quality deterioration during mix down

[Indio]

Hi all,

I am working with a tascam 414 mkII 4-track cassette recorder...it works well.

However, I notice a significant deterioration compared to the master when I mix down to my used JVC dual deck...the first mixdown tape is not as good as the master and the dubs are quite a bit worse....

I bought a demagnetizer and cleaning solutions as prescribed on this site and the problems is not really solved....

Do I need to get a high end deck? any suggestions for models?

thanks in advance....

Indio

 

[Rokket]

You will get some deterioration everytime you record from tape to tape, so a higher end tape deck may be the answer, and also a higher biased tape to mix down to. You know that you lose a little bit when you bounce down, too. I use a digital multitracker and mix via pc, so I can't really recommend a good tape deck, but I can give you a link to look at some:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240730/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240752/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240755/

 

[Farview]

This is a classic problem with cassette tape. There really is no way around it. If you could mix down to your computer instead of another cassette, it might help.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo INdio:

If you are going from tape TO tape, your results will degrade. A high end tape deck such as a Sony ES model will let you mix "hotter."

When I was mixing tape to tape, then, MD8 to tape, I got inproved results using a mic pre to record the tracks--more boost=more juice when you mix. Of course, you have to watch clipping.

Suggest you venture into mixing to a PC or CD recorder. Once you get it on CD, you can make as many copies as you want and you will get constant quality.

But, if you play around with what you have, get a hotter signal via mic pre--that will help. Another thought: I run my mic pre into a RNC and then into my SIAB 2816--I get good results via the digital quality of the 2816.

Experiment a bit and see if you can improve your sonic quality.

Happy Summer
Green Hornet

 

[Indio]

Hey Guys, thanks for your thoughts....

I am not sure I want to invest in a more expensive higher end deck at this time....especially if I make a move to digital in the future....I wanted to start with analog to get my feet wet....

I am still too much of a noob to experiment with pres etc. and I dont have any more equipment...

I do have a very good newish laptop...IBM thinkpad..with plenty of memory and a CD burner...so I would like to venture into transferring to computer as suggested...was not sure how complex this would be...

I will look for threads to help me in this process, and I may have some questions in the near future...

thanks a lot!
Indio