How to Record Multiple Tracks on 4 Track

A four-track mixer/recorder is one of the oldest devices used to record multiple instruments or vocals together. While newer mixers can employ as many as sixteen tracks, a four-track machine can still be a simple way of mixing multiple tracks together and recording them on the enclosed tape deck.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Connect each one of the devices you'll record from to a track on the four-track. You'll need cables with the right connectors for your four-track (usually RCA or XLR) and the connectors for your instruments or devices.

2. Use a set of headphones to listen in on the tracks, connecting the headphones to the four-track's headphone jack.

3. Push the fader slider (which controls the volume) for each track all the way up. Flip each record indicator switch into its bottom position, L or R. Make sure each track's pan dial is turned in the same direction as the indicator switch.

4. Test each track to make sure each instrument or device is properly connected and going through to the mixer. Test each track individually and then test them all at once to see that they're mixing correctly.

5. Set the volume, bass and treble levels for each track. The proper settings may vary for each track depending on which instrument or device is connected to each.

6. Place a fresh, blank cassette tape in the tape deck. Prepare it for recording by pushing the pause button, then the record button. (The play button will depress with the record button).

7. Release the pause button and begin playing when you are ready to record.

Tips & Warnings

• If multiple people are playing and recording on the four-track, you'll probably need multiple headphone sets. For this, you'll need a splitter cable that will connect each set to the single headphone jack.