How to Record Live Audio to Reel to Reel

Recording live audio is one of the main tasks reel-to-reel tape machines were made for. When these machines were in their prime, live audio was one of the few things that was recorded. While they may be larger and clunkier that other devices now, recording on a reel-to-reel with microphones is still quite easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure the microphone you'll be using has the correct size plug for the reel-to-reel tape machine. You'll probably need an XLR size. If the plug isn't the right size, you'll need to get an adapter.

2. Plug the microphone into the reel-to-reel through one of the ports at the bottom of the machine. Take note of which channel you connected it to--front or rear microphone, and left or right.

3. Adjust the volume with the correct dial, and press the record switch (for recording) and the monitor switch (for listening in). All these must correspond with the same channel the microphone is plugged into.

4. Make sure the VU meters are not constantly going into the red zone for the sound level you'll be recording. Adjust the record volume controls so the meters mostly hit along the red-green border.

5. Press the main "record" and "play" buttons on the machine. Flip the switch to start the reel-to-reel, and the machine will start recording.

Tips & Warnings

• To record in stereo, connect a second microphone into the channel that is complementary to the one the first is plugged into (plug it into left front if the first is in right front). Use the correct dials and switches for this microphone.