4-track recording (Poor Sound)

[Dennis Skagen]

I am new at this stuff so I hope eveyone will have a little patience with me.
I have a 4 track fostex and have recorded some numbers using all tracks. (Just Guitar) On the final mix down, the sound is fairly good for an amatuer.
When I try to remove the hiss, I seem to have a lot of base or low end. When I take away the lows, Then I get the hiss back. I have tried everything possible that I know and I am at a standstill. I have even tried to record to mini disc and I still have the same problem.
When I get a decent sound, I then can't add any amount of volume without everything in the studio rattling.
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME? I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL!!!
If you would like to hear my samples on my site and maybe get an idea of what I am doing wrong, I would be more than happy to even pay for the services. The reason being, I am trying to learn about recording for my own personal preference.
The sound samples on my site are of very poor quality.
Thanks again.
Respectfully: Dennis Skagen Canada's Guitar Player

[Chris Shaeffer]

Hi Dennis,

Welcome aboard! I took a listen to some of your samples and I have to say that you are doing very well for a "beginner!" You recordings don't sound too bad.

The only thing I can think of right away is if your 4-track has noise reduction. If it does, just turn it on and never turn it off. You have to record with the noise reduction on and play back with it on in order for it to work. When I record with the NR off and turn it on for playback I get a really bassy, yucky sound. I wonder if that is what you were talking about.

There is also going to be a certain amount of tape hiss that comes through. There are a several ways to get around that:

1) Record your tracks as "hot" as possible. Make sure they don't distort, but record them as loud as you can. That way the music is as loud as it can be compared to the noise.

2) Make sure your tape is moving as fast as it can. Set your machine for high speed if you have the option. Also, turn the fine speed adjustment (usually used for tuning) up all the way for a little extra speed.

3) Always use high bias tapes.

That's what comes to mind at first. I hope its helpful.
Chris

[Fangar]

Dennis,

One thing is for sure. If you take a listen to some of Chris' material, you will know that it can be done and done well.

Cheers,

Fangar

[Dennis Skagen]

I really appreciate the help guys !!! I am trying to find other solutions to my problem.
When I first recorded the guitar tracks, I didn't have a clue of how to do it and I didn't have any idea about sound.I just plugged in and recorded. "Bad Mistake"
I don't read music and I will never be able to find the same effects again so this is why I am trying to perfect what I have.

Can you tell me, is it alright to get another recorder and re-record each track seperately? I think I might be able to clean the sound by doing this.

How do you get such a professional end product?
I just can't seem to find the answer.

If I was to record everything from scratch, what is the first thing I should do.
Thanks ever so much for all the help!!!!!