HELP w/Tascam 424mk3

[mmwus]

I just started with a tascam
424mk3 4-track and I have a
?. I have no idea what I'm
doing wrong and why I can't
listen to the recorded tape on a common
stereo tape player. It records great and
plays great on the portastudio but how
can one use it as a demo if it doesn't play
on a standard cassette player system?
Anyone know where I've screwed up?
Thanks for your help and time.

 

[Sentridoh]

Mixdown

You must do what is called a "mixdown" before you can listen to it on a normal tape player. Read the manual it will tell you haw it is done. See, you are trying to play a 4 track tape in a 2 track(stereo) machine. I doesn't work. Also read the mixdown artical on the the website.

 

[DKMurphPr]

I just started with a tascam
424mk3 4-track and I have a
?. I have no idea what I'm
doing wrong and why I can't
listen to the recorded tape on a common
stereo tape player. It records great and
plays great on the portastudio but how
can one use it as a demo if it doesn't play
on a standard cassette player system?
Anyone know where I've screwed up?
Thanks for your help and time.

To play on a standard system, either record at normal speed on the Tascam (not recommended because of the noise resulting from recording at a lower speed) or mixdown to a standard cassette deck. The owner's manual explains how to do this starting on page 23.

 

[DKMurphPr]

Re: Mixdown

You must do what is called a "mixdown" before you can listen to it on a normal tape player. Read the manual it will tell you haw it is done. See, you are trying to play a 4 track tape in a 2 track(stereo) machine. I doesn't work. Also read the mixdown artical on the the website.

No, not quite. A cassette tape is a cassette tape. The problem is the speed at which you record vs the playback speed. The Tascam records at 3 3/4 ips, but a standard deck plays back at 1 7/8 ips. You can set the Tascam to record at the lower speed of 1 7/8 ips, but you will get more noise when you do this. Better to record at 3 3/4 ips and mixdown to the standard deck.

 

[DigitalDon]

mmwus,
You've got a great piece of equipment there. I've gone completely digital but still have my 424 MKII because it's so convenient. Read the manual just like I had to. Don't look for shortcuts because they'll only get you pissed when frustration locks in.

That said -
A 4 track cassette recorder gets it's 4 tracks by using the complete width of the tape (4 tracks). In normal use you have 2 tracks for side A and 2 tracks for side B. There's nothing on the tape seperating side A and side B on the tape. It's just how the record/play heads are lined up. That's why you have to flip the tape over in your stereo when one side is done. Your 424 uses all 4 of these tracks at one time with the tape running in one direction. You can only use one side of your cassette.

If you do as was suggested before this post and record at 1 7/8 ips then make sure you only record to tracks 1 and 2 (I think). Check your manual and see how the tracks are actually arranged on the tape. Like the guys earlier said - record at the faster speed and take your line out from the 424 into the line in of a cassette recorder. If you have a CD burner in your computer then run the 424 line out to your computer sound card line in. You'll need a "Y" cable with dual RCA plugs on one end (424) and 1/8" stereo on the other end (sound card). If you don't have software go to the "n-Tracks" forum and get the website. Download it (it's free) and use it.

Good luck to ya. You're in for a lotta fun.

DD

 

[A Reel Person]

I'm an outright Portastudio FANATIC!

Any SANE person would NOT have 13 PORTASTUDIOS, but I, of course, am not sane!

I started with the 244 in 1982. My second Portastudio was the 424mkII in 1997. [Both new].

Starting in 2000 or 2001, I scored many, many more Portastudios for basic use, sometimes refurbishment, and it's turned into an actual "collection". I have several copies of several different models, and a couple 'singles'. [Same for reel/mixer Tascam and Fostex gear].

I'm still scoring gear, Portastudios, Syncasets and reel/mixer Tascam gear, from time to time, and certain outboard accessories. Actually, there are still some Portastudio models I like and have not gotten yet.

-Ebay, Ebay, here I come!

Hey, what can I say?... Ref: the "I'm a gearaholic" thread.