Hypothetical BOOMbox
Sometime last summer I got really into the idea of analog recording. After searching the local Craigslist I found two Tascam Portastudio 424 MKII cassette four track recorders. I wanted two of the same device so I could do bounces and more overdubs. As a long time vinyl enthusiast I'm not really into cassette culture, but I wanted to make a tape. My idea was this tape would be played out of a old school ghetto blaster style boombox. Although I did not, and do not own such a boombox. Hence the title Hypothetical BOOMbox.
These songs were as a means to test these 4 track recorders I had recently acquired. I made a 700 mile move between then and now. I shelved these recorders and put the tapes away. I started working on other recording projects using Pro Tools. I pretty much forgot about these songs. Until recently while rummaging through my tapes for samples. I came across these three finished songs. Magnetically etched into a cassette I can hold into my hand. Sure these songs may not be polished, but their raw , barely edited in any way. It has its challenges, but I find analog record fascinating.
This recording is also unique due to other devices I used. For vocals I used an old ElectroVoice 664 Microphone. This thing could be used as a hammer. It has a nice warm tone which I thought would go good with analog. I also used a Lexicon MPX1 for reverb and effects on the vocals. My Oscar Schmidt OE40 for the guitar and a Washburn AB-20 for the Bass. The AB-20 happens to be a acoustic bass. It has pickups, so I use this primarily as if it were an electric. In turn it has it's own sound, although this may not be the best showcase for it. Finally all the drums and programmed stuff was done on a Yamaha QY-70. Which is about the most basic sequencer you can get, but it works. It worked great for this recording.
Recording to cassette had it challenges. I can't tell you how many good takes I accidentally recorded over. There's always noise on tracks. Just because two tape decks are the same brand doesn't mean they record at the same speed. I could go on and on. The real shame it that in the end this recording was made digital to exist online. It's great to know that at any time I have it in it's original analog glory on a cassette.