Newbie Recorder

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boydeadly

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I want to buy a four track recorder, something that I can use to record and mix down so that I can exchange normal tapes with a friend. I was thinking about just the basic MF-PO1, but what else would I have to buy in terms of a mixer? Would I be able to give him the tape straight out of the MF-PO1 so that he could play it on a normal hi-fi? Any help would be much appreciated, I wanna get recording as soon as I can. Cheers, Kev
 
You won't be able to give him a tape right uout of the recorder. You'll need a cassette deck to mix your " tracks" down to 2....Any cassette deck w/ RCA inputs should do the trick. Run the stereo outputs from your recorder to the RCA inputs of your mixdown deck, and record.

You can make it a lot more complicated, but that's the skinny....
 
You're probably better off going digital....4 track casssettes are just as expensive when you look at getting a mix down deck. You can get a small 4 track for 299-399. Some of these also have USB interface, so you can load them directly on to your computer and make a CD that way.

Just some suggestions......
 
you think so? im currently bidding on an mf-po1 on ebay, theres a long way to go, but at the moment my bid of 31 quid is highest. what do you think is the best way i could produce something that i could regularly record and give to my mate, and that isnt over complicated? i only need a four track at this stage and i was attracted to this machine cos of its simplicity. Most tape decks have rca inputs dont they? So they wouldnt cost very much just to record straight from the 4 track...Im assuming. I knew absolutely nothing about home recording before today, so please excuse the naivety.
 
I don't think the MF-P01 is your best bid,...

unless they're absouutely giving it away. :eek:

I think your better bet is to wait for a 424mkII, minimum. :eek: ;)
 
...

The 424mkII has better features, overall, which will give you more power and flexibility in production, in the long run,... not to mention better sound quality, by far.

The MF-P01 is underpowered and under-featured, and it would lower your production significantly, in comparison to the 424mkII.

I say the 424mkII, because it's the newest and most full featured unit that can be had at the most reasonable bid. Just based on what I know, after watching Ebay for 4 years.

In your locale, YMMV. But if you're talking about a US sale and US buyer, deals are appreciably good on the 424mkII, considering what you get.

/DA ;)
 
I got the MFP-01 for Xmas as a gift. It's really my first introduction to Home recording and I love it. We've got some good recordings from it (albeit we have used a good mixer - which is really important because the MFP-01 is so limited, - decent mics and a Pod). Its particularly good for laying down basic ideas......but, ......heres the but......Although Ive had it for a couple of weeks Im already saving my cash to upgrade to digital, so, I would recommend (unless you get the 4-track dirt cheap) holding off and saving up your money for an 8-track digital machine.

But don't worry, if you decide on the MFP-01 you'll still have great fun.
 
mkII vs. mkIII

so which wins the battle? i have an mkIII but have never messed around with an mkII
 
Ok,... I'll bite on that one!!

I recommended the 424mk2 for the reason that it's a few years older than the MK3, and therefore, you're gonna pay much less in bid price, vs. the MK3,... which often bids up near new/retail prices still, by virtue of it still being the newest/latest model available.

On features alone, the 424mkIII has the 424mkII topped. If you already have the 424mkIII, then don't waste a moment worrying about what you might have missed in the 424mkII. The answer is: nothing.

If you're on an MF-p01 budget, your next step up [IMO] is the 424mkII, based on real street value, current bid prices. If you have more cash to kick in, of course going for the 424mkIII makes sense.

If you really want the cream of the 4-track Portastudio crop, as NEW equipment available in stores as RETAIL,... then the 424mkIII is still available for a reasonable $300, BRAND NEW, and I'd say that's your best value in cassette 4-tracks in BRAND NEW equipment.

I hope this post puts my thoughts in perspective. As always, YMMV. ;)
 
ok....so, now I've got the tascam 414 mark II for 80 quid, to go with a mic with lead, and a guitar with lead. Anyone wanna be a helpful chap and tell me what else i need? in terms of tape decks mostly, your knowledge and advice would be appreciated in terms of how much i should be looking to spend, or even a suggestion as to what model to buy. Cheers, Kev
 
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