Vintage sound on a digital recorder

twangman · #1 04-24-2011, 04:49 PM

I have a pretty basic recorder ( Tascam DP008 ) and the sound I get from it is pretty flat. I had a Tascam four track recorder but it slowly fell apart. Anyway any suggestions on how to get that tape , warm, analog sound on a digital recorder?

audiomitch · #2 04-24-2011, 05:57 PM

The source MUST sound good to begin with. You can't "fix it in the mix". If your source sounds good, and you have a basic knowledge about mixing, it will naturally sound good. You want to get to the point of having to pick the best options for something that already sounds good. You don't want to be in the position of polishing a t*rd.

To sum up: spend your time getting your source to sound good. Warm in = warm out. Flat and lifeless in = flat and lifeless out.

miltslackford · #3 04-25-2011, 04:09 PM

I like the sansamp rbi preamp

tangentmusic · #4 04-25-2011, 04:16 PM

I agree with Audiomitch. Your sound must be pretty much how you want it before recording. You may be able to alter the tone somewhat thru EQing after the fact, but try getting your sound beforehand. Mic your amp, as opposed to going direct for a more analog tone.

bassbrad · #5 04-25-2011, 10:52 PM

Getting a good recorded bass tone can be a challenge but worth the effort, the Tascam pres are pretty sterile so some outboard preamp is needed. You can consider one of the more current multieffects that offer a lot of bass amp models, lots of choices there, or one of the Tech 21 Sansamp or other amp modelers.
There are several things I use depending on the sound 'm after. My favorite simple solution is to use a Submarine pedal but since Os is going down again no telling if you'll be able to snag one. I also use an old Digitech BP8 which has all the essential tools for recording bass tones unless you want a lot of effects. I also fro time to time use a mic pre sometimes tube but not always, the ART Tube MP offers a nice affordable entry into a tube tone.