4-Track Cassette Recorder as Mixer?

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avieth

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I got a pair of powered monitors for christmas since I needed a new amp+speakers. The thing is, these speakers aren't for a studio control room, they're for a performance room PA system. So besides the problem of where the hell to put them and how to get power/audio signals to them, I have another issue.

I have two mixers lying around. One is a noisy Radioshack 4-channel, the other a Tascam Portastudio 244 Cassette recorder. Since the Tascam is a lot less noisy I want to use it as the mixer. The problem is that it's for only 4 inputs, and they are all 1/4". Since I have a computer nearby for digital effects and such, I want to get it's stereo signal to the mixer.

I obviously have to use two inputs for this, right? Since each of the 4-tracks inputs are mono. So I got a stereo 1/8" Y cable and attached it to the line-out of the soundcard. I put a 1/8" > 1/4" mono adapter on each of the new female 1/8" ends. Then I ran 2 mono 1/4" cables from each output to inputs 1 and 2 of the 4-track.

Would this get me good results? From what I can hear it's not actually stereo, even though I panned track one left and track two right. I'm guessing I need a stereo 1/8" > dual mono 1/8" female Y cable. Before I go spend my money I want to know if this is such a good idea, using two inputs for a stereo signal. Do you think there are any other methods I could use?
 
If you're into home recording seriously enough to have posted here 33 times, you'd be foolish indeed not to dig into your pocket and splash out for something like this or even this rather than try to adapt antique gear to a modern purpose.


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33 posts :p That must mean I'm a real enthusiast huh? ;)

I didn't realize I could get a mixer for so cheap :eek: All the mixers I've seen in stores have been at least $150, and they were both crap. To be fair, everything else in the store was a rip off too.

While I like the 4-track for it's simplicity, I think I'll go get a mixer.
 
Those links are both to the same mail order/web based music stores.

That's my preferred way to buy music gear --- a short wait in exchange for low prices and no sales tax.


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