Recording without computers. Years ago, I loved Logic, a Daw. But, with every change (usb, then usb 2, then firewire 400, then firewire 800, then thunderbolt, then thunderbolt 2, then thunderbolt 3, usb c, and whatever is next - plugins, more plugins, updates to the way plugins were sold, download then cloud based, etc. - audio interfaces no longer supported by the operating system, software now geared for electronic music) I became more and more frustrated watching this expensive equipment become obsolete. And my creativity was impaired by constant technical problems.
So, I bought a 4 track made in the 80's that has never become obsolete, never needed an update, required some light service of the moving parts, but ultimately remained a tactile and immediate way for a home recording artist to get songs out of the head and into the world. My band, which is just me, is The Low End. I hope you enjoy the songs and feel free to share your music and any thoughts with me. Thx!
What a true songwriter's treat....and here I thought I was just gonna be learnin some recap on old gear, and yet Lantern took me for a ride through the past, the present, and more. We all got stories, and you just told quite a few...that is life stuff right there brother. thanks
Can you do a tutorial on this machine please ! I’ve been searching all through out the net and there isn’t one full in depth tutorial on how to use the 488 mkii . Looking for help on recording, assignment, doubling , and also erasing a track please !!!
Cool song. I like it. Simple and uncluttered. Love the sparse piano, and the steady fingerpicked guitar - which is mesmerizing. Love the music box guitar tone/feel . Great vocal. My wish list: 1) tightened rhythm - not necessarily quantized, but definitely tighter. 2) longer intro before vocals. 3) bit more volume on piano track. 4) and maybe the judicious use of double tracking vocals in the chorus. Thx for sharing.
Fab. And what a truly great song. In 1981 I bought the original Portastudio 144. Now I've just bought the Model 12 and it's fantastic. Almost an analogue experience but with digital technology which is a joy to use. I think many people are learning that some of the older simpler ways of doing things are more inspiring and bring greater joy. Keep it up, you're pretty good.
Are you low-cutting any of the guitars? The reason I ask if that they sound so full and really good. I'm wondering if I should be EQing my acoustics differently. Thanks for posting these clips. Im mainly doing digital multitracking, but Im thinking about working on a solo album at some point and channels like yours really help. Im also thinking about transferring some of my old 4 track tapes to .wav format for archiving but I havent quite figured out how to do that with my setup. Anyway, all the best!
Hey, thanks for the message. So, there is no eq whatsoever on the guitar. The fullness comes in increments: 1. Med/light monel strings have more full sound with less brittle high end; 2. Dunlop nylon heavy pick (1.0) keeps things round and full; 3. Dynamic mics are less sensitive and capture more direct source and less ambient so positioning them to capture full tone is easier; 4. Technique - I rarely if ever play 6 note chords, at most I play three note chords and let the notes ring; 5. Analog signal path with warm preamps going directly to tape adds another layer of warmth and fullness; 6. Plate reverb set to a short pre delay and short decay adds ambience and gives the source some depth and width
@4Ever4Track This is good to know. Thanks so much. Currently working with a single condenser (AT4040) which sounds pretty good through my Tascam DP008 but I'm not getting the same roundness and warmth with the Zoom R24 that I'm learning to use. I've ordered a tube mic preamp, so I'm hoping that helps. Really digging your songs and recordings on here. Your vocals sound great too. Goes particularly well with the natural sound of the guitars. Keep on keeping on. 🤘
Nice sound, mate. I'm using the portastudio 414mkII on my channel. Love it. So easy to use and a great sounding mix. I've never liked DAWs except for when mastering.
Great tune. This could be on the radio. Love that 388!!! I just learned of the 388 a few years ago. Wish I would've bought one years ago. I'm a Tascam lover and user from the mid 80s. I still have my PortaOne (burnt up motor) and my 424mk1 that's still working fine. Around 2005 went digital with my DP-03 eight track. Last year made the leap into the DP-24. I was blindsided by the learning curve since I've used Tascam products for almost 40 years. 😂 I still love the tape sound. Keep up the great videos. ✌
It takes real talent to get this quality from a simple setup. Love the song, the warmth of the analogue tape, but most of all your demeanour. What a good guy you are. Thanks for sharing.
@@4Ever4Track Thank you for the reply! I’m now following you. Keep up the beautiful work. You got yourself a new fan here lol 😊 Thank you once more! Looking forward to listening your music.
I have a Tascam 414, and just got the Tascam Model 16 for doing exactly what your doing. I figured out years ago that the 414 has 4 outputs - L, R, Mon, and the sync out is always channel 4. The Model 16 seems a bit intimidating but the menus remind me of the ones on my Zoom H4. Great minds think alike. Great song BTW! - cheers!
I bought a Tascam Model 16 today. I'm thinking maybe I'll grab one these discounted 24SD units! I would never need a DAW and have endless channels to play with. GREAT SOUND! Perhaps, old school tape/analog recordings will always remain king of warmth.
I have a Tascam M-320b and 80-8 reel to reel as well as daw and honestly, sound wise I always prefer the analog but for making fast fun infinite changes to something or for weird and odd arrangements I prefer the DAW. One doesn’t necessarily sound better per say, each has its merits. and flaws.
That sounds great! Although I have actually paid less attention to my Boss BR 80, I am still working on it again in addition to my Cakewalk by Bandlab activities. Recording directly with a multitrack recorder requires a certain working method and playing style that you master well. Keep up the cord work. Good luck from the Netherlands, Greetings Ben.
Years ago I had a Tascam 388 studio 8 that you showed in your vid. I bought it used for $250 but, it was not in great shape. I had it for a few years and the condition got worse. I didn't have the money or ability to get it fixed. Switched over to a Korg D3200 digital recorder. Then, 10 years ago I lost my full time job and had to get rid of virtually all of my gear. So, that's it.😁
My goodness,that sounds very,very good. I miss the sound of tape! You’re about to make me rethink my entire recording\production process. I bought and used a T 246 many years ago and later got rid of it in the name of “upgrading\modernizing” LOL. There’s no denying the great sound of your recording,great job.
My gosh! I love the sound.. Did you use only 4 tracks onboard EQ or any outboards? Love to study the way you write and record songs!!! Awesome stuff!! love it.
Thanks! I used an outboard preamp and compressor on the way in for the vocals. I recorded the vocals and guitar at the same time. Then I added the background electric guitar in stereo, so there are 4 total tracks.
