To Obsolete Media Tape Deck FAQ

Special Recording Techniques

Borrowed from a TEAC Informational Supplement

Sound-On-Sound Recording

The technique of recording sound on sound is basically a method for mixing the monophonic recording from one track with a subsequent recording (generally live) on the second track (also monophonic). This procedure can be repeated from one track into the other until the noise level (tape hiss) from successive recordings has added together to an undesirable level, probably after five or six recordings.

1. Make a monophonic recording on the Left channel (track 1).
2. Rewind the tape to the beginning of the recording.
3. Connect an audio cable from the Left channel OUTPUT jack to the Right channel LINE IN jack.
4. Insert a headphone plug into the PHONES jack and microphone into the MIC R (right) jack.
5. Place the RECORD - MODE L (left) switch OFF and the R (right) switch ON.
6. Engage the Record/Pause mode by depressing the REC and PAUSE control buttons.
7. Reduce the Left LINE Level Controls and the Left MIC Level Control. Make a preliminary level setting with the Right MIC Level control, using SOURCE Monitor.
8. Switch to TAPE-MONITOR. Release the Record Pause Mode by pushing the REC button.
9. Listen only to the Left earpiece on the headphones.
10. While monitoring the Left channel with headphones, make a mixed recording by adjusting the MIC-R and LINE-R Level controls. Observe the VU Meter (Right) but note that the reading will be slightly delayed because of the distance from the Record head to the Playback head.

TEAC decks that have dual inputs and outputs facilitate Sound on Sound recording and make it possible to record Sound on Sound with a Line Source as well as a Microphone Source as described above. Procedures for Sound on Sound with line are basically the same as above; substitute "Right LINE" for "Right MIC" while maintaining the Right channel output stationary. For succeeding recordings, simply reverse the channels each time, and use the alternate controls and switches.

If the LINE control does not provide sufficient adjustment you might readjust the OUTPUT control to prevent saturation or to raise it to a satisfactory level for recording. If the mixed recording on track 3 (right channel) is unsatisfactory, you may record it again, for the original material still remains on track 1.

Sound-with-Sound

"Sound with Sound", like sound on sound, involves recording monophonic material one track at a time on each of the two channels. Unlike sound on sound, however, there is no mixing of the first track signal together with the second track recording. During playback after the second recording, you will hear two distinct channels simultaneously but they will not be synchronized nor have the affects obtainable from stereophonic methods.

Procedures are similar to monophonic recording, except the tape is rewound after the first track is recorded so that the next recording is made parallel and in the same direction on the other channel. The first track is monitored during the second recording to retain a relationship between the two channels.

For example, in language training, the student's response will be on the second track, re-recorded as often as desired, without destroying the teacher's recording on track 1. Perhaps more common is to record music on one track and then add dialogue or commentary on the other or vice versa. Music is generally not recorded "with" music, however, for the two recordings will not be synchronized.

Another interesting use for the Sound with Sound recording technique is to produce your own personalized "sing-along'." Play your favorite record and record in monophonic on one channel. As you are recording you can add your voice to the other track via a MIC input. During playback you can adjust the OUTPUT level of each channel to get the "best" blend of your voice and the original song on the other track.