Learning how this stuff works

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danny.guitar

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I've been wanting to get into electronics for awhile now, and have studied some of the basics through books and the internet, but I still don't know much.

I want to get into some basic analog recording but before I invest in a good machine I want to know how it all works. I read through this forum and hear a bunch of terms that I have no idea what they mean.

Are there any sites out there that explain things in simple terms and maybe other sites that go into more detail?

As a starter project, I've been wanting to try and take this crappy, old, Sony tape recorder/boom box, replace the microphone and the speaker. If that's even possible.

But when I get a decent machine I'd like to know how to maintain it and possibly repair it myself. And if nothing else, I'm really interested in how this stuff works.

Thanks in advance.
 
I'll attempt to take a stab at this. It might just be me, but it seems like you are trying to jump into the deep end of the pool before learning how to swim. Pick something more specific and start there...............maybe a particular type of equipment (say multi-track recorders (analog or digital?), microphones, mixing boards/consoles, PCs and software, etc.).

I have only started learning about this stuff over the last 8 months or so. I'm learning how to play the guitar on an cheap acoustic that I bought. I acquired a pretty decent 2 track (consumer quality) reel to reel deck. I also acquired a 4 track cassette recorder (Tascam PortaStudio) to play with. I hardly have any time to mess with them, but I give it a whirl when I get a few minutes here and there during the week. I've done alot of reading online for some of this stuff. That and some of the guys on this board are simply awesome with their knowledge and willingness to share it.

Pretty much Google is going to be your best friend. You can point yourself in the right direction depending on what you are looking for.

As far as the boombox project, I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve, but it seems a waste of time.............in my opinion anyways.

Good luck to you.;)
 
get a nice tascam 4 track portastudio. They're easy to understand and the best (also very addictive) way to get into analog recording as far as I know. I think the guyss here would agree...Cheers
 
The boombox idea isn't a good one. First off, those things aren't designed to be worked on so even an experienced tech would have to figure out ways to do it. You need to work on something that's been designed to be worked on.
Also ..... if you want to record ......that's where you should start. Learning electronics takes enough time that if you go that way you may never get around to doing any recording.
I think there are some much better suggestions by others in this thread and that's they way I'd go.
 
Danny,

I too agree that you should actually get your hands dirty and start off on a nice 4 track cassette. If you're wondering about which make or model, new or used, ask away and we'll try to give help, tips etc... There really isn't a better way to get introduced to analog. Later on you can experiment with the bigger formats, open reel etc.....
 
You sound like me. Ever since I was a little kid, I've wanted to know how everything works. I asked a bizzillion questions and still do. It's the curiousity. The hope that if you can know EVERY aspect of an intrest, you'll know what's up whenever the time comes..... That's the problem. The time(recording) NEVER comes if you start boggling your mind with "What ifs" You'll ask yourself sooo many questions that you'll never get the answers to. I honestly wouldn't waste time on the boombox idea. It's a cheap throw-away and now it's time to let it go! These guys know what they're talking about. It's like trying to rebuild an engine or transmission before learning to drive....It's not necessary. Simple recording is really not hard. If you buy a 4 track with a manual it's even easier. The Tascam brands are the best in my opinion. Tascam manuals explain recording sooo easy, a baby could understand. If you wanna work on something, buy a 4 track that needs a belt replacement or something easy...a good cleaning. I would say a starter model Tascam: 414, portaone studio, 424.
A.A.
 
So the boombox idea is out. :(

I was thinking of getting one of those Tascam 4tracks, but I'm not sure how the quality will compare to my current (entry level) digital setup? Will it sound really lo-fi/crappy? Will I need to use certain tapes for better quality?

I know these are stupid questions, and I know there are different tapes each with their own quality but I'm not sure what kind the Tascam units take and I've never used a cassette recorder other than crappy boombox/tape recorders that just sounded like really low-quality MP3 files...:o

Edit: Oh, and on the boombox it says:
Sony
Model No. CFM-23
Cassette-Corder 2 Bands
 
One more thing, I see the Tascam MKII but it's labelled as "Tascam Porta 02 MKII Portastudio"...is this the one you guys were talking about?
 
danny.guitar said:
So the boombox idea is out. :(
Click to expand...
ya' know ..... I was maybe a bit too quick to reject that idea. I still don't think you'd actually learn a lot but things like that are how I started many many years ago and it was just fun to take stuff apart and maybe put it back together. If you mess it up .... it's just a boombox and you would probably learn something in the process. Maybe I just had to see a sad face but a big part of all this is having fun and if the idea of trying to mod a boombox gets you happy, then by all means you should play around with the thing.
If you have fun ...... then it's worthwhile just for that.
 
danny.guitar said:
One more thing, I see the Tascam MKII but it's labelled as "Tascam Porta 02 MKII Portastudio"...is this the one you guys were talking about?
Click to expand...

skip it and find a 424 mkII. the things are so cheap now and it walks all over the porta 02 mkII (i've owned both). 4 tracks don't necessarily sound lofi. from what i remember, the 424 mkII sounded pretty nice. of course you'll have some tape hiss but that goes with the territory. like dealing with the hum of single coils. no big deal in the scheme of things.

if you dig the electronics stuff for whatever reason, check out: tab electronics guide to understanding electricity and electronics. all the theory you'll probably need is in there and it's well written/organized. just don't burn yourself out on the stuff. breeze thru the easy stuff and chip away at the rest. and remember, knowledge doesn't mean shit unless you apply it.

on the boom box thing.....are you doing it because it would be cheap or because you like the idea? either way, do it if it interests you.
 
The Tascam PortaStudio 424 MkII (and all PortaStudios in general........I think) use Type-II cassettes. Maxell XL-II 60 minute or TDK SA-60 are the two brands that come to mind. A PortaStudio (or most 4 track cassette recorders) is going to sound better in most cases since the tape speed is 2x faster, yielding better frequency response and stability. Keep in mind though, that running at 3 3/4 ips (inches per second) is going to use the 60 minute tape in about 15 minutes. 4 tracks in one direction at 3 3/4 ips on a 60 minute tape = 15 minutes (total) vs. 4 tracks, bi-directional and at 1 7/8 ips = 30 minutes/side)

You could run 90 minute tapes, but it's not recommended since the tape is thinner and could lead to some transport problems.

I bought my 424mkII for $160. Check out CraigsList for your area or maybe the used gear at a local music store, or even the want ads in the local paper.

Just play around with it. You can't hurt anything except the consumption of tape.;)
 
Thanks for the help. I think I may try to find a used Tascam 424MKII. A quick glance at eBay shows some good prices.
 
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