home recording geek out

[brainfiber]

So I got my 4-track yesterday. The thing looks brand new....looks like it was never used. i fooled around with it for a bit last night...and then i set up the 4-track and used that for a bit...made my first recording...just some random guitar stuff.

I was reading the manual and it said to use chrome type II tape. I didn't have that, so i just used a regular blank tape and that seemed to work.

I really had to clue about the levels, or panning...just pushed record for each track...rewound...did another track...

[tubbs]

  Hi there, that's great!
they just wantcha to use those special tapes cause they're sturdier.  It's no problem if you don't record over much

[brainfiber]

cool. So i'll just use the same tapes i'm using for now.

Eventually i would like to transfer the tracks onto the computer and play with them there.But first i'll need to get a computer that works at home. Ours crapped out the other night. Don't have a clue...brought it to work and the IT guy looked at it and got it to boot...but it runs so so slow. So when the tax man gives me back what is mine we might put a little down on a new computer.

in the mean time i'll have to get a microphone. Last night i just ran the cable from the guitar into the zoom and then into the 4-track. But if want to be banging on any pots or playing the accordian i'll need something to record it with.

[Doctor Rock]

Regular tapes will work, but try to get 30 minute on a side tapes: the longer the tape, the more chances you have of getting tape stretching and wobbly noise.  My fav tape type is TDK SA60 IEC/type II high bias tapes.  They're pricy, but you can keep on using them if you copy down to computer.  Don't forget to regularly clean your tape heads with audio/video head cleaning fluid (don't use regular alcohol).  They might sell that at your local radio shack.  If not, try ebay.  Usually, one bottle will last you the rest of your life if your carefull.  Also, you may need some cotton or velvet swabs to apply the clener to the tape heads.  Use hospital grade cotton swabs, avoid the regular Qtips, they will leave residue on your tape heads.
Once you apply the cleaner (read the manual), let it dry by keeping the tape deck open.

Your manual should give you some clues about this.  Tascam manuals are usually pretty good, read it carefully.  

As for level settings: read the manual for starters, oce you get the basics down, start experimenting.  To me, there's no "right" way of doing things, just follow your ears!

Have I told you to read the manual?

[Doctor Rock]

As for mics: you can get a cheopo radioshack model that will work most of the time.  Tripp as some pretty good ideas on that.  If you're willing to get something that will last for ever and that can take a beating, you can't go wrong with a Shure SM57.  They're good multiporpuse mics, industry standards.  They go for about US$65 to $75 on ebay (used).  But they're very popular, you might need to try a few times.  Check your local pawn shops too.  I have a sm57 and a sm58 (which is basically a 57 with a wind screen) and they work great and are very sturdy.  Mics tend to get bumped a lot...


All of this might seem a little bit pricy, but remember: if you get quality stuff, it will last you a lifetime.  In the long run, it ends up being cheaper.

[Doctor Rock]

Hi there, that's great!
they just wantcha to use those special tapes cause they're sturdier.  It's no problem if you don't record over much

Hey welcome Tubbs!  Were are you from?  Are you a long time lurker?  What made you want to post here?

[tubbs]

Hi Dan, I was just pasing through

[shabbadoo]

Speeking of geek out...I found this site while I was surfin'.  I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when I heard some of the homemade recordings on this site.

Ahhh, good times.

I agree about the SM57..  never a better all around mic.  The best mic for guitar amps ever made.  Most pro engineers in high-dollar studios who have their pick of every expensive exotic mic ever made will still always use a 57 on the snare drum and on the guitar cabinet.  They can overload if you're using them inside a kick drum or right-up-next to a loud bass amp, but only if they're too close or the source is too loud.  (I wouldn't want to put it inside the kick drum of a heavy hitting drummer)

[Pogo!]

Do any of you use Cool Edit Pro?
or Adobe Audition 1.5? I need some advice.

[Tripp]

I'm still using Pro Tools free.

[Poop Fresh-Herbed Pickles]

All of this might seem a little bit pricy, but remember: if you get quality stuff, it will last you a lifetime.  In the long run, it ends up being cheaper.

High quality is always less expensive.