- Joined
- Oct 15, 2017
- Messages
- 6
- Karma
- 1
- Gear owned
- Portastudio 424mk1/488mk1
Hello all.
Recently got back into 4 track recording after finding a good deal on an original portastudio 424. When I got it, this thing was a 10/10, looked/functioned/sounded like it was really taken care of (impressive for a tape machine from the 90's). I have been using it quite alot, and over time I've noticed its not recording sources to track 3 like it used to. Tried several tests recording from each of the 6 different 1/4" inputs to the track 3 bus, tried recording one input/instrument to all 4 busses just to compare output from all 4 tracks and theres still a good 3-4db difference. Just track 3! The level meter for channel 3 seems to indicate no problem with the preamp going TO tape (plenty signal going in), but just records at a lower level. Since I often record bass and drums to tracks 3 and 4 respectively, I find myself using the effect send for a preamp to send that channel/track to, matching the output of tracks 1,2,4. While that is a workaround, it of course sacrifices my one aux send for sake of a volume boost to track 3. I can still use that handy 'sync out' jack for an aux send on track 4 only, but that leaves tracks 1 and 2 dry.
Although I make no claims of being a genius when it comes to electronics, I have tried the usual stuff: cleaning the record/play and erase heads carefully with 91% iso and a q-tip, using a commercially available head cleaner....one thing I haven't done is demagnetized, but the thought of forever ruining my 424's heads with one little mis-step terrifies me.
I guess I'm hoping to find some sort of fix, or at the very least just would like to know this problem isn't going to get much, much worse. In my experience of owning 4 tracks back in the day, they all died on me after 2-3 years of fairly heavy, but not 'abusive' use, and for various reasons (although they were always lesser models like the porta 01, and I feel like this 424 is a huge step up).
Any help/advice would be much appreciated. So far I'm glad I found this forum and I've got lots of interesting stuff to read!
Recently got back into 4 track recording after finding a good deal on an original portastudio 424. When I got it, this thing was a 10/10, looked/functioned/sounded like it was really taken care of (impressive for a tape machine from the 90's). I have been using it quite alot, and over time I've noticed its not recording sources to track 3 like it used to. Tried several tests recording from each of the 6 different 1/4" inputs to the track 3 bus, tried recording one input/instrument to all 4 busses just to compare output from all 4 tracks and theres still a good 3-4db difference. Just track 3! The level meter for channel 3 seems to indicate no problem with the preamp going TO tape (plenty signal going in), but just records at a lower level. Since I often record bass and drums to tracks 3 and 4 respectively, I find myself using the effect send for a preamp to send that channel/track to, matching the output of tracks 1,2,4. While that is a workaround, it of course sacrifices my one aux send for sake of a volume boost to track 3. I can still use that handy 'sync out' jack for an aux send on track 4 only, but that leaves tracks 1 and 2 dry.
Although I make no claims of being a genius when it comes to electronics, I have tried the usual stuff: cleaning the record/play and erase heads carefully with 91% iso and a q-tip, using a commercially available head cleaner....one thing I haven't done is demagnetized, but the thought of forever ruining my 424's heads with one little mis-step terrifies me.
I guess I'm hoping to find some sort of fix, or at the very least just would like to know this problem isn't going to get much, much worse. In my experience of owning 4 tracks back in the day, they all died on me after 2-3 years of fairly heavy, but not 'abusive' use, and for various reasons (although they were always lesser models like the porta 01, and I feel like this 424 is a huge step up).
Any help/advice would be much appreciated. So far I'm glad I found this forum and I've got lots of interesting stuff to read!