Tascam Portastudio Separte Track Outputs - 414MKII tape Four track Recorder Individual outputs

The most asked question I get on my YouTube channel is "How do I get all four individual tracks from my Tascam 414 into my computer interface?" Usually, the 4 channels are mixed into a stereo pair, and there's no clear way to separate the tracks of the tape.  Well, here's the answer!

Basically, the easiest way I've found comes from careful multitrack planning before you start to record.  But, here's the breakdown.

1. You should record the tracks to the individual tracks(1, 2, 3, 4), not the L/R buss.
2. Whatever is on track four should be recorded relatively hot on the Tascam meter.  Not distorted, but a healthy gain going to tape.  Later you won't have any control over how much signal Track 4 is sending to the computer.
3.  Track 3 is similar to track 4, but you'll have a gain knob, so again- Healthy gain, but don't over do it.
4.  Check your panning- it's critical for track one and 2 for track separation with this method.
5.  Sync should be turned off.

So, plan your mic placements and whatever you want to record for each track.  If you're recording a stereo pair, remember which side is which, and neither of those channels should be on track four.


Here's how to hook it all up for recording on the Tascam Portastudio 414mkII:

Track 1 - Pan Left, record as normal
Track 2 - Pan Right, record as normal
Track 3 - Pan doesn't matter, record as normal
Track 4 - Pan doesn't matter, Give a healthy signal that isn't distorting

Now, Playback on the Tascam (through headphones or direct monitoring) will be as normal, however, hooking up to the computer interface complicates things a bit.

Here's how to hook up the Portastudio to your computer interface:

Track 1 - Tascam "Line Out" Left to channel one on your interface.
Track 2 - Tascam "Line Out" Right to channel two on your interface.
Track 3 - Tascam "Effect Send 2" to channel three on your interface.
Track 4 - Tascam "Sync Out" to channel four on your interface.

Now, in your computer:
 Tascam Track 1 (panned left) will be track 1
 Tascam Track 2 (panned right) will be track 2
 Tascam Track 3 Effect Send 2 will be track 3
 Tascam Track 4 Sync Out will be track 4.

Notes:  The level for track three is now controlled by the "Effect Send 2" knob.  Also, you will not have any control of the volume level of track 4.  It sends whatever gain is on the tape.  Experiment to see how much level track 4 needs to give a healthy playback signal- it really shouldn't be much different than the other tracks. You just lose the ability to turn it down.

That's it!  Good luck, and don't forget to subscribe!!