preamps

[Pirate]

I know this is a dumb question, but do Tascam cassette portastudios have preamps. What I'm getting at is...I know they have built in mixers. Can I plug my mic directly into that and get a strong enough signal to record from? I'm new at this and would appreciate any help I could get. I don't own a mixer and am trying to decide whether to get a portastudio or to use my computer and buy software (and possibly a soundcard and a mic preamp or a mixer). I don't have a lot of money to spend and don't need my stuff to sound like Steely Dan. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[monk]

From what I understand, each channel strip (1,2,3,4,etc) has it's own preamp. This is what you're adjusting when you use your 'line/mic trim' control. I know I've plugged mics directly into the board without any signal problems. Quality of sound is different story but you're right, we're not trying to record 'The Wall' or anything like that.
Take it very easy.

 

[Hano]

Even a regular tape deck has pre-amps.
You can plug a microphone into the deck and send it's line out directly into your computer.

 

[MM2]

Yes, but don't forget they don't have the phantom power that most condenser mics require (unless they run on batteries).With dynamic mics, no prob.

 

[england]

With the Tascam you can 'plug-in-and-play'. However, in order to get a strong signal from your mic inputs you have to really crank the trim pots and thus the level of 'noise' increases. I eliminated the problem by getting a Behringer MX802A mixer, which I understand American Musical Supply now has for $90. Anyway, now I get a good-n'-hot signal with vitually no noise, AND the unit also provides phantom power as required with some mics. Hope this helps.