How Does a Four Track Cassette Recorder Work?

Analog tape recorders use specialized tapes to record music and sound.

While analog cassettes have more or less been replaced by computers, learning how to record with a tape recorder can help to refine your recording technique. Four track recorders allow you to individually record and listen to any of the four tracks on a cassette.

How it Works

A four track cassette recorder assigns each of the four audio tracks to a specific pan, either left or right. To record on a specific track, switch its input selector to "Tape," "Line-in" or "Mic." Set the recording function to pan left or right, depending on which track it is. Keep all the tracks that you are not using in the "Safe" mode.

Features

Each track on a four track cassette recorder has one or two knobs for adjusting the level of an effects pedal. Many four track recorders also feature Dolby noise reduction; turn this on for recording. Other features include a pitch or speed control and high, mid and low equalization controls.

Mixing

Four track recorders have more advanced mixing capabilities than ordinary two-track recorders. Mixing on a four track allows you to adjust the levels for each track, meaning that you can highlight certain tracks within a song. Once the mix is finished, you can use the pitch control knob to set the final tape speed for your master copy.