What can I do to achieve glitch-free drop ins??

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gentlejohn

gentlejohn

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Hi, I'm using a Tascam 388 & I am noticing audible clicks & glitches on playback of my latest recording. I've (finally!) realised they're occurring at points where I dropped in line-by-line for a backing vocal that I hadn't rehearsed - I just ad-libbed on the fly. I'm aware that you're probably going to suffer a glitchy drop-in when punching in over a previously recorded existing musical part on the tape and, for a seamless, more professional edit, you're better off waiting for a gap in the music but what I can't understand is that this bit-part backing vocal I recorded was on a completely fresh track. Is this an end user technique issue OR could there be something gone wrong with my machine? :spank:
 
It may very well be the machine., its capability for seamless punches, or age and wear, or the calibration/alignment set-up....or your timing.
 
For a machine that was designed to be virtually pop-free on punch-in like the 388 was, the most important thing you can do is degauss (demagnetize) the tape path, especially the heads. There could be other things wrong, but otherwise this is a necessary part of routine maintenance that helps reduce audibility of punching-in. But even on machines where seamless punch-in is expected, its best practice to punch in on the beat when possible. Not sure what kind of music you're working on. Some lends itself better to seamless punch-ins than other types.
 
Verify the machine is biased correctly for the tape you are using-the 388 was originally set up from the factory for Maxell UD35-90.You MAY get glitches with the bias not being optimum.For the best punch you need to know the material before and after the punch point.Rolling the tape a distance before the punch,(pre-roll), in playback, and playing/singing along with the recorded material before the punch point,playing/singing right through the punch point and continuing to play/sing past the punch out point will get you a smoother punch/performance.Having someone else do the mechanics of the punch in/out while you concentrate on the performance will also help.
 
Hey! I think I've just worked out what's been causing my drop-in clips ... a flourescent light! Yep, there's a flourescent light strip (or there was!) directly above where my studio's situated. "D'OH!"
 
I have the same kind of light in my little home studio. It's always turned off though. I causes a nice hum through my gear.
 
Last edited:
gentlejohn said:
Hey! I think I've just worked out what's been causing my drop-in clips ... a flourescent light! Yep, there's a flourescent light strip (or there was!) directly above where my studio's situated. "D'OH!"
Click to expand...

$75 fine for operating a studio without a lava lamp.
 
The florescent light will cause problems even without doing drop-ins, so all the other advice from members above still applies for best results. It’s difficult to get a full picture of a person’s studio and recording practices when trying to answer questions. I assume basic studio environmental conditions are met, but then turns out the OP is recording at 30,000 feet hanging upside down from an airplane or something equally unexpected, and he didn’t tell us that part. :) :cool:
 
Hey Beck! How 'on earth' did you find out about my '8 miles high' recording technique?
 
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