I have a vision, an approach, but I need advice on equipment; would appreciate help.

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On_A_Friday

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This is what I want to do!:

1. I want to record onto tape; multiple tracks (four is cool, but ideally eight?)
2. I want to import the tracks separately, but also simultaneously, into my computer.
3. I want to edit the individual tracks down into short samples that I can then use to compose a song.

What I'm working with now:

1. A basic Fostex 4-Track cassette recorder with one stereo output.
2. Basic, bottom-of-the-line mics.
3. Audacity.

My problem so far is that I am unable to import individual tracks simultaneously into Audacity using my basic M-Audio preamp (the $100 one they sold at the Apple store seven years ago) and when I attempted to import them one at a time, the inherent stretching of the cassette tape resulted in tracks that didn't exactly match up tonally or rhythmically. So I'm looking for recommendations on:

1. A tape recorder that has multiple outputs for multiple tracks, or one with which stretching/variable tape speed is not an issue (possible?) My budget for that is $200-$300. I was recommended a Tascam 246 but it looks too expensive for me. I love the lo-fi sound of my Fostex cassette recorder though - don't want to go too hi-fi!

2. Software that will allow me to easily import recordings that I can whittle down into blocks and then stack/layer/repeat/loop throughout a song. Essentially I want to pull a Panda Bear and build songs out of loops, but only loops that I have recorded on analog equipment. I know this is nothing new, so what software do people prefer to use to for this kind of songwriting?

3. A one-size-fits-all microphone that I can use for recording guitar amps, live drums and vocals. I was recommended the Shure SM-57 as an industry-standard, "workhorse" mic. Yes? My budget for a mic is around $100. Happy to buy used gear though.

So that's where I'm at. If you could spout off some quick recommendations or advice I would certainly appreciate it. And if this post would be better suited for a different board, please let me know.

Thanks,
E
 
If only I could find one in good working condition. :(
 
Get the tape machine out of the equation, and use bit crushing or other plugins to get the lo-fi sound you want.
 
The OP said...I want to record onto tape ...

From this one would reasonably deduce that you are not working from existing recordings.

Which would then beg the question, "Why?"

From the rest of your message I'm guessing that you are probably going to do some variation of a one-man band, so you will be recording different pieces at different times under what will inevitably be differing conditions (mic placement, drum tuning, tape tracking variations, etc). And then you're going to chop the tracks into pieces.

Which means you will not be able to maintain a continuous analog tape "vibe"; what you will end up with will be something of a mish-mash.

Either this won't matter, in which case it would be simpler to just record in digital and then run your mix through either a plugin or dump it out to analog tape, or it will matter, in which case it would be simpler to just record in digital and then run your mix through either a plugin or dump it out to analog tape.

If you're doing this just for yourself or as an intellectual exercise then knock yourself out, but if you're trying to create something for public consumption, maybe one person in a million will be able to tell that there was analog somewhere in the chain, and even fewer will care.

It's your life, but it might be better spent actually making music than worrying about something that nobody will even be able to hear...

But good luck whatever you choose to do...
 
Hi friday,

The box you are looking for is a Focusrite Sapphire Pro 24 or similar. It has four honest, by-God line inputs into which you can plug your Fostex 4 tracker. The A/D converter will convert all four tracks simultaneously, leaving you with Firewire output to your computer to create a digital file with four separate tracks all in perfect sync. From there you can chop and edit as you see fit. It also has the D/A function as well, so you can monitor your edits as you go without relying on computer speakers.

At about $250 or so street price, it's one of the better low end units out there and the two mic preamp in it are no slouches, either.
 
It has four honest, by-God line inputs into which you can plug your Fostex 4 tracker

The Fostex only has a stereo output though, thus rendering it impossible to simultaneously bounce each of the 4 tracks to there own digital track.

+1 for just going digital though. I know analog is cool and what not, but as previously mentioned, no one will be able to tell.

Drew
 
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