Message Board

Most reverb is a stereo effect, no? There is a L and a R output from the reverb box, meaning I will need two tracks on the tape recorder to preserve the stereo effect of the reverb. What I'm asking is whether most people just collapse the L and R outputs of the reverb into a mono signal, thus only r...

After years of flirting with the idea, I bought a R2R and compatible mixer (Tascam 38 and M312). I still need to have the R2R fixed up, but in the meantime I am researching some strategies for tape recording. I have done everything in a DAW thus far in my music-making life. One basic question I have...

I went ahead and recorded a basic tone from a synthesizer, on all 8 tracks, one by one. Each time during recording I made sure the meter topped out at the +3db mark. Upon playback, here are the results: Track 1: +3db (proper) Track 2: -3db (low) Track 3: -3db (low) Track 4: -3db (low) Track 5: +5db ...

I appreciate all the good advice, floid. I did record my voice on all 8 tracks and played them all back when I first bought the machine, but haven't done anything too scientific since then. But to eliminate a few potential issues you suggested: I clean the heads and pinch roller thoroughly w/ q-tips...

Honestly if you've got a hard-ish rock style, I'd say check out the LXP-1 before you spend too much on something else. It might not be "better" than what you have now, but its small, simple, and super cheap. Worth checking out to see if you enjoy its flavor. I personally have gotten a lot of use out...

I've got a Tascam 238 8-track cassette recorder that was outfitted with a new TEAC motor/capstan assembly a few years ago. It sounds great and seems to work smoothly, but of course with 8 tracks crammed on such a narrow medium, there seem to be some head alignment problems. For instance, I'll record...

Your input chain can be as convoluted or as simple as you want. In addition to preamp/ e.q./ compressor/ reverb/ etc, your mixer may have insert points, direct outs, bus outs, main outs, and more where there's a signal you can send to tape. The earliest stage where you can get the sound you want wi...

I get that I'd still need a mixer, but I guess my point was that if the signal is still going through it on the playback end, would I really notice that it didn't make the trip during recording? The fewer trips the better, maybe? And I don't have any experience bouncing tracks to a DAW, but I suppos...

Thanks for the replies! Dave, I'm curious about the possibility of recording direct into the 238. But then wouldn't I need to buy a dedicated EQ since I can't use the mixer's? And also wouldn't I need to run the audio back through the mixer anyway in order to pan tracks, set levels, compress, etc? I...

Long ago you guys helped me pick out a mixer for my Tascam 238, but alas that trusty Fostex 812 has since bitten the dust. This time around I'm wondering if I can score something with a better EQ. I'm willing to spend a bit more, perhaps around 500. Since the 238 is an 8-track, and I only record 2 t...

Thanks for all the help! I checked out the MKII today and I felt a little bit less foolish having a few things to go on. Unfortunately though the thing was very obviously in need of service. The tape would not reliably play or record, sound was cutting in and out, the inputs were noisy, etc. I had t...

What sort of things should I be looking for when I "try before I buy"? I do realize that I'll need to give the thing a thorough test before I make an offer, but I admit I'm pretty clueless as to how to go about that. I plan to bring a cassette and a small portable keyboard, record on a couple track...

I used to have a Tascam 238 (8-track rackmount cassette recorder) and I made a few recordings on it. But then my old Fostex mixer started having issues, and the repair quote was insane. With the mixer kaput, I could no longer record anything to the 238. SO when I got the opportunity to sell the 238...

Yeah I'll just have to give it a go and see if I need more gain or not. Most "field mixers" I'm seeing are at least 4 channels, when I assume I will only need one. I'm also researching some "field preamps," but these seem to be more rare and harder to find good info on.

A bit more research suggests that for "soundscape" recording, an X/Y stereo mic is a good option. I like the look/price of the AT2022. It's battery powered too! I wonder if the mic and the recorder alone will be able to produce a suitably loud recording. I imagine they should considering that the PM...