How to Set Up 4-Track Cassette Recorder

Older means of recording are not just for the nostalgic and die-hard believers, they are also very convenient. A 4-track tape recorder takes up very little space and can be stored anywhere. Unlike computer recording, it can be done easily and on the spot without much prior knowledge needed. The downside? Practically no one listens to tapes anymore, but that doesn’t matter if you are just capturing an idea. Here’s how to set up your 4-track tape recorder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-track cassette recorder
• Cassette tapes
• Headphones or speakers

How to Set Up 4-Track Cassette Recorder

1. Find a quiet place to record. If you plan on using a guitar or some other instrument that connects directly into the input, then this isn’t so necessary. But if you plan on using a microphone or the 4-track recorder’s internal mic, this can make all the difference.

2. Plug the 4-track recorder into a power outlet. There should be a switch along the back of the machine that toggles between on and off. Since this is older technology, there won’t be a fancy video screen to tell you what’s going on. The most help you are going to get is a little LED light that will let you know the recorder is on and running.

3. Set the master volume fader to the suggested level of recording. It should be marked on the side of the fader. It is very important that you don’t touch this button at all while recording--otherwise, all the tracks you record will be at odd levels that will make mixing a pain. Sometimes you’ll accidentally bump it, which is no big deal. Just set it back to the position you had it in.

4. Plug in everything. This includes ¼ inch cables if you are recording guitars or some other instrument with a direct line in, XLR cables if you plan on using microphones, and your speakers or headphones so you can hear what’s going on. The recording process is going to be all audio, so good headphones or speakers are a must. The other cables and instruments can be bypassed, if you plan on using the internal microphone. It doesn't offer as good quality recording as using the cables, but you would be surprised at how it can sound sometimes.

5. Play or sing to check your instrument. 4-track means you only have four channels to choose from, and each channel will have a corresponding volume fader, EQ and panning control. You’re going to want to set the volume control to the suggested level just like the master control for initial recording. Everything else can be adjusted during mixing.

6. Insert your tape and record. To record, press the record button (which should have a red circle on it) and the play button (which will have a green arrow on it) to begin. To play back what you’ve recorded, rewind the tape back to the beginning and press play.

Resources

• Buy a 4-track cassette recorder