Any 4-track cassette 3-heads?

[leddy]

If I track to a cassette four track, I'd like to take the output from tape on the same pass and immediately dump it to digital on separate tracks and mix ITB. I have no need for overdubs - this is live jazz. (This is stuff that will end up on CD anyway - it has to go digital at some point).

I've noticed an improvement when I record to my Tascam 22 this way. Because it's the same tape pass, any fluctuation in tape speed is completely inaudible. (Not that there is much, my Tascam is pretty healthy thanks to you folks ).

My idea is that doing it this way will remove any frequency wobble from the cassette recording and make a substantial improvement.

Sound reasonable or is my logic flawed? If not, what 4-trackers could do this?

 

[A Reel Person]

There are none that I know of.

If you're set on using this technique, maybe try a 34, 34B or 22-4.

 

[leddy]

If you're set on using this technique, maybe try a 34, 34B or 22-4.

I would like to take it to live gigs. I don't really want to deal with that kind of cartage.

 

[Dr ZEE]

For that "purpose" You can try using two (or more) three head two-track cassette decks of the same model and preferably as close as possible of the same condition/performance. Actually a very slight difference in performance may "generate" an extra 'spice' of mysterious nature to your result . Try to experiment, see how it works.

 

[A Reel Person]

...

I would like to take it to live gigs. I don't really want to deal with that kind of cartage.

The Tascam 34 has onboard mic/line inputs w/preamps on 1/4" jacks, plus in-built mono tape monitor and phones. It could be pretty practical on a remote.

 

[leddy]

The Tascam 34 has onboard mic/line inputs w/preamps on 1/4" jacks, plus in-built mono tape monitor and phones. It could be pretty practical on a remote.

The problem is that I'm one of the musicians too. There's no way I can deal with changing reels and stuff and having the gear on stage with me. Cassettes, sure.

 

[themaddog]

Make a loop!

-MD

 

[Tim Gillett]

Why not just record your gig with what you already have? No extra machines to carry. No reels OR cassettes to change. Clean audio, straight from the instruments or mics.

If you want to warm it up later with analog tape effects you still can. In your home, at your leisure, use a decent 3 head 4 track reel to reel to dub 4 new files, which courtesy of the instant playback will all be in synch with each other. If you want, line them up manually with your original 4 digital files and you have the best of both worlds.

Cheers Tim