How to Record PA Audio to Reel to Reel

You may want to keep a recording of what you play through a public address system. If the only recording device you have is a reel-to-reel tape machine, the good news is this--connecting the PA mixer to the reel-to-reel for recording is a quick and easy process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Locate the port in back of the PA mixer that would send the signal out for recording. This will usually be labeled "REC OUT," "LINE OUT" or "AUX OUT."

2. Check the type of port on the mixer. It will likely be either an RCA or XLR port. You will need a cable with this connector on one end and RCA audio connectors on the other, since the reel-to-reel should use RCA ports.

3. Connect the mixer to the reel-to-reel with the cable, going from the mixer's output to the reel-to-reel's input. Remember--since many older machines didn't have color-coded ports, connect the red RCA connector to the right port and the white to the left.

4. Make sure the reel-to-reel's VU meters are at a good age while the PA plays--not going into the red zone. Prepare for recording by pressing the red record switches and then the main record and play buttons.

5. Flip the switch to start the tape reel and begin recording. Turn on the PA mixer when you are ready to play the music or other live audio.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll definitely want to monitor the recording volume levels on the reel-to-reel constantly, as the PA system's volume can go up and down. Use the reel-to-reel's volume controls to keep the VU needles out of the red zone as much as possible.