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How to Hook Up a Tascam Recorder to an Audio Interface

TASCAM specializes in portable multi-track recorders, which allow you to record and mix your original music on the go, using a small or handheld device with assorted instrument and microphone jacks and a customizable mixing menu. If you want to transfer your TASCAM recordings to your computer without background noise or interference, of if you want to transfer digital music from your computer or interface to your TASCAM multi-track recorder, you must connect an audio interface---an external sound card that works as a bridge between your recorder and your PC. You can purchase a USB or FireWire audio interface at most music supply stores, usually found with the digital audio equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Musical instruments
  • Microphone(s)
  • Instrument cables
  • Digital audio software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine your TASCAM recorder and determine your available ports. Available audio jacks vary between the different recorders, so you must first determine which cables you will need. For example, the TASCAM 2488neo contains 1/4-inch TRS ports, like those used by guitar cables, while the TASCAM DR-07 has only a 3.5mm (headphone-sized) Line-Out port. If your TASCAM uses a 3.5mm Line-Out port, you can connect to an interface using a 1/4- to 1/8-inch audio cable. If your TASCAM recorder includes 1/4-inch audio ports, you can connect using a standard TRS cable (1/4"-to-1/4") to connect.

    • 2

      Connect your TASCAM recorder to your audio interface. If your recorder includes only a 3.5mm Line-Out port, plug the smaller 1/8-inch plug on your 1/4- to 1/8-inch cable into the 3.5mm Line-In port on your TASCAM recorder, and plug the larger 1/4-inch plug into any available "Line-Out" or "Main Mix Out" jack on your interface. If your TASCAM recorder includes 1/4-inch audio ports, plug one end of your TRS cable into the "Input/Line" jack on your recorder, and plug the opposite end into the "Line-Out" or "Main Mix Out" jack on your interface.

    • 3

      Connect your audio interface to your computer if you want to transfer recorded music from your TASCAM. Attached to each interface, you you will find either a USB cable (indicated by the universal USB symbol, resembling a three-pointed trident, which appears printed on the connector) or a FireWire cable (indicated by an image of a broken letter "Y"). Connect the cable to the corresponding port on your computer. FireWire interfaces allow for faster transfer, but make sure that your computer contains the appropriate FireWire ports before purchasing a FireWire interface. Just examine the ports on your computer and look for the "Y" symbol. Otherwise, go with USB.

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