What I did

[Lost]

Ok As i said Im trying to get into recording. I was about to get a porta 05 on ebay but someone beat me out on it. So i got a porta 03 the next day for 82 dollars with a cord manual and orignal box. Was that a good deal?

What kind of tape should i use? I have heard that 30 minutes is the best length. What kind would give me the best qualtiy of sound.

I know the porta 03 isnt all that great but its all i got money for and I cant buy anything else.

Heres the rest of my set up:

Epiphone Les Paul and Fender Amp
Zoom 505
Rogue Bass Guitar and Amp
A cheap microphone
and a organ which can do snythetic drums and chords and such.

What is the best way for me to make good qualtity recording with this setup..

I also have a nice stereo and receiver I can mix down to so what Kind of tape should Mix down too?

I know its a lot of questions but if someone could please answer Id be greatly obliged.

-Thanks

 

[pglewis]

If the machine is in good shape, I'd say it was worth the $82. Make sure to read the manual and maintain your machine. Poor maintenence will really hurt the sound quality.

4-track recorders use BOTH sides of the tape in order to get 4-tracks to record on. Cassette tape normally uses 4-tracks: L/R side one and L/R side 2. You'll only be able to use one side of the tape with the 4-track, so keep that in mind. I'd get some good high-bias 60 min tapes, unless your manual suggests something different.

4-tracks can be great to learn on. I've heard some fantastic recordings on them. A better microphone down the road will help the sound. Plug it in and start noodling, tape is cheap and no one has to hear your screw-ups.

 

[Hano]

I have used a Tascam 244/DBX for years. The only tape I could rely on + I liked because it could keep up with dynamics + it had no drop-outs was TDK SA-X.
I tried BASF /Philips/Memorex/other popular brands = Sucks. Less dynamics, and they all had drop-outs.(Places that have no magnetic field/or damaged fields).
I record digitally now on a VS880EX now, and I can still enjoy the rather good quality I have achieved on this fourtracker.
The great advantage of having DBX is that I am now used to never let my tools clip in recording. Wich is also completly wrong in the digital domain.
Sorry for the long answer. I just felt like writing all this down. Enjoy the music.

 

[Dom Franco]

As soon as money permits, upgrade your microphone. It will mak the most significant improvement in your sound for the least ammount of money. Shure SM 58 or SM 57 or If possible any Condensor microphone Audio Technica or Rode!

Sincerely;

Dom Franco

 

[Lost]

Thanks for everyones help... what microphone would u suggest... and how much might it be..