna do now is mixdown. I don't even know what this means?

Can someone help me, bearing in mind that I just spent all my money on a multitracker?

thanx

[dachay2tnr]

If you don't know what mixing down means, how do you know you need help with it?

Mixing down simply means taking mutlple tracks and reducing them all (usually) to a single stereo track.

[Bobbert]

i guess i was too ashamed to admit it on a Mixing Down forum ...

Right, So i know what it means, but how do you do it with like very basic equipment?

Its got all these terms in the manual like 'master recorder' and stuff. Whats that? I just have a stereo in my bedroom...

Anyone?

Thanx

[drstawl]

By "master recorder" they mean another cassette recorder or a MD recorder. But you could use any other kind of recorder, like a DAT or ADAT or PC or a CD-RW or a reel-to-reel tape recorder, wax cylinder

A really good (read: cheap and readily available) choice for this would be a VHS videotaperecorder with HI-FI RCA jacks.

[dr.colossus]

if you have a stereo line input on your p.c. you could record it to p.c., you may need some recording software for this......try http://www.hitsquad.com/smm

[Bobbert]

My computer is so godawfully old, I won't even try that computer recording option, but thanks for helping dude.

How would I go about doing that with a VHS tape recorder? Tape it onto a VHS or what?

Sorry to pester you all, but I'm stuck..

cheers.

[dr.colossus]

as long as you have a stereo vhs recorder.... plug the audio rca ins in your video recorder to the multitrackers rca outs, hit record on the vcr (just a vhs video is all you need) and play on the tascam, ride those faders like bucking bronco...press stop on the vcr, then stop the tascam, wipe the sweat of your forhead, then pray that your wife doesn't notice that you've taped over your wedding video cheers and good luck

[Bobbert]

Thanks for the tip man, but unfortunately, I also have some old type of crappy VCR.

All I have is a stereo in my bedroom. I've read the manual on the TASCAM MF-P01 and it says you can use a 'normal stereo cassette recorder', but it says you need to have some RCA output leads or something.

I must sound stupid to the rest of you but what the hell are RCA outputs lead thingys and how can I record my tape onto a normal cd/cassette/radio player thing?

Thank you loads, cuz im pestering you guys a lot now,

[dachay2tnr]

RCA plugs (also sometimes called phono plugs) are simply a specific type of electrical connection. They are the type normally found on component stereo systems (i.e., the plugs that are on the cables that connect your tape player or your CD player to the receiver).

If you have "tape out" connections on your Tascam, you should be able to run that to an "input" connection on your stereo system.

Here's a simple idea for you. Do you have a component stereo system with a CD player and a cassette deck. If so, disconnect the cables from the CD player (just the ends that are attached to the CD player) and connect them to the "tape outs" on your Tascam. From there, you should be able to record a cassette just as if you were duping one from a CD.

[Downside Studio]

Hey Bobbert,

don't forget to buy a tape to record onto.

Dude, you don't know what you got yourself into. This hobby is gonna get you addicted, and it's gonna costs you lots and lots of money buying extra and new equipment. Your girlfriend starts to go blablablablabla...we need that money for a couch.....blablablabla. Her parents start a conspiracy against you. Your rabbit thinks he's getting to little attention, and compensates by pissing all over the carpet, which you can't replace since you spend all your money on gear...etc.

You are on the right track though. Everything you don't know...ask. Everything you do know...ask.

[Bobbert]

Hey thanks everyone! i didnt have a clue when i came on here and i got a bunch on information now. Thanks for all the info on RCA's Dachay, I appreciate it.

and Downside Studio - words to live by there man.


I would send you all money as a personal thank you, but now I know how to mix down, I got some demo tapes to make!
Thanks,

Bobbert

[dachay2tnr]

I would send you all money as a personal thank you

Nahhhh. That would be those English Pounds. Are they worth anything?

[Bobbert]

No, I dont think they are worth much, but you know, if you ever run out of tissues or anything....

Bobbert

[dobro]

The pound is worth considerably more than the American dollar, and if I had the choice of my salary in pounds Sterling or US dollars, it would be an easy one to make. The downside of being in Britain is every piece of gear you buy costs more. Why? Because it's Britain, because it's Europe.

[Bobbert]

cool...


Bobbert

[RWhite]

Don't be too quick to dismiss your computer. Even a old 486 PC has enough juice to record 16 bit 44.1 sound files, which is the same as an audio CD. If you have any sort of sound card in it check it out, it might work for you.

[tommysahlin]

Originally posted by dobro
The pound is worth considerably more than the American dollar, and if I had the choice of my salary in pounds Sterling or US dollars, it would be an easy one to make. The downside of being in Britain is every piece of gear you buy costs more. Why? Because it's Britain, because it's Europe.

umm... some kind of relationship between the two, ya think..?

Lucky we don't live in Italy... must be tough to live off them lire...

take care /Tommy