Tascam 424 (Getting Started)

[Inky]

Ok, hi all!
This site came recommended and now I can see why! Very cool! I've recorded before, but this is the first time I've had a portastudio board under my own hands. To start, I have a ridiculously simple question: I was going along fine with the manual and whatever, until it got to the part where it says Press Play. So I press play and the little green LED light comes on, but then it goes off again right away. I tried holding it down, in case there was a time failsafe. No go. It sounds a lot like it should when it reaches the end of a side, but that's not possible at the very beginning of a tape. What's up with this??

Ink.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Tape inserted?
Tape seated properly??
Can you FF or REW normally with the tape???

[Inky]

Yes to all of the above. Apparently this is a very common problem. A switch unswitched, or something equally stupid and obvious.

Ink.

[TexRoadkill]

Have you tried another brand new tape?

[Inky]

Tried that too! This is getting really annoying! I just finished a new tune and I really want to get it down...Grrr...

It's like something in the machine's not catching...


Ink.

[NYMorningstar]

Take a look at the counter. I have an option to use the counter for auto stops. If that don't work try troubleshooting with your manual.

[drstawl]

Is your Pause Button stuck?

[Inky]

Nope, pause works fine. FF works fine...everything else works fine. I'm running out of ideas here. I think I'll take it into the shop tomorrow, just in case it is something mechanical.

Ink.

[A Reel Person]