No sound on playback for track 3

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vintagedrive

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I don't get any sound on playback when I record to the 3rd track on my portastudio. Line level is active when recording and all knobs are set to where they are always. I clean the head and rollers after approx. 4hrs of use. I don't have any problem with tracks 1, 2 and 4 just 3. Haven't changed tape brands or cords either. Any help out there?
 
Yo Vintage of Wine:

Have you, perhaps, blown the mic pre on that channel?

I'm not clear on what unit you are using but if you are getting all the other tracks to respond, something must be amiss with the track that doesn't track.

Only a suggestion but check your cables and clean the 1/4 connectors.

Green Hornet:D :D :p :p
 
Yo Hornet thou Green;
Thanks for the quick response. The unit's a porta 2. I have a habit to always check my connectors. I'm new to the self recording gig but have been playing a number of years. Although you make a valid point in regards to connectors. I'm amazed how many players overlook that area. If you go to your favorite guitar store to demo some gear 8 out of 10 times the cord they supply has loose cover connectors. You would think they should know. Sorry for the lane change on the subject. Anyhoo, how can I be sure if it's the mic pre? Thanks again.
 
You'll probably have to open it up and have a service manual handy. If you open it up, look for the obvious first. Loose wiring really does still happen in this day of surface mount technology.

I had the same thing happen a long time ago on my first four track, but it was a cold connection on the head. A little poking around and some solder fixed it. If that's the case it's no big deal.

A blow pre-amp on the other hand may require service if your are not a tech.
 
I used to have a tascam 4 track and the same thing happened. The reason was I wasn't cleaning and de-magnitizing on a regular basis.

If you are not doing this you should start. What got my track working againg was the de-magnatize. But cleaning is essential also.
 
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