A Step By Step Guide On Making A 'Master' At Home On A 4 Track Cassette Recorder

[@leogolive]

Man this sounds really great! Notice he used the same mic for his vocals and to record his drums and guitar. That’s what it’s about. Use what you’ve got and create something great. It’s you not the equipment.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Mr LD! Less is more

[@Reprobus3]

"It ain't about what you've got, it's about what you do with what you have."

[@jasonelambeth]

Thanks to the KZbin algorithm for suggesting this to me. Love the sound of this track. Thanks for sharing all the golden nuggets!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thank you! Glad I'm in the algorithm aha I didn't think I had enough subs to get discovered that way :))

[@jasonelambeth]

@@andypickeringmusic I do tend to watch a lot of four track vids, so the KZbins just knows what I like. I love the vibe of this song though. Reminds me of McCartney’s first solo album. A sound that I just love and never tire of.

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@jasonelambeth yeah that is certainly what I was going for, the thumping bouncy bass and the home style simplistic drums, so thank you!

[@DDMCPHEE]

Learnt more from you here than almost an entire year at music uni. Cheers

[@andypickeringmusic]

Glad to be of help! if only I got payed what your lecturers get paid 😂

[@mrshiney2]

Reminding me so much of my early recording days. And that good ole analog tape sound, even on cassette is quite remarkable. But the true advantage of this is it promotes great song writing. Instead of relying on some kind of modern production, the song is naked, not able to hide. It is there for all hear. Oh by the way, its a winner

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much! It's all about the song yes, something that's often missed in today's world

[@vegardyrnes1793]

Great and sooo inspiring. I really miss my portastudio, and I realize I need to get one again, because the limitations keeps you focused on songwriting, arrangements and music in general. I just became a subscriber! 👌👍👍👍🍻

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@vegardyrnes1793 thanks so much! Actually this was my first video and have 30 or so after this one including reel to reel recording!

[@travisraab]

great stuff lots of good info! that's how we used to do it in the 1960s

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Travis. Yes it's certainly rewarding doing it this way!

[@travisraab]

@@andypickeringmusic I totally agree. I like that machine you are using. I don't see it around too often.

[@Theactivepsychos]

This just came up on my recommended. Thank the stars!

[@GearZenChannel]

Just fixed my Tascam 688 and will put it to use again soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Glad you found the video helpful and good luck with the 688!

[@Bernz66]

I used to have a 688 MK II!!!!

[@fviannaval]

This is great! Wonderful Harry Nilsson vibe!

[@RURALELECTRICBAND]

Thanks I just bought the Marantz PMD 740 today. I used to use Tascam 4 track back in the 90’s. I always wanted and dreamed of getting this machine. Man they were $800 + for a new model back n the day 90’s. I couldn’t afford it even though I was making good living playing music. Now I got all learning to go over again.

[@ianmacaulay7805]

So many great techniques in here (like adding a shaker etc while bouncing). Thanks!🙏

[@mark_mcglue]

Heaven conspiring with the algorithm; truly amazing. Love the soulful music and philosophy behind it. Thanks

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much! Plenty more videos like this on the channel if you want to see more :))

[@Swyyrl]

A testament to the fact that a great tune is a great tune...all that other bullshit like dozens of pieces of gear and processes are here today and gone tomorrow. Well done friend!!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thank you! Yes the number one priority is the writing before anything. Cheers, Andy

[@mikesolo472]

Amazing video.......nice catchy song too!!!

[@francescocambria2891]

Andy, I'm listening this song in loop on Spotify. Amazing job you have done. This is what the music is all about. Came here to see 4 track recording. My take away is that when you have talent and creativity you can really push any gear to the limit . Love the mood of the cassette. I'm 40 years old and thus my Beatles albums where mainly on cassettes and few of them on vinyl (too expensive at that time). Keep up with the great work. You have another fan here.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Wow Thanks Francesco! I'm honoured you came here and left with loving the music!

[@francescocambria2891]

@@andypickeringmusic Definetly. I'm sharing your songs on Spotify with all my friends ! We are enjoying them. You know... We were missing some good music with the taste of the sixties. This is fresh air 👏

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@francescocambria2891 that's so cool! I've done a new record this year called Catalina Don't Be Unkind and made recording videos of all the songs on it too so please check out more videos too :))

[@francescocambria2891]

@@andypickeringmusic watched it, basically I'm watching all the videos on your channel. Subscribed of course.

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@francescocambria2891 nice one! Let me know if you need any info on the techniques 👍

[@jowibe]

This is magical! ✨

[@wehappyfewmusic]

What an amazing video and song, Andy! You’ve given me some great ideas for my current albums recording techniques, particularly which instruments to combine into mono, and which to pan. Just subscribed and headin over to check out your Spotify link…

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thank you! There's plenty more recording videos on this channel to check out. Glad you found some tips for your own music!

[@demonicsweaters]

end result sounds fantastic

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@thomasplatt7329]

this is a top notch track. great songwriting.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thank you!!

[@JoanatanRichard]

You're very talented, congrets! Subscribed here and folowing you on Spotify.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much! If you liked this video I've done tons more on the channel!

[@JoanatanRichard]

@@andypickeringmusic You're welcome. I'm going check out. Listened your EPs and album on Spotify, great ones!

[@benjicrane]

Cool stuff man. I want to learn how to create music organically like this. Thanks for making the video!

[@toddwaters1914]

Wow, great video! I came for 4-track tips, mainly using one in conjunction with a DAW, and I learned tons, but I really enjoyed watching you build up the song. Congratulations on bringing it to life, it's awesome!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Todd! Since this video I've made tons more music like this and shared my process. My studio now is fully analogue with reel to reel however the principles remain the same and using Plugins as effects is a brilliant cost effective way of working with minimal equipment. This whole track still sounds like one of my best tracks and I had one mic, one interface/laptop, 1 four track and zero acoustic treatment!

[@MrRaja681]

😊😊😊​@@andypickeringmusic

[@jonvincentmusic]

This is excellent. Full credit to your talent.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Jon!

[@SteveReaves]

Nice collection of gear, and good track takes! And the songwriting is great too! 👍

[@msh6865]

Great song,well recorded and nicely mixed. Love the drums and organ too.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@jemsophia]

This is fantastic, thank you so much!

[@HenrySpencer1976]

Just discovering you right now. You're really great! The song is super cool and the recording is perfect!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks you so much Henry! Above all else I'm glad you dig the tune 🎶

[@parachuteman4]

You started with a very good song. You had intention. I just found out about you from your being on the '60s recording podcast. great job. I like what you doing a lot meanwhile I just spent about 8 hours trying to get my control surface going. I've got a tascam 424 mk II sitting idle. It needs a little work. maybe I need to fire that up. Thanks for sharing!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Hey, thanks! It was fun chatting to Joe (and working with him on my upcoming EP) Yes get your 4 track out it's a poor man's bedroom 60s recording studio essentially! Haha Really glad you like the video, this one's from when I didn't have much gear

[@goodtimefolkrock]

Good stuff i dig tracking with cassette multitrackers .....the marantz unit is cool .....i have a a yamaha mt100MKII . Realistically though if im gonna get as involved as you did i'd use my hardrive digital recorder that has 16 tracks .....similar form of function physical faders.....pans and gain knobs and whatnot .....i also like to transfer each individual track to it's own track inside the digital recorder too before i bounce anything just to preserve the original tracks .

[@andypickeringmusic]

Always a good idea to preserve tracks on proper recordings! I did have all the tracks in a DAW of this song and tried to do a mix but never sounded as good as this one. So this mix made it on the EP.. I've got more vids on this channel with my Tascam 38 too

[@zvukidedov]

Mate, this song is a little masterpiece. Funny fact, I was first listening to it while I was packing my suitcase to move to a different flat. Really set up the mood. I love the tone and especially the distorted piano. You’ve been a great inspiration and made me buy a tascam 238 deck, which I now struggle to record with without hiss. Keep up the good work, greetings from Russia!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much! Really glad to hear and amazing that you are getting a 4 track. Please do check out some more vids on the channel if you liked this one :)

[@johnnyandthedinosaurs]

Thanks for sharing this! I love your approach to home recording. The song is awesome and your production really helps it shine.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much! Have a look around my channel there's quite a lot of videos like this one and tons of music 🎶

[@johnnyandthedinosaurs]

@@andypickeringmusic cool! I'm set to get a Tascam 144 next week. I'll check out more of your videos, I bet they can teach me a lot about working with tape.

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@johnnyandthedinosaurs good luck with the Tascam! I'm sure you'll find a world of limitations which in turn leads you to a better world of creativity!

[@johnnyandthedinosaurs]

@@andypickeringmusic Thanks! Been messing around with my Tascam for a week now. It's so much fun and definitely helps in exploring new routes of creativity!

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Dude I LOVE my Tascam 488… keep ur computers and interfaces

[@peterkiefel4324]

totally inspiring! I've read a number of Beatles books about recording with 4-track at Abbey Road and used to wonder about all the bounce downs they had to do, because on my very first 4-track bouncing tracks never sounded good and seemed to me to be the biggest limitation. I think it's fair to say on this Marantz unit because it has inserts on every channel then you have the ability to apply maximum polish at every bounce and remove the limitation. I'd never thought about going the extra mile and printing the reverb on each bounce as you go. So when it all comes together - Wow! I love how you are really true to the era in both songwriting & performance (both excellent) AND in recording technology. I think you have taken the humble 4-track cassette to a zenith! (especially now as I see you have analog gear on the inserts - top rig!)

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Peter for the kind words! It's great to utilise all of the 4 track to its fullest, I certainly can vouch for it being way better than doing it all in Daw instead. I'm very happy to have taken the digital plugin process out with all Analogue Outboard now... But as always you just use what you've got to get the song done which is by far the most important thing. All boils down to the writing, the arrangements and performances!

[@mikestein8775]

​@@andypickeringmusic Can you please explain this a little more? The inserts allow you to use effects from the computer because it bypasses the preamp and the interface sends out a line level signal? Am I understanding this correctly? Or is it because the insert allows you to record the effected signal without deleting the signal on the tape?

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@mikestein8775 the inserts just simply allow you to send your track into an effect at the level it was recorded at.. and receive it back effected at the volume you send it back as, it bypasses the pre amp and goes straight to the fader. Fantastic way get effects on a budget! You can only record the insert to tape when it's being bounced down, other than that it just runs in real time. Hope that answers your question.

[@mikestein8775]

@@andypickeringmusic I see, thank you! When you say, send your track at the level it was recorded at, does that mean you're sending the signal out of the tape machine to effect via the (female RCA) tape outs on the back of the machine

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@mikestein8775 not quite... The insert is a send and return via one Y cable, it's nothing to do with the rca tape outs. Cheers!

[@galleryofrogues]

Sounds incredible!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! Since this I've done loads more videos 😄

[@MrPaultheguitar]

Great recording that

[@andypickeringmusic]

Cheers mate!

[@IsmaelMulti]

H0LY SHEET! THIS IS AMAZING!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks!

[@tbhv]

thank you so much Andy!! you are an instant legend to me!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks pal glad it's helpful!

[@tbhv]

@@andypickeringmusic Hey so this is sorta random, but the PMD 740 I received came with the wrong power supply and I was wondering if you could maybe tell me the specs of yours? I have seen photos where its 13vdc, 1.2 A, center positive but I have never seen a 13vdc out and on a replacement power supply - also the actual unit itself says 12vdc out? I guess I am also kinda nervous of using the wrong sized center positive . Anyway any help is greatly appreciated :D

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@tbhv hey mate dm me on insta or fb and I'll send you a pic! Links to my socials are on this channel :))

[@oinkooink]

Great stuff. I used to have a couple of Tascam 4 track cassette units. Sold them over the years. Basically in the box with various preamps and hardware comps and eqs etc used for tracking and mixing now.

[@bartcle3883]

Good song! Sounds good too! 👍

[@levelletate4551]

Fantastic. ❤

[@porterfieldgchord]

Great video! Great song! Great vibe and attitude about the art of home recording! And a Bruins jersey on the floor?!?!?! Subscribed!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Tim! Haha Let's go Bruins

[@jhoaoobando9624]

Man! thank you so much for this videos! I'm really passionated for analogue techniques to produce music. !

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks mate, good luck!

[@Hello-pl2qe]

Incredible

[@Fedbo]

Such a great song and video man! I'd love to see more like these:) I was curious about the work flow with 4 tracks recorder and you did a great job explaining that! Gonna look you up on Spotify!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Hey mate, thanks so much glad you liked the video. Please take a look at my channel I've done quite a few of these! Cheers, Andy

[@Fedbo]

@@andypickeringmusic awesome man I will do! That's actually the type of channel I've been looking for, a perspective from the singer songwriter point of view, glad I found it! There's a couple of things regarding 4 track recorders workflow that are still not 100% clear to me, is there any way I can write you a pm?

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@Fedbo sure thing mate! Yes I like to think my niche is focused on the songs just as much as the analogue recording... pm me on insta @andypickeringmusic

[@MM-ib6qh]

sounds awesome

[@gfunkehauser502]

that was cool, man. i liked it alot

[@StudyTheBibleWithMe1]

Awesome video I like this stuff

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks!

[@Netm8kr]

Indeed a great video. So much inspiration gained from watching. Keep sharing your journey. 👍🏾✌🏾🎹🎼🎙🎛

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thank you so much! Please check out my more recent vids as I'm doing the same but with all Analogue Outboard effects onto Reel to Reel! Are you a 4 tracker?

[@mauricalavera]

great work my man!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! Loads of videos on this channel like this one if you care for more :)

[@richiesplayground7092]

Great bass sound. Excellent video.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Richie!

[@rickenbacker40011]

Amazing soundd

[@malloryonbass]

This is flat-out amazing. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Mike! Please take a look at some more of my other videos if you liked this one

[@MoneyCrespin]

Sweet! Cool vid, really enjoyed it! Sounds Great!! Makes me wish I still had my Fostex 280 multitracker!!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! It's never to late to go back!

[@MoneyCrespin]

@@andypickeringmusic Believe me, I have been looking up and down for another cool multitrack machine Lol, right now that Fostex is my “unicorn” Lol.

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@MoneyCrespin haha I think you might find one on eBay or something just make sure its got new belts or get the belts yourself to replace the old ones!

[@Bdavis1103]

This sounds sooo good lmao

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks man!

[@jamesupton5601]

I'll be honest, have ADHD and I'm really intimidated by these digital recording programs on laptops. They seem to have a million options, features, which actually end up strangling my creativity. I've even tried to use those tascam digital eight tracks, but I end up being overwhelmed. But when I read about cassette four track (and eight tracks) there seems to be a real logical progress to creating demo's. The limitations are what forces creativity. Hell, Sgt Pepper was made on four-tracks.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Hey James, I think you'll love 4 tracking, I agree with recording programs being overwhelming

[@jamesupton5601]

@@andypickeringmusic Thanks for the reply mate. Is reverb a good site for four tracks? Ebay has loads, but wouldn't a music site have more reliable sellers?

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@jamesupton5601 ebays fine as long as its serviced and working, Reverbs good but potentially more pricey

[@jamesupton5601]

@@andypickeringmusic Okay, I'll take that onboard. I'm well aware that using old equipment quickly balances out the rose tinted spectacles, that we all sometimes suffer from. Getting spare parts might be a wise investment as well. Once again, really appreciate you taking the time to chat. ps Those VU meters are totally the first thing I latched onto as well. Maybe do a velvet underground cover?

[@Peter.the.tumbler]

I can relate massively. digital recording is overwhelmingly

[@richardfinn1258]

great video man, thank you

[@bigsby19]

Love the sound of the organ, sounds gorgeous!

[@jtbro2574]

Luv 4 track

[@spooktasticaparanormal]

Wow you are a breath of fresh air. Great song and ace recording. I'm a huge fan already. I use the Tascam 488MK1 cassette multitracker. Kind regards. Paul.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Paul! The 488 is a solid machine. Glad you enjoy my music, that's the point of it all at the end of the day, nodody walks down the road whistling a pre amp 😂

[@spooktasticaparanormal]

@@andypickeringmusic I totally agree Andy. For me analogue is king. I always use DBX too. I also write and record my own original songs kind of country rock style. But your style is so cool keep up the fantastic work, the world needs great people like you. Kind regards. Paul.

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@spooktasticaparanormal thanks! Gotta try and keep it as real as possible as integrity in music has died for the most part. Andy

[@spooktasticaparanormal]

@@andypickeringmusic Yes I could'nt agree more. I just don't listen to any mainstream "pop" anymore purely because everything is very clinical right now which basically rips off the listener. Thanks for all your amazing work my friend, and you can sure play and sing really good. Kind regards. Paul.

[@djtvappdias9353]

Fantástico trabajo 😁 estoy muy contento de ver tus vídeos 👍🙋 saludos desde España

[@andypickeringmusic]

Gracias!

[@electronicsvintage]

Too bad we don't live closer. I'd loan you one of my Ampex 440-8 machines. Bet you could do a hell-of-a fine job making a tape!

[@andypickeringmusic]

That would be amazing! I made my last 2 records on a Tascam 38 half inch so very much in the all analog reel to reel workflow now

[@sydbannock]

Great sound dude!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@miltonmagik]

Love the sound!!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Milton!

[@mmambopodcast5529]

Awesome song

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks!

[@Racosz]

Excellent channel. I remember all these portastudio tape recorders back in the 90s and I love them since then. Your approach is outstanding both technically and musically. You should create a course about all this recording stuff with vintage/analogue devices. Grettings from Bogotá, Colombia. PS: Your music got the 60s vibes perfectly. This song sounds very Beatlesque.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Hey Oscar! Thanks for reaching out and taking the time to be so nice. Everything you are saying there is everything I strive to be so job done as far as I'm concerned :) I have more videos like this one on the channel too if you want to see more!

[@revevague6256]

Love this!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! Please check out some of my other 4 track videos too :)

[@karterkuehn]

I have a Teac 144 4 track cassette recorder. If you have access to one I would appreciate a video on exactly how to create a four track recording.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Sorry I only have the Marantz but the principles will be the same

[@plummetplum]

Brilliant fun. Good playing and arrangement. I would love to hear a cover of the theme tune for Only Fools and horses. I think if you can get some classic reverb on some of the sounds in particular the snare it might help the sound a bit, just some ambience.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! Haha Only Fools and Horses theme 4 track style, that would be something

[@buhlir]

Well done mate! That Organ is one of the coolest I’ve seen, what is the name of it? I couldn’t make out what you said when you mentioned the name

[@andypickeringmusic]

Cheers mate! It's a Phillips Phillicorda

[@Bernz66]

I used to track this way with my Tascam Pora One…. Tracks 1 & 2 were stereo drums, Track 3 Bass, Track 4 guitar….. do a stereo mix to another cassette while recording guitar #2…… Take that tape with the stereo mix and put it in the Tascam Porta One…. Tracks 1 & 2 is the stereo mix, track 3 has the main vocal, track 4 has the backing vocals and guitar solos

[@andypickeringmusic]

Sounds great, I love those kind of work flows!

[@danielbanic3738]

Pretty good song and well recorded on the Marantz. I had a feeling that recorder had a good sound to it but never purchased it when it first came out in the 90s. due I had to buy other gear and I was already using my Fostex X-15 4 track. The best heavy warm sound out of the 4 tracks that were made. It was cheap and small but packed a heavy sound just like a professional studio 4-track. The only issue I had with it though the mechanism would always jam and I had to get it fixed like every 6 months but then again , I recoded over 800 songs and used it 5 hours a day for years and did a lot of punch ins and changing speeds. I heard some your music , it's good but you need to write hits like Paul or the Beatle use to do. You got everything going for you in songwriting but need to write hits. If you need a guide and I can show you . I've been writing a recording 800 songs since I was a kid and still going strong. I had huge youtube channel with over 300 videos of my music and various oldies music I remastered with a following over 200k subscribers and over 70 million views , it was called the Bubblerock channel. The channel was taken down a year ago due to copyright strikes so I started a new channel but have'nt posted any of my music yet , but my albums are still on the internet , Amazon , etc. They call me the 5th Beatle because I'm that good , I know how to write hits. Never had a record deal or backing to promotion to play on radio but if I did it would sell well. I'll give you a link to some of my music , which were all recorded on X-15 Fostex 4 track , you'll see how good th recodings are , I suggest you buy the recorder , they are pretty cheap on Ebay , but expect to have fixed a lot if you overuse it. My albums ar avaliable all over the net but heres the link where you can hear the whole song , It's Daytime Night Time , the rest of the songs are on the LP "STorybook 1" , go to that link if you want to hear the rest of that album and let me know what you think. - www.broadjam.com/songs/danban/daytime-nightime - I just subscribed to your channel and will chack out the rest of your songs and website Rock On !!!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks Daniel! If I'm not writing hits like Paul I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong haha I mean what does writing a hit even mean? It's not 1966 unfortunately, noone cares about this stuff in 2022 apart from middle aged musicians! I think my songs like "Suitcase In The Back" and "what she knows" are as close as I'll ever get to writing new 60s style hits today!

[@danielbanic3738]

@@andypickeringmusic No , what I meant was write a hit song , then get backing to promote it on radio worldwide and influence all the people like the Beatles did , so you need those three things but the song has to hit the mark so all the people will pay attention to it but regardless your doing good fine songs and love how they are recorded , nice warm and analog. Theres actually a company in the US that makes and services pro analog machines that were used professionaly in the 1970s recorded by many hit musicians. The 8 and 24 track machines goes for 15,000 US dollars and up. They have a very good website too. Plan to use them when Im ready to make my mark in the world. I think the 1960s one inch studio recorders had a fatter sound but the 70s recorders had a good sound too. Groups like the Eagles and various artists recorded on them. I'll keep watching you channel , Rock On !!!

[@TweezerBleezer123]

Sound great

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks!

[@sdawsonmusic]

Class 😎

[@pyanehemehem3685]

Im the 127th subscriber!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Happy 127th!

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

i miss my Yamaha Multitrack Cassette Tape MT4X Recorder Analog 4 track. like a dummy i need m0ney pawn it did n0t get back in time t0 save it l0st it, it was the best gear i ever had. and sick br0ther i l0ve 60s r0ck y had my ears with this kind 0f recording.

[@andypickeringmusic]

I used to use an MT4x! Great machine. Thanks for the kind words mate

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

@@andypickeringmusic i share things 0ff and 0n th0ught i share this. case soon it be even hard t0 get type 2 cassette, all we get n0w is st0ck that is left that is 0ld. tascam has new tech 0ut it dead 0n like the 0ld way!!! m0del 12,16,and 24. there is a guy that 0ld sch00l like we are i thought i share this t0 y0u. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5XLqoB3bruZeZI

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@ephraimwarrior6766 thanks! I watched this guys videos before. Actually thought about getting a 24 track digital at one time, but I have a separate 8 track rig with separate tascam m30 mixer

[@SrNutritivo]

I loved your records. Great vid. So great that I'm purchasing a marantz pmd 740 for myself! But I'm still looking for a manual. Want to get the most of that beautiful machine. You know where I can get a pdf or printed one? Thank you!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! It's a great machine. You'll find the manual here www.user-manuals.com/user-manual-MARANTZ-PMD740.html it's not free, unless you get one with the machine you don't have much choice

[@jamesmatusiak9231]

How did you route the channels out of the tape recorder, into logic and then back into the tape recorder? My guess is that you used a y cable and plugged the outs into the inserts of the focusrite. Then it automatically comes back out into the tape recorder? Super inspiring video

[@andypickeringmusic]

Correct mate! Y cable using the inserts on the 4 tracks. I've got lots of other videos on this channel where I do the same but make it more clear

[@jamesmatusiak9231]

@@andypickeringmusic sorry to spam you in two threads 😅. I have tried finding the videos you explain this in further detail and I cannot find them. I’m just wondering how you used the plugins as outboard back into the 4 track without latency? Thanks

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@jamesmatusiak9231 haha no worries. To understand this you need to understand inserts and insert cables. It's as simple as sending a signal into your interface input to Daw from the 4 track insert point. Then back out the output of your interface out of DAW into the insert point on the same 4 track channel

[@flight-or-flight]

Hey Andy, nice video! Is it possible to print the onboard eq of the marantz directly onto tape? I got this very machine last year for cheap and I‘m trying to figure out a way to boost the highs before the record head so I can have less noise without using the Dbx noise reduction

[@andypickeringmusic]

Yes if you adjust the EQ before hand it'll record that. I don't think that deck sounds good though without dbx I've tried!

[@flight-or-flight]

@@andypickeringmusic thanks for the advice! I will also try with dbx on though I‘ve heard it will not take hotter levels as well when noise reduction is on

[@20YearsofTascam-rc1he]

Interesting 👍

[@Mark_Williams300]

I bet there's an ADT (Automatic Double Tracking) plugin somewhere in your DAW.

[@Mark_Williams300]

Also, I'm totally sharing this video to FB :D

[@andypickeringmusic]

Absolutely right I love that reel adt plugin!

[@Govier]

Yes!

[@keeganturner5040]

So did you use the effects loop to run into your daw? And then back into the 4 track? I’m confused on your daw use during ping pong bounce. Please explain more!!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Pretty sure I do explain it in the video, use the effects aux loop for reverb and the inserts send and receive for individual Plugins on tracks. Running in and out of a Daw is the same as running signals in and out of any hardware

[@duckbrew]

Can you explain what a bounce down is to us laymen??

[@andypickeringmusic]

3 tracks folded down onto one track live mixed to taste

[@YoMyNamesJakeG]

is latency an issue when you run into your computer? For example, you have the backing track on track one, then did vocals on 3 and 4 and bounced to track 2. Would running the vocals into the computer and back to the 4 track introduce latency and be out of time with the backing track on track 1?

[@andypickeringmusic]

In theory there could be I guess... but I didn't have an issue with it

[@YoMyNamesJakeG]

@@andypickeringmusic very cool. I want to get my hands on a four track in the near future. Good to know I can still utilize some of my plugins without worrying about that! Super inspiring stuff. Great track!

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@YoMyNamesJakeG Thanks so much! Although since I made this video I've gone down the fully analog route, it still works great utilising daw effects with the 4 track. I guess as long as you've got a good interface / cpu processing it should be fine

[@DominicHalpin]

This guys the real deal, a cross between John Lennon & Joe Meek

[@andypickeringmusic]

Cheers Dom!

[@janhenkdegroot]

just bought one of these machines :-) now see how it works..

[@andypickeringmusic]

Enjoy!

[@ec2294]

Fantastic video Andy. Question: Do you think it's possible to record every instrument separately, bounce it to your daw and mix it on the computer? It seems like a very 'safe' option to me.

[@andypickeringmusic]

It's certainly possible and if you've seen any previous vids that I've done I do back up everything and sometimes mix Hybrid. Mix the bounce and the original tracks together

[@MrHelplease]

nice vid dude ! did you already use a commercial cassette (saying a Beatles cassette for exemple) to record your music on?

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks! No I never used a Commercial cassette.. I suppose it would work if you recorded over it by covering the tab on the top..

[@MrHelplease]

@@andypickeringmusic yay thanks for answering this quick... yeah i was wondering if the tape technique would work with a 4-tracks recorder

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@MrHelplease it would like I say if you cover the tabs on top. Commercial cassettes are made like that to stop people accidentally recording over them

[@BogoEN]

Really well done. One of the most professional takes on four track recording on YT, and just what I was looking for. I have to ask, is there a reason you chose the Marantz over a Tascam? I’m curious because currently using multiple Tascams but wondering whether the Marantz is a step up. Thanks and great work!

[@andypickeringmusic]

Thanks for the kind words. I use a Marantz because around 10 years ago when I fancied getting a 4 track I saw the Marantz on Ebay, and never looked back! I have had 2 of them and have recorded almost all of my stuff in one way or another on it. I used Tascams and yamahas years ago and they seemed great also. Cheers!

[@DerekHundik]

@@andypickeringmusic hi there I own Tascam multitrack but never see that Marantz before. Whats the model ?

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@DerekHundik pmd740

[@allenjones3130]

Until now, I didn't realize that Marantz made cassette multitrackers!

[@mikaelsjodin1963]

No latency problems when you record effects from computer plugins?

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@mikaelsjodin1963 not if you've got a good interface

[@theguylikesmovies]

How do u put reverb on the tape recorder?

[@andypickeringmusic]

Reverb source can either be used in the effects loop or recorded straight to the tape

[@theguylikesmovies]

@ would using a reverb guitar pedal be the general way to source the reverb? Or is there another more typical way?

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@theguylikesmovies whatever reverb you want to use. A pedal is good or a unit or even like in this video a plugin from a laptop

[@earljohnson8851]

What kind of snare are you using by here?

[@andypickeringmusic]

Birch mapex 14x5.5

[@Marie579]

Ok forgive the stupidity of this question but i know absolutely nothing about recording but i have a question, I have repaired the tape mech in the same Marantz as you have so if i insert a regular prerecorded tape will it sound like it should on a normal cassette player? I know this sounds daft but it sounds like both sides playing at once....

[@DerekHundik]

you can play any standard 2 track tape on any multitrack machine just adjust speed and switch off extra tracks

[@andypickeringmusic]

4 track recorders play 2 stereo channels all in one dlrection that would normally be played on 2 sides of the tape in normal tape player, so it will play as I say, all sides at once. You'll be able to play normal tapes with just tracks 1/3 faders up

[@jamesmatusiak9231]

Would you say the quality can be used for professional releases?

[@andypickeringmusic]

Depends what you mean by that and incredibly subjective! If you mean is it a good quality recording machine.... Yes.. But it depends what you put into it

[@jamesmatusiak9231]

@@andypickeringmusic as I do you find yourself fighting noise once mixing in the box? Thanks

[@andypickeringmusic]

@@jamesmatusiak9231 the noise reduction is pretty good but there's always gonna be some noise, it's tape

[@DerekHundik]

reverb running from your plugin ? which is ?

[@andypickeringmusic]

Waves Abbey Road plate

[@DerekHundik]

@@andypickeringmusic is it hardware ?

[@andypickeringmusic]

The plugin? The plugin is software yes

[@DerekHundik]

@@andypickeringmusic so how do you send software plugin into AUX's in Marantz ?

[@andypickeringmusic]

Effect out send of the matantz to input of your Daw interface, then output of Daw interface into the input of marantz aux

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

I love my 4 track cassettes to butt I did get a tascam dp 008ex yes digital butt the sounds is nice it's way better the a computer sound. To me it sounds just like my yamaha 4track cassette recorder. Butt with out hiss.butt I know what your saying there is nothing like a 4track cassette recorder.

[@andypickeringmusic]

Just a simpler way to work which can force cool creativity based on the limitations and better performances