I'm sure I seem like an idiot here

[gitzplayer]

So I've been playing guitar for a while, and I have a pretty nice rig. . .and now I'm at a point where I really want to start recording and layering my own stuff. Unfortunately, I have no knowlege whatsoever in this field. Can anybody help me out here? What exactly is a 4 track recorder? Can I get a decent set up for under like $200?

[Vinnie]

First of all, 4 track, 8 track, 16 track recorders are exactly what they sound. For example, you play a rythem part, that is track 1. Then you play a solo part over the rythem part, the solo is track 2. Add a bass line, that is track 3, and then add drums for track 4. When you're done laying down all the tracks, you "mix" them together to get your song.

There are a variety of recorders. From as cheap as using cassetes to record (typically found in a 4 track) to as expensive as using a digital recording (typically uses an internal hard drive to record). Each one works in different ways.

As for the last part, can you get one for $200. Probably not. You might be able to find a really cheap 4 track, but the odds are against you. Remember, you're going to get what you pay for. Most $200 4 tracks sound like *****.

I use software on my PC at home to lay down tracks. Hope this helps!

--Vinnie--
The slayer of donuts....

[gitzplayer]

Thanks for the info . . .one more thing. How do you make sure that it all "meshes" together right? You know, so that all of the tracks are at the same tempo . . . is it possible to listen to one of the tracks as you're recording the next?

[tricyclist]

Yes. You can monitor previously recorded tracks as you record a new one.

As for tempo, you probably want to lay down your drums (or a click track) first.

[BlaZinChoPs]

Well, you have a computer, why not download either cooledit or Quartz studio and try them out. You'll need a good mic, try a Shure sm57 ($79), a mic preamp will make the sound better to the soundcard ArtTubeOPL ($100)
That's less than $200. Anyway, cooledit2000 has a free demo and Quartz studio and audio editor is free but kinda quirky. The digital recording is gonna be your best bet IMO

[Vinnie]

I tried that Quartz thing. What a piece of crap. Cool Edit all the way. Web site is www.syntrillium.com (http://www.syntrillium.com)

Download their 30 day shareware of CoolEdit 2000. You'll get the hang of it in a couple of days.

--Vinnie--
Slayer of Donuts

[Lukus]

dont forget protools, its specifically designed for macs, but works pretty well on pcs (only compatible with windows 98/me, though). on kazaa thats a modified version of pro tools free that has 32 audio tracks instead of 8, its pretty good

[tricyclist]

n-track is also a pretty good computer based multi-tracker. Lets you mix MIDI and audio. The number of tracks and effects you use is limited only by the amount of memory in your computer.

[ericonthenet]

I agree with everyone else....digital. If you have a decent hard drive 20gigs or more, your cookin'. Fostex makes very affordable 4 track cassette decks, one is $100. I'm sure it's normal speed and Dolby B, but if you can't take a pc around, you could always take one of those with you wherever you record, then flop the whole thing into a digital program and add to it. Neat idea I think....but the truth is, TAPE is out now. About 2 years ago I listened to a Roland hard drive recorder with 64 "virtual" tracks. I was blown away. And you can do most of that with a PC now.........
Jim

[Bozo]

Musician's friend has the fostex's 4-track manual online so you can see what it can and cannot do: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/search/detail/base_pid/240021/sourceid=00328591055350608357