How To Record & Digitally Transfer Cassette (For Artists)

[@michaelfyod]

The man gradually becomes a youtube legend.

[@_S._S._]

Ok lah not bad lah..

[@brentsmith9411]

Refreshing to hear a KZbinr finally warning folks about indiscriminately chopping out mids because they think that's what you're supposed to do. Seems like that's become internet doctrine over the years. Sure, it makes sense for some genres. But if you're wanting to lean into color and texture then you'll just be undoing all of the good stuff with these EQ moves. It's always funny to me seeing folks running their signals through tape and transformers and tubes (hardware and plugin emulations) for vibe, and then they'll just chop out all of that gorgeous harmonic buildup to make it sound more like a polished digital recording. Mids aren't always the enemy! A lo-fi cassette recording is the perfect time to embrace them. Your example does a great job of demonstrating this.

[@blisslip]

so truuu mids are where all the rock n roll is people dont get it

[@lordg3803]

THIS.

[@richiejackson9321]

I think you’ve wrecked me. I’ve started scouring marketplace for cassette things and went into a thrift store to check out the electronics. I think this could be the start of something beautiful. I don’t know anything about tape, but I’m definitely inspired by the hunt for unique sounds. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@vvundertone]

No limit to what you can find! Keep those eyes fixed and you will be blessed with incredible discoveries!

[@paxson2000]

Reading a book about Sun Ra is the best piece of advice

[@vvundertone]

amen to that

[@nilespeshay1734]

- It never even occurred to me to record directly into the RR830. - I didn't even know I had RX in standalone. - I never thought of doing multiple passes of de-noise. Super awesome video, sir!

[@vvundertone]

sincerely appreciate that!

[@SpencerCribbs1998]

I just bought a tape recorder because of your videos!!!! Inspired!!!

[@vvundertone]

Enjoy the beginning stage of your analog journey! Who knows where you will end up!

[@natura808]

I have a tape recorders however I’ve bought some more because of you. Your vid’s just as warm as the tape itself, thank you for the inspiration.

[@vvundertone]

Glad they get carry on making beautiful music. Thats what they want! I can't stand the thought of a lil lonely tape recorder neglected in a closet. Let these machines assist in the creation of beautiful music!

[@atmadsen]

I'm 52. Been a producer guy in one way or another since 1990. Started with grease pencils and razorblades. Multitracked via cart machines (a variation of 8 track) running in sequence. Gradually entered the digital realm. I've kinda had one foot in each world. It's a fun way to live.

[@mycawild]

Every video feels like a music lesson i actually wanna listen too❤♥

[@oinkooink]

I run mixes through either a 424mkiii or a 464 on Type 2 High Bias cassettes and the fidelity, like you say, is very good...really good. The difference is very subtle. Will have to start trying some type 1 tapes etc.

[@vvundertone]

I strongly feel there is a difference between "removing frequencies" vs "frequencies where never there to begin with" its a different type of color. Hope you enjoy!

[@davidasher22]

Hey! Cool stuff. I have a great tip for you too. You can actually set up RX as your main editor in Logic. This way, you can highlight a region and press SHIFT + W to open the file in RX, do your processing, and then overwrite the file from the RX file menu. Once you’re done, just close RX, and your region will be processed. It’s like using the standalone version, except you never really leave Logic.

[@vvundertone]

Fantastic. Thank you for the info. Love this about KZbin. Sharing information. Blessings.

[@davidasher22]

@@vvundertone glad to help. Keep doing what you’re doing. also , I grabbed those kick samples you made with your buddy. I just used one on this emo/hiphop track I produced for a new client. They got some nice snap!

[@jamesfrenchmuzak]

man it's crazy they made a cassette recorder that looks just like the channel icon!

[@dylanmackenzie1843]

Your videos just keep getting better and better, you've given me so much inspiration.

[@vvundertone]

aye thank you! inspiration is the goal 🙏🏼

[@gewittersounds]

really appreciate what you said about modern eq curves. My Eq's usually dont do anything besides getting rid of too low frequencies. A band I can recommend that has a nice flat eq is 'Armlock' especially their 'Trust' tape

[@rugososphotos3646]

Love the color tones on this video, really pleasant to watch, also to listen to of course :)

[@vvundertone]

thank you! I struggled a bit on this one because all these new warm lamps. But nonetheless I enjoy coloring :)

[@MarcEdwards]

Love the sounds. Supertone Clear is another great option for denoising. I’ve had a lot of luck with it.

[@vvundertone]

ty! interesting, ill have to check it out!

[@NyndeLOL]

Love this! Thank-you very much for making these videos for artists :)

[@vvundertone]

gotta do it! 🫡

[@TirmanKidMusic]

I used to have a teac X10 now i have a tascam 48. Beautiful machines

[@vvundertone]

They all have unique impressing colors. Luckily I am broke otherwise I would have more tape machines than time of day.

[@BasedFrequency]

Hell yea thanks for spreading tape awareness brother!

[@StanleyKubick1]

it's really needed with all the tape bias in today's society.

[@BasedFrequency]

@@StanleyKubick1 daily i deal with people thinking tape is shit because of their crappy in car stereo when they grew up :(

[@NeverBetter464]

@@StanleyKubick1 Impressive, Stanley. Very nice.

[@waynesoper197]

Very cool ,I fuvking love you vids dude . I just plugin my cassette recorder In the chain of my take live, and ride with I got. Once the song is buzzy I'm all in. Your an inspiration man. Vids are flaming hot. 🎉

[@vvundertone]

First takes only!!! 🔥 raw or nothing

[@IvansTop5s]

Honestly these videos are amazing keep up the amazing work and you’ll be big in no time !

[@vvundertone]

🫡

[@MAGOSAMX]

Dope video and dope music as always, recently I bought the same Panasonic recorder and I love it!!

[@vvundertone]

Man I can't wait to hear what you create with that thing! Great score. These baddies are gonna be going up in value soon I imagine.

[@siriusfun]

Fun stuff. It would be great to hear some finished songs/mixes for best context. Cheers!

[@vvundertone]

The people have spoken! Next vid is full mixes. 🫡

[@DiodeMcRoy]

​@vvundertone Btw, do you have a Spotify where when can listen to your music? Also are you familiar with Jacco Gardner?

[@joselarios2571]

My friend, awesome content. I'm glad that you mentioned how these plug ins can really be useful.. and also how it may effect your recording negatively... I hear the details and I appreciate you helping me understand the workflow. I appreciate the frequency (or noise).. when I digitize my tapes n want to reduce noise ECT.. I just run it thru the mixer and record n mix it in real time. Because I have no books to read😂.

[@vvundertone]

I always say, noise is our friend! No books? We gotta get you some materials!! 📖

[@robertsesmamusic]

I was gonna ask, you are a great man thank you

[@vvundertone]

That is extremely kind. I think im alright. 😅

[@Uan-Avi]

I don't know if it was good to find your channel, now I need a lot of things :) Thanks for your videos I´ve learned several things

[@wasiuuu1]

Yes, do agree, to much EQ squashing sound and you get thin and crystal clear sound in the mix - to much digital, For someone experience in mixing its easy to pick it up by ear, its just irritating to listen and missing that bottom part. Anyway thanks for pointing that out - many of your fans will learn something new and who knows future radio mixes will become normal again 🙂

[@vvundertone]

Taking our time getting it best in room by choosing the right instrument, the right mic / placement can really save time and ensure the highest quality recording! Will mids ever come back in mainstream?? Ha that I do not know!

[@pottingplants_]

sweet vid! X-Noise is a go to. That electric guitar sound is so sweet, congrats on the RTM Sponsorship!!!

[@vvundertone]

Thank you! I roasted it a lil hot but it was still cool.

[@CaleAnderson]

Thank you again man for sharing your tips, still gonna buy every one of your packs and support when i get the chance, soon.

[@vvundertone]

Sincerely grateful, thank you tremendously.

[@CaleAnderson]

@@vvundertone It's ok :) Thank you for creating them

[@CaleAnderson]

@@vvundertone I just purchased Vvunder Gallery to start. Woo :)

[@dvntlife]

Dawg ur the reason I stopped waiting to get my hands on a reel-to-reel and pulled out the old cassette deck instead. Bout to buy some RTM Type 1s right now.

[@vvundertone]

Incredible. I love it, well I hope when the time comes you will also find the perfect reel to reel to compliment you setup!

[@dvntlife]

@@vvundertone thank u sir. Keep up the incredible work!

[@doommega]

once again a Superior example by yourself good man ! good work !

[@buckkylem]

“Wow…. It’s really not that different” 😂 took the words right out of my mouth haha

[@SVJ1MMY]

thank you for making these videos, really!

[@vvundertone]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. Means much G.

[@wawazonzon24]

I love RTM tape!!!

[@samsmusic2995]

Wow great video, love it ;)

[@eduardomanfredini8552]

Human ears are in the mids! I totally agree.

[@vvundertone]

mids are god gift to music

[@channelite]

cool, i’m sold on getting a cassette recorder.

[@adee2569]

Bravo! Great stuff!

[@jazzjazz8415]

This is beautiful

[@vvundertone]

Appreciate that !!

[@NeverBetter464]

Real nice place you have there.

[@vvundertone]

TY! its got a super unique sound & none of my other machines can nail it.

[@igorkryvoruchko7505]

Pretty cool electric guitar sound! It reminded me some Melody's Echo Chamber song. All your demos on the channel sound great! Like this psychedelic wibe. Do you have your own music? I would like to hear more!

[@vvundertone]

Thank you very much. I am getting back into original music creation lately. It’s been a while, and I became discouraged. But so many people asking me has helped find new inspiration so truly thank you very very much. Tomorrow I’m dropping a lil plugin demo and I had a blast producing the music. More to come.

[@igorkryvoruchko7505]

@@vvundertone Great news! You have pretty cool collection of equipment. So it is very interesting to hear not just small peaces, but full compositions with all those synths, guitars, effects and overall lo-fi sound

[@MartenKey]

Fantastic video man

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Love this!

[@alhug7191]

smooth as always

[@slamcrank]

Hey man, just a heads-up on the standalone RX Denoise ... there is a "preview" selector button where you can listen to the audio without having to render first. Cheers!

[@vvundertone]

had no idea! thank you so much!

[@pavolslamka9214]

I LOVE YOU AND YOUR VIDS UR SO COOL

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

Of course you record tape hot. That analog saturation is the defining difference.

[@vvundertone]

Time and place for the crunchy and the buttery

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

@@vvundertone absolutely. I posted that, and then self reflected on that beautiful warble

[@vaaalsongs4867]

Oxford Inflator still holds up so well

[@vvundertone]

Yeah I find myself always goin for it!

[@dandavidson3127]

Beautiful

[@paulwood4142]

So cool. Will give it a go with my shoebox recorder!

[@michaelbalogmusic]

Thank you, you inspire

[@vvundertone]

The forever goal 🤍

[@adrianmathenia]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@PulseRecognition]

Your channel is damn good!

[@harrisonweil2084]

Thank you!

[@ManualController]

I come for the content. I stay for the suits.

[@vvundertone]

Welcome 🫡

[@jeriahjewell4966]

Loving this new page. Have you done any experimenting with cassette tape loops or reel to reel loops. I got into it from an artist named The Nicholas. They also have a few side projects like Zeeland that really showcase loops. Really think you’d like the music too. Would love to see a video on loops if that’s something you’re into!

[@gerry6942]

SETUP TOUR!!!

[@vvundertone]

Ok! That’ll be fun 🫡

[@lucadelalune6865]

Hey homie, wonderful video, how do you deal with sync issues caused by the small speed differences the tape plays back at when layering multiple tape recordings in your DAW?

[@vvundertone]

its rough. I typically use this machine to color one shots. But in the case I am doing a longer stretch I try figure out how long it takes to fall out of sync and then stick to that duration. Or stay off the grid and base my song around the tape. Grid shouldn't always be law imo. I think it would be nice if someone could make a plugin one day in the realm of VocAlign for using tape!

[@ezekielchentnik]

rad, thanks!

[@bogggz]

these are really well produced. do you handle all the filming and editing yourself? just curious

[@vvundertone]

Thank you. Yes all in house. It’s a labor of love.

[@tapeexperiments]

Love it!

[@eancurtis9333]

Awesome

[@jasonsully135]

Great content!

[@ahmedadambd1939]

Simple useful advice for those who are looking to have their own sound signature.. like just avoiding what kills the natural texture of the sound. But also, I will avoid some VSTs not because they kill this kind of unique texture, but because in a way, they are part of the lobby of those who kill innocents...

[@vvundertone]

Care to share?

[@lawrencerasmus]

I record by running tape out into cakewalk with a plugin on the track and back to my Yamaha mt8x or what tape recorder im using. Like having plugins on your cassette recorder

[@vvundertone]

That’s a unique work flow. What plugins are you using on tape?

[@lawrencerasmus]

@@vvundertone mostly stock compression and reverb

[@lilwombat]

I also prefer type 1 type 2 sounds too normal i haven't got a type 4 but i imagine it's even cleaner. what the noise reduction plugins does to the transients always sounds weird to me I'll take the noise. I find my music is just darker than a lot of people I'm just not a fan of that hyped highs sound it's tiring.

[@AdamFraserTv]

Let’s go !

[@rayonism]

I would be curious how you deal with sync issues, like do you make short loops of parts to get them on the grid? Not having stuff be on the grid to begin with?

[@vvundertone]

Bingo. Short loops, one shots, and especially staying off the grid. Took my a while to get there. I was like everyone else addicted to the grid. Comforted by the grid. But great music is chaotic.

[@thesugarbusch]

I love you. Learning so much about how to make my music vibier.

[@louism.brindle7466]

incredible

[@dionisiovulture4889]

hi, love your vids! what if i want to do the inverse process? from digital audio to cassettes¡¡ cheers from Argentina!

[@vvundertone]

thank you! same idea my friend. send your digital audio out of the interface into the tape. record, rewind and then follow this process. I'm working on another video now in regards to mixing finished tracks to reel to reel!

[@dionisiovulture4889]

Nice, thank you🙏praise your tapes

[@Malekai43]

I wonder, is there a way to record the cassette directly into the DAW as you're playing or is it only possible one at a time?

[@vvundertone]

If it’s a 3 head deck yes, but it’s a semi rare feature. But it is possible to find.

[@billyparham630]

good lord I'm dying to learn about that electric guitar of yours. is that some sort of heavily moded strat?

[@vvundertone]

indeed it is. a 1970s reissue "fat strat" I got it from a samash catalogue back in the day. It was originally bright orange. I put some guitar fetish p90s on it and reshaped the body.

[@cckeysify]

dude where can we check out your music?

[@vvundertone]

I'm slowly getting back into this. I've always just made music for me and not really shared it. But it is something I plan on changing. I do have a record I put out in 2021. Backlit Symphony - Bellrose. Check it out!

[@echodub81]

Good video! Unpolished music is a lot more interesting to listen, there is more depth, more texture, more story in every note

[@vvundertone]

Totally. Whenever I burn out on classic recordings I just switch to the demos. Its amazing how many times I'll realize I like the unmixed versions better. Great example is The Stooges Fun House, many outtakes sound and feel incredible.

[@chinmeysway]

agreed

[@blisslip]

man ive been trying to do this exact thing for sometime now. i dont have a multi track recorder but i do have a marantz sd155 deck. i hooked it up with a mixer and my interface. when i record something on the tape and try to sync it back up in logic, it starts out ok but then gradually gets more and more out of time as the take goes on. any advice on tryna remedy this would be greatly appreciated !

[@vvundertone]

what kind of tape are you using? This is happens regardless but by having a new high quality tape you can reduce the amount greatly. I have to get creative with how I handle this. Sometimes that means doing sections at a time. Once I see how long it takes to fall out of sync I know how long I can record. Or I might just do loops. And sometimes I even say screw the grid I'm going freestyle. Let it all weave in and out!

[@blisslip]

@@vvundertone i was justing using some old tdk tape i found lying around in the garage. i just ordered a rtm and a tascam tape. ill try those out to see if theres any change. thanks!

[@Vuycigiiggjvchhchcfugj]

Wow❤

[@Em-iq9le]

Ty goat

[@nickmessitte1721]

You can access iZotope standalone through logics internal render, make the changes there, hit command alt s, and cycle back - Logic will update. Save yourself some time bud!

[@vvundertone]

This is why I love youtube. TY!

[@nickmessitte1721]

@@vvundertone I always split the offending problem into its own region, save the new region as its own file, then open that in the iZotope external editor, and that way the original is saved if I need it

[@dustystarr2297]

Can I be in your band? Ok seriously I use Logic also and utilize the "drummer". They always sound so stale. I'm going to try running that out to tape and back. You have a fave tape you use for stuff like that?

[@vvundertone]

I wish bands where still a thing. What happened!! Okay I am a Logic user but I have to admit I hate the plugins. And as a drum sample creator don't get my started on Drummer. Can you replace the sounds? I see the concept could be valuable but stock sounds are stock for a reason. Vanilla town. And the tape I use is RTM, always. For cassette and reel to reel.

[@dustystarr2297]

@@vvundertone Yeah I know what you mean about bands and the stock drums OOF. I really just use them for the demos and then have one of my drummer fiends track drums for me and just get me the stems, but like you said the stock sounds are so Vanilla. I was just thinking it might help and be fun to mess with.

[@adriana.astorgano1760]

The thing is, how to transfer different tracks so to mix them digitally... because the motors will never roll exactly the same, so the whole would not fit exactly. Am I right? Not sure how to solve this 😥

[@vvundertone]

yes, this is an issue. In my work flow, I am often making samples. So what I do is short loops, or single chords. After that I will print whole mixes. But no I do not often process say a single electric guitar to tape and back to a digital session. But I will say that from what I have noticed some machines / tape handle it better than others. So if this is an issue for you make sure you use a fresh tape and a well maintained machine.

[@ramencoke]

benedict Cumberbatch is going crazy on that guitar lol !

[@gnawvy]

vvundertone smokes mids

[@stupormundi3295]

The guy actually lives in a Wes Anderson movie

[@vvundertone]

Its true

[@Chris_231]

today, I learned I have been using x noise wrong for like, ever

[@vvundertone]

Maybe not wrong, just different??

[@garethde-witt6433]

I got so over using cassette tape, it’s so unreliable and the deterioration drove me nuts. Having to clean the tape heads was annoying too.

[@cjay2]

Go back to your phone.

[@krsp420]

I’m always drowning in the middle of the universe with nothing to hold on to.

[@vvundertone]

same

[@thefeelcompany]

Fucking magic

[@kernelpaniiic]

I stopped watching at 0:08 when you said « noise reduction ». Just kidding, great video. #teamhiss #teamnodolby

[@vvundertone]

😅 I am there with you. Noise reduction is over rated but in rare occurrences it has saved me!

[@Ray_Wood_1984]

🙇‍♂️💓🍀🎶 🤘😃

[@BrokenCloudMachine]

so he doesnt actually explain how he does it? just tells you what he uses? im so confused

[@vvundertone]

What part is confusing? (Will help me for future tutorials)

[@sl3102]

Honestly, that amount of warble is not normal. I suspect your tape machine might need an overhaul.

[@vvundertone]

I have a few different machines. This is the warble machine. Repairing it would be a crime.

[@sl3102]

@@vvundertone Ah, I see. Carry on.

[@octotrax]

wow.. that's really not that different - hihi

[@Tallstreehouse]

Another cool trick for color is getting really old thrift store cassettes, the jankier the better, putting paper in the corner record tab slots and recording to that. Insane wow n flutter. Cool video as always 🫡

[@brianreederr]

sounds very cool, could you elaborate?

[@infacedgetout]

@@brianreederr some of these cassettes can date back to the 70s, degraded by time and being played. There is a small square open tab that prevents you from accidentally recording over these tapes but you can easily bypass that by putting a strip of scotch/medical tape or something similar, preferably something soft so little bumps don't really stick out. They'll often be fairly noisy, sometimes they'll even dirty up your pinch rollers/tape heads/etc quicker but you'll absolutely get a different sound that may be desirable to you! You can check for what type it is and any recommended bias settings on the cassette to make sure it's compatible with your machine and what you're looking for but you're mostly going to get Type 1 that can go in any machine

[@brianreederr]

@@infacedgetout thanks for the insight! I only started getting into tape in the last two years and I never got to experience them growing up so I appreciate the explanation

[@Tallstreehouse]

@@brianreederr so prerecorded cassettes have these slots in the corners that don't allow the record mechanism to function (to prevent accidentally recording over an album) but if you fill those slots with something, it allows you to record over those cassettes. That's why blank cassettes have the break away tabs or lock switches in the corner--incase you don't want to record over it again.

[@Tallstreehouse]

This doesn't apply to actual multitrack cassette recorders because they use a mirror and laser mechanism to sense the cassette tapes, but most cassette players have a little button in the corner and if that's pressed in, it'll allow the tape to be recorded over

[@meprobinson]

Thank you!