Is it better to plug the mics into the xlr or the 1/4" inputs of the 424mkIII? (help

  • Thread starter Thread starter SeaOwl
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thanks again, and a couple more ?'s

hey reel,
i sometimes use my 244 in conjunction with other recording devices, simultaneously recording to cassette and digital sources. i'm going out the line outs on the 244. what would you suggest i use as line ins from the other recorder, so i can monitor on the 244?

and chess,
so you use a rnc compressor after your vtb-1 into your 244? it sounds like you just have them in a chain going into the mic/line inserts on your 244, or do you patch the rnc into aux send/rcv?
(i'm looking at getting a rnc as well... and i love my vtb-1, and actually think i checked it out on your recommendation. money very well spent).

man, it's great to have a forum for old tascam porta's... i've looked around , and this is the only one i've come across with people who still give a crap and have taken the time to give excellent advice. i hope you don't mind all the questions, and i appreciate the help very much.
peace- jv
 
The AUX INs will accommodate a return audio feed from an external recorder, but...

You'll ALWAYS have to remember to turn down the AUX RCVs when the other recorder is put on "rec", "rec-pause", and "input" monitoring mode, otherwise you'll develop a nasty feedback loop between the aux in's, L/R buss and line outs, looping back through the input monitoring system of the external tape deck. This is very important to avoid.

When using an external 2-track recorder, that's being driven with the line outs of the 244, and also using the AUX RCVs for the 2-track tape returns from the external recorder,... accidentally switching RECORD on the external tape deck, before you've turned down AUX IN all the way down, will give you a feedback loop you will not soon forget. Feedback that may damage your hearing, your equipment, or both.

You'll notice that Tascams such as the 488 and 564 have a 2-Tr Input, that routes external tape returns directly to the MONITOR section, which gives you the basic separation you need from the main L/R buss.

In some cases, an external mixer is better for monitoring & especially if you need cue on the external recorder that's hooked to a Portastudio, BUT, if you're very, VERY careful, you may do this with the 244.

Hope that answers your questions.;)

================

I have a similar illustrative example, of driving a Tascam 38 with the 388's 8-buss mixer, with an M-1B as the 38's output and cue monitor:

-All 8 PGM OUTs of the 388's mixer are hooked to the 8 INPUTs of the 38 tape deck.

-A Tascam M-1B is hooked to the outputs of the 38, for monitor and cue, since the 388 doesn't provide 8-tape returns into the monitor, where it's essential to keep it isolated from the 8-buss output system.

-The 38's outputs could then be entirely repatched to the [8] LINE INs of the 388 for final remix.

=================
 
Thanks JV, glad you like the VTB-1 like I do.
It's very quiet, with a nice coloration IMHO.

As far as using the RNC for compression, due to my "engineering
limitations" :), I may try some mild compression (2:1 ratio or less)
on the vocal. Rarely try to reduce level beyond 4dB at most then.
Do use the "insert" feature on the VTB-1 for this.

It's nice to have this extra set of metering, and can be handy for
a bit of extra gain, even without actively using the compressor.

The reality, however, is that I'm at the point where there's a lot to be said to avoiding compression on the vocal, and waiting for mixdown for learning purposes. Then after you find yourself
using more predictable settings, based on the material, that can be done on initial tracking.

I respect that for recording loud instruments, it's better to do some compression up front to keep better control on levels.

Chris
 
... thanks guys. i'll take your feedback and put it to use. i realize i've kinda taken this thread all over the place, so i'll get back to recording and post again in the appropriate forum if i hit a snag (which is probably inevitable : )
peace - jv
 
I just realized "chessparov" was a play on chess champion "Casparov".

Okay, I'm slow.;)
 
Reel, I first thought "ARP" was a reference to that retired person's organization/magazine...

Chris
 
I dont know who started calling me ARP, but that's the Association of Retired Persons

Well, I'm -sorta- retired!;) Not exactly retired!;)
 
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