As you’ll easily figure out from my following question, I’m totally new to and basically clueless as far as mulittrack cassette recorders are concerned!
Do all multitrack cassette recorders record by you plugging your instrument or mic directly into the recorder?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
~Larry
Hi!
Yep, all the cassette multitracks I know have jack inputs which accept Mic/Line and Instrument (Guitar/bass) level.
Unless you are working to a really tight budget though, I’d suggest you might want to look out for a second-hand Yamaha MD4/8 recorder. These work just like a cassette multitrack but with none of the quality issues. There used lots in the UK by us breed who teach Music Technology. Simple/excellent quality. There are some great little HD 4 tracks on the market too.
If you are buying cassette I’d suggest a Tascam or Yamaha unit - mid price plus. Reply if you need further details/spec/help on this one
Cheers
Barry
Barry, thanks for your answer, as well as your suggestion.
This being my first foray into recording my own music, I decided the best way to go would be the best, lowest priced recorder I could find. Right now my choice is between a Fostex X-12 Cassette Multitrack, and a Tascam MF PO1 Porta Sound. Sam Ash has both of them now for $99.99. The regular price of the Fostex is $199.99, and the Tascam is usually $125, so I’m thinking that the Fostex might be the one to go with.
Your opinion, as well as anyone else’s, is appreciated and welcomed before I make my final decision.
~Larry
Larry,
I have no experience with the Fostex but have owned a Tascam Porta 01 for 8 years. It is simple and problem free. It makes a good scratch pad for composing. It has a bit of hiss and must use type 2 tape.
OT - I’ve switched to recording on my computer. Have you considered this? All you need is some software, a sound card and small mixer. My setup is a Soud Blaster Live sound card, Beringer 6X2 mixer and Cool Edit Pro software. My total investment was about $250.
If cassette is your choice, Guitar Center sells the Tascam for ~$79.
Happy recording,
Gary
Larry,
I’m a bit unclear about why you would go with a cassette rather than a digital recorder. A little 4-track wouldn’t cost much (I think) and would probably give you 16 bit (CD standard) recording quality. I have a Fostex 16 track that’s not perfect but gives pretty good results. You don’t want all that room it seems, but you’ll be much happier with good sound reproduction than poor reproduction I think.
Zoom MRS4 4-Track Digital Recorder
goes for $219.00 and memory is cheep 128 for $30.00 on sale.
http://www.crmav.com/recording/34/mrs4_4_track_digital_recorder.shtml
or the Fostex MR 8
http://www.musician.com/musiciansfriend_frameset.html
I thing you get more reconding time for your money with the Zoom unit and the memory is cheaper.
[ This Message was edited by: Wizzer on 2003-01-20 11:36 ]
At least give these digitals a try Larry. You’ll be amazed at the quality. I think that if this is your first outing, all the more reason to get something that will make you sound good.
While the ZOOM is five times as good for twice the money, both are OK for $100. The Fostex only records one track at a time. My American Musical Supply catalogue didn’t say one way or the other about the Tascam. AMS sells both for $100, so you are not getting any special deal.
The Tascam is cooler looking, so I’ll bet the Fostex works better.