mixing down to multitrack tape

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mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by chris harris » Tue Aug 12, 2003 5:36 pm

I'm considering doing some mixes to 2 tracks of a 1/2" 8-track, as an alternative to bouncing to disc.
I'm planning to get a decent 1/4" 2-track to mix to eventually, but times are hard and that will have to wait.
Anyone have any experience with mixing to 2 tracks of a multi-track tape?

come to think of it, I guess I've got some experience with this from bouncing tracks on 4 and 8 tracks. but, I've never used one for a final mix.

Anything I should keep in mind or watch out for?

thanks everyone!
peace.
chris

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by @?,*???&? » Tue Aug 12, 2003 6:26 pm

And are you planning to send your 8-track machine along with the tape to mastering?

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by chris harris » Tue Aug 12, 2003 7:44 pm

I was just going to transfer the tapes to the computer and send a cd-r.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by brian beattie » Tue Aug 12, 2003 7:47 pm

I always bring my machine to mastering.
brian

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by chemicalpink » Tue Aug 12, 2003 8:03 pm

use tracks 4 and 6 the outside tracks are not as good plus the tracks
will be more in phase due to azimith. depending on the music you
could get some nice tape saturation and a louder "limited" mix.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by @?,*???&? » Tue Aug 12, 2003 8:18 pm

subatomic pieces wrote:I was just going to transfer the tapes to the computer and send a cd-r.
I'd strongly urge you to reconsider just what it is you're trying to accomplish with this.

I'd even forget the exercise to begin with and send the mixes in 24-bit WAV or AIFF files to a mastering facility with great analog gear like Bernie Grundman or the Mastering Lab. You'll get better results than the slight coloration your 8-track is going to give.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by joel hamilton » Tue Aug 12, 2003 8:26 pm

I agree with Jeff,, Although I have mixed (fanned out on a real console) to 1/4" and then printed right back into protools to make a 24 bit two track...

The benefits, unless you are using really good converters, and a GREAT sounding tape machine are going to be much less than the benefit of a good mastering job straight from your files. Really.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by chemicalpink » Tue Aug 12, 2003 8:39 pm

hey its not going hurt to try, if it sounds worse don't use it, if you want
it too sound kind of hot and crazy thats a good way to do it. and there
is no plug-in that will do that. listen to some led zepplin or white stripes
thats tape saturation if I have ever heard it. as soon as people can't
give somthing a try, music goes to shit.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by joel hamilton » Tue Aug 12, 2003 9:46 pm

I needed to sleep.

should have before posting replies.

Lame. (on my part).
Last edited by joel hamilton on Wed Aug 13, 2003 8:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by universe » Tue Aug 12, 2003 11:16 pm

Joel Hamilton wrote:Nobody seems to want to hear the answers that people who do this stuff for a living give ,anyway.
you sound like you are pissed off that no one is giving you props.

no one wants to listen to what you have to say because of the whiny, elitist way you write, not because you are a "pro." moron

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by assfortress » Tue Aug 12, 2003 11:26 pm

Joel Hamilton wrote:Nobody seems to want to hear the answers that people who do this stuff for a living give ,anyway.
i would: http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopi ... 2392#22392
"It?s the consequence you?ll pay, as long as you got the sound of it blowing up on tape."

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by J to the Q » Wed Aug 13, 2003 2:54 am

all i can say is that
ASSFORTRESS is by far the best username that i have seen anywhere.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by J to the Q » Wed Aug 13, 2003 2:57 am

but seriously folks,

i think it is a great idea,
unless of course you DO have enough cash for bernie grundman. :wink:

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by chris harris » Wed Aug 13, 2003 4:58 am

J to the Q wrote: i think it is a great idea,
unless of course you DO have enough cash for bernie grundman. :wink:
yeah... in which case I'd probably just buy a 1/2" 2-track and send him my 1/2" reels.

Thanks to everyone. It's OBVIOUS that this is not the best possible solution. But, I'm taking a stab that it may be the best possible solution that is within the realm of possibilities for me and my clients.
Most of the bands that I work with are making their first few records. They don't have anyone putting up the cash for them.

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Re: mixing down to multitrack tape

Post by citizenkeith » Wed Aug 13, 2003 6:44 am

I managed to get a decent 1/4" Tascam 2 track machine for $100 (model 22-2). It's not the best option out there, but after setting it up I was surprised by how good it sounded. Mind you, I wouldn't use it for everything but it would work well for some good rock and roll.

You could do this for maybe $200: $100 for a working machine, and maybe another $100 for a set-up (I bought the MLR tape and an Annis demagnetizer so I could do it myself... not sure how much a tech would charge).

I also use it for a nice slapback... nice to have the tape saturation on the slapback.

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