4 track recordering for my grandma's birthday

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olana

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Hello,

I'm looking for some advice on buying a 4 track analog recorder. I know there's a lot of snappy salesman at my local music store, and i want to avoid them at all costs. I want to be educated before I buy.

I've been doing a little research, and i'm finding it difficult to discern the difference between different brands/models. I basically want to record a tape (then probably transfer it to cd - i don't have an up do date computer so recording software is out of the question. But i do know someone who could transfer a tape to a cd for me) for my grandma's birthday this summer of some of her favorite songs, songs that she has shared with me, etc. It'll probably just be me with a guitar, maybe two guitar tracks at times, a little piano here and there, and playing my thighs for percussion.

I've heard that it's possible to mix 4 tracks back onto one track and then add more tracks on, so if i needed more tracks (some vocal harmonies perhaps) I could probably add more. But I've never really done this kind of thing before...

Anyone have any advice on good 4 track brands/models? I probably can't spend more then $150 on it. Links to websites, magazines, or books with info about the features & differences would be extremeley helpful.

Thank You!
-Chris
 
The biggest decision is analog vs. digital

If noise is a big concern digital is the way to go, but some feel it sounds 'harsh'. From my experience, it is much more forgiving as it doesn't clip as easily and go in to distortion.
I have a Tascam DP-01 digital 8 track. It works, and has functions I haven't even tapped into yet. You can get into one for 299.00 from musiciansfriend.com. Its definitely worth it, since it has a larger harddrive than what Fostex offers in that price range.

If you want to go analog 4-track, you might have a more "warm" tone but can clip easily and distort if you don't watch your input levels. Check out the Tascam Portastudio 414mkII for 299.00. You can get a 4-track cassette recorder cheaper but you're giving up a lot. It laid out quite nice with good eq controls, unlike most of the lesser tascams and the fostex which offer NO eq control. So if you can afford the 299.00 I would go that route.

Don't let "4-track" fool you, you can bounce tracks together like you mentioned for more virtual tracks. Its easy and the instruction book for any analog or digital unit will explain how to do it. In the end, let your budget and needs decide for you. Don't be afraid to check out ebay for deals, or the clearance section on www.musiciansfriend.com
 
Thanks for the tips. I checked out the Tascam that you mentioned and even found a couple on ebay. So far the reviews I've read on line have been nothing but great.

Any thoughts on a microphone? Something versatile that I can use in my apartment?
 
Versatile mic of choice would be either the Shure SM57 or SM58. 57 being your all around mic and the 58 being slightly more geared for vocals. Take off the ball of the 58 though, and you get a 57, basically.
 
Check out a Yamahaw MT120, used ones are $100 or less and should do exactly what you have in mind.
 
if you are recording any acoustic instrument (guitar, true piano) then get a condensor mic, an sm57/58 will be good for vocals or even micing electric guitar but terrible for acoustic.
I would even rather have a cheap large diaphram condensdor on electric than a lone 57.
 
Everyone's tips have been extremley helpful so far. I've checkout recommended equipment at 2 local music shops, and been shopping around ebay. I'm learning a lot thanks to your help. I greatly appreciate it.

Goodbluesky, do you know a good condensor mic for recording acoustic instruments?
 
i would imagine an mxl LDC (large diaphram condenser) should do the job pretty well ie..

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/273156/

i was blown away at first by the difference this made over my sm57/58's (but now my newer mics blow that away).. i would thing this would record vocals, acoustic, and piano fairly well

or upgrade to

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/273166/

and have the set.. the SDC is pretty good too... for $50 or $100 bucks(set) its a good dollar/quality sound ratio...

just my 2c

gl
 
Do you plan on recording electric guitars? If not, a large diaphragm condensor will cover all of your bases (vocals, acoustic guitars, acoustic piano). I would also highly recomend you buy a mic preamp. Even a very cheap one is better than the analog inputs on those tape recorders. The audible difference will be like pulling a quilt off of your speakers. The Studio Projects VTB1 is very good for only $99. While you're at it, check out the mics from Studio Projects. They're also a very good bang for your buck microphone choice. Look at the C1 or the B1.
Jay
 
olana said:
Hello,

I'm looking for some advice on buying a 4 track analog recorder. I know there's a lot of snappy salesman at my local music store, and i want to avoid them at all costs. I want to be educated before I buy.

I've been doing a little research, and i'm finding it difficult to discern the difference between different brands/models. I basically want to record a tape (then probably transfer it to cd - i don't have an up do date computer so recording software is out of the question. But i do know someone who could transfer a tape to a cd for me) for my grandma's birthday this summer of some of her favorite songs, songs that she has shared with me, etc. It'll probably just be me with a guitar, maybe two guitar tracks at times, a little piano here and there, and playing my thighs for percussion.

I've heard that it's possible to mix 4 tracks back onto one track and then add more tracks on, so if i needed more tracks (some vocal harmonies perhaps) I could probably add more. But I've never really done this kind of thing before...

Anyone have any advice on good 4 track brands/models? I probably can't spend more then $150 on it. Links to websites, magazines, or books with info about the features & differences would be extremeley helpful.

Thank You!
-Chris
Click to expand...
You're one heck of a damn fine grandson/daughter thinking of your grandmother that way.
 
tamky said:
You're one heck of a damn fine grandson/daughter thinking of your grandmother that way.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and you ask politely and take the time to thank those who help you. Good work, Chris, and good luck.

J.
 
whoa whoa whoa


guys hold the phone, you need to reconsider this set up. You don't want to be under equipped. I think grandma diserves the fullest experience money can buy.

So hear me out...


First, you're gonna need an SSL console with 10 Genelec Gigavator Speakafiers and 2 sub woofanators.
Make sure you have gold plated wiring for all your 88 inputs.

plus 3 mastering compressors per channel

Second, you're gonna need good mics, so be sure to buy (44) U47s and (44) C 414s (sure some would say you don't need all that, but you need to make sure you cover all your bases).

Third, you're gonna need a Super Amekanation Station 2inch reel to reel tape machine with enough reels for all your overdubs. 50 reels should be fine.

Forth, be sure to drop kick the Super Amekanation Station a few times to give it that authentic "technical malfunction" sound.

Buy a few hundred cables from radio shack and connect, call your local electric company and inform them of possible power surges the day of the event and let her rip.


I might be late, but I'm glad I was able to save the day with some awesome advice.

Godsped and God Bless *salute*
 
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