Portastudio 424 doesn't show input meter level / doesn't record :(

[universe]

Hey everyone,

I just took my my portastudio 424 mkIII out of the box and wanted to record some classical guitar and bass on it.

The problem is: it doesn't record or show any input level meter on any track. All the tracks work though, I'm getting sound through headphones and line out. Also the EQ works fine. Any idea why it doesn't record / show any input level on the display? (I set it to direct and and set the input on the channels to mic/ line. The combination of pressing record and play at the same time puts the machine in recording mode, just no sound appears. Also tried different cassettes, type 2)

I also tried a trusty old Beastie Boys cassette that I know works, just to test it and I'm not getting any sound and no level meter again..

The motor works. When I put a cassette in and press play, also if I press record but again no input level meter and no sound, neither recording or playback. Also when setting the dbx switch to on, it doesnt show it on the display.

Isn't this strange? I would be so glad if anyone could point me in a direction as to how to get this machine back to work!

 

[Jack Saturn]

You didn't clarify: is this a brand new machine you just acquired, or one you've had in storage for awhile which worked in the past?

 

[universe]

As I remember it did work in the past but I hadn't used it for several years.

 

[Jack Saturn]

Are the Record Select switches for all 4 tracks in the "Safe" position?

 

[universe]

for playback I put em in "safe", for recording in "direct"

 

[universe]

Are the Record Select switches for all 4 tracks in the "Safe" position?

I'm very sure it's really not about a setting. I know how to record with these machines. It must be some issue with the playback / record function. As I mentioned I'm not getting any audio when I put in a normal cassette album (that works on other players) as well...

I opened up the 424 and took some pictures but so far couldn't see anything obvious in terms of technical malfunction. But I'm also no technician. MAybe somehone here can see anything that seems wrong in the cassette section? (the motor itself works, cassette is spinning, just no sound)