Very basic set up

[peggydog]

Hi,

I want to start doing very basic recordings of my electric guitar and bass. I have amps and a zoom 707 effect pedal (with built in drum machine).

I was thinking of getting an entry level Tascam 4 track (424, 414 or maybe just the 02).

Will I need anything else to multi-track and to play back through headphones?

I'm assuming that I can plug the guitars straight into the recorder (maybe through the 707 or through an amp) and therefore won't need a mic.

I'm also assuming that I can set the levels on the recorder so won't initially need a mixer.

Also, can these recorders playback other tracks whilst you record a new track?

Is there anything else that I need?

Any advice re. the above would be greatly appreciated. As would recommendations of any cheap multitrack recorders.

Thanks.

 

[Purge]

I used to have the 02 and it's not bad to use as kind of an "audio" scrapbook...meaning it does the trick but not a whole lot more. (which is what it's designed to do) I ended up replacing it with a Fostex XR 7 that I found on Ebay for like 50 bucks and even though this isn't exactly state of the art by today's standards, it does everything I could need for home projects and even some live band stuff. (but for the love of God, make sure you get one that includes a manual....Fostex Co. is a pain in the ass about these things...) But yeah, consider looking for some used tape 4 tracks, since lot's of people are replacing them with digital machines.

The 4 track and the headphones are all you need to get going. You don't need the mixer yet--you're right about being able to adjust levels, panning, etc. on the 4 track itself (even the 02). From what I'm seeing, the general consensus is that it sounds fine to record bass directly into the 4 track, but you'll eventually want to mic the guitars for better sound. You can, however, just run the guitars direct to the machine for now. And yes, you can hear all the tracks you've recorded while recording new ones. That's really all you need to get started. Good luck!

 

[TexRoadkill]

I can't recomend cassette recorders anymore. They just sound like crap compared to most other stuff out there. You can get small digital recorders or a good interface for your computer for the same amount or a little more.

I assume that eventually you want to burn CD's so you'll have to go digital in the end anyway.