Tracks aren't bouncing ARGH! 424mkIII

[Don138]

Followed each step in the manual for bouncing tracks, and during tape playback nothing is showing on the indicator for track 4. Am attempting to put tracks 1-3 to free up some tracks, and since that's the example given in the manual, I tried it. I recorded tracks 1-3 using the direct line instead of the BUSS options does that make a difference? I can't imagine how. Thanks.

 

[A Reel Person]

Okay.

Select Input= TAPE on Channels 1-3.
Select Input= OFF on Channel 4.

Channels 1-3 faders UP.
Channel 4 fader DOWN.
MASTER fader UP.

Channels 1-3 PAN controls either Center or hard-Right.

REC-FUNCTION= Safe on Tracks 1-3.
REC-FUNCTION= BUSS R on Track 4.

Press PLAY to mix (Tracks 1-3) and audition the signal (to Track 4).
(Should see level on Track 4 at this point).

Press REC-PLAY to print the 1-3 > 4 bounce track.

... seems to cover it!

 

[Don138]

Just tried it, still not happening. Weh.

 

[A Reel Person]

Make sure....

Make sure the "Line Out" switch is set to L-R.

Make sure the "DBX NR" switch is set to "On", (not "Sync").

 

[Don138]

Tried that too. Still no reading on track 4. I'm open to more suggestions.

 

[JRSIV]

The directions Dave gave are right on; that is the way to bounce tracks on the 424mkIII. Your tape head may be screwed up so recording to track four won't happen but you should be able to see a signal in the track four meter regardless. Try to send a new signal (bass, keys, etc...) to track four direct to see if the channel works, etc. If the meters light up, then I'd think the mixer was OK...Keep trying man!

 

[Don138]

Channel 4 works I recorded with it already. Maybe I could bounce from 4 to another track, I may be stuck having to dump them to a mini disk, then feeding them back through an input but I'd really like to get this figured out first.

 

[Don138]

No headphones, running monitor line out to my stereo input so I can hear it. How do you do that, other than panning all the way to the right? Thanks. Don

 

[Don138]

Are you hearing the playback of Trk 1-3 on your stereo when you have it setup for bouncing to Trk 4?

If so, it sounds like the signal is on the L & R busses and I assume you can control the line out levels to your stereo with the "Master Fader".

It was mentioned before, but let's recheck the position of the "Record Function" switches that are right below the cassette. These switches take the signal from the Master Fader and set the direction of where signals go.

"Record Function"
Trk 1 - Safe
Trk 2 - Safe
Trk 3 - Safe
Trk 4 - BUSS R
With this set the REC 4 indicator should be blinking meaning it's in the Record Ready mode.

That's the thing. Yes, all 3 tracks play through the stereo (quit laughing at me I'm low tech), that's how the switches are set, track 4 indicator blinks, but when I hit play, all three tracks play fine, just not on track 4. Thanks.

 

[JRSIV]

External bouncing solution?

I used to do carefully thought out internal bounces on the 424 but as soon as I got my DAT recorder (this was in '94, so no laughing) I used it exclusively for bouncing. External bounces allow you to record all four tracks and then sub-mix them to another machine with better quality results than internally. Then you can save the original four track tape for redo's, archiving and recording on fresh tape will mean better sound anyway.

If you have a MiniDisc with decent sound and a next generation compression scheme, it might be better to bounce to it even if your 424 was bouncing internally with no problems. Just a thought...

 

[cjacek]

I second external bouncing

Spot on about external bouncing JRSIV. I've been doing that, when need be, using my 5 year old integrated sound card's "line in" (and then "line out" back into tape) and the result is much better than when using internal bouncing, especially on cassette. If you have the option, switch it to 24 bit / 96 but reg 16 / 44 will suffice.

 

[Don138]

Spot on about external bouncing JRSIV. I've been doing that, when need be, using my 5 year old integrated sound card's "line in" (and then "line out" back into tape) and the result is much better than when using internal bouncing, especially on cassette. If you have the option, switch it to 24 bit / 96 but reg 16 / 44 will suffice.

In the words of Stan, "Cartman, what the hell are you talking about?!!" Computer stuff? I was thinking of just dumping it onto a handheld portable minidisc recorder I have, it's always recorded off a mic beautifully, and figure it will off a line patch as well, straight off the line out, to the line in jacks. Worth a shot I imagine. If it doesn't work so well at least I can record over the mini disc. Hmm, wonder if I could leave a cassette out, run cords for the line in and out jacks, and record straight to mini disc? Might be a good back up for if and when the cassette deck craps out.

 

[JRSIV]

Yeah Donny, the 424 would work as a mixer for recording to the MiniDisc unit; might be cool for recording a band or rehearsals. But I'd try the external bounce on it and I think you'll be surprised.

 

[Don138]

Yeah Donny, the 424 would work as a mixer for recording to the MiniDisc unit; might be cool for recording a band or rehearsals. But I'd try the external bounce on it and I think you'll be surprised.

Damn, I forgot how. Like roughmixing it to tape deck, then playing/recording from and with the tape right?

Ps, when I tried to bounce it to the minidisc, it came out all garbled. Think I'll try it to my cassette deck next.