Prepare the recorder for a new recording by returning all controls to their starting position. This is called "normaling" the recorder. Look at Channel 1 on the left of the unit. From top to bottom, adjust the controls like this: "TRIM" fully counterclockwise; "INPUT" to "OFF;" all 4 EQ controls to center; both "EFFECT" controls fully counterclockwise; "PAN" to center and "FADER" to 0. Repeat for channels 2 to 6. For channel 7 and 8, "LEVEL" fully counterclockwise and "ASSIGN" to "OFF."
Continue normaling the board by setting the monitor section in the middle of the unit. "LINE OUT" and "EFFECT/CUE" to "OFF;" "LEVEL" to center, switch to "TAPE CUE" and "FADER" to 0. Finally, "RECORD FUNCTION" set to "SAFE" on all four tracks, "TAPE SPEED" to "HIGH" and "PITCH CONTROL" to 0. Connect headphones to the jack on the front of the unit, and load an audio cassette.
Connect a microphone to Input 1 on the back of the unit with a 1/4-inch plug or an XLR connector, depending on your microphone. The steps are the same for instruments as a sound source.
Set the microphone level. On Channel 1, set the "INPUT" switch to "LINE/MIC," turn the "PAN" control fully counterclockwise, and set Channel 1 and Master faders to 7. Slowly turn the "TRIM" control on Channel 1 clockwise while speaking into the microphone until the display shows a signal that averages about 0 on the meter display. Turn the monitor section "LEVEL" control clockwise until you hear your voice through the headphones at a comfortable level.
Record track 1. Press "PLAY" for several seconds then "STOP" to ensure your recording starts on tape rather than leader. Press the "COUNTER RESET" button to mark the start of your recording. Switch Track 1 "RECORD FUNCTION" switch to "BUSS L." On the display, the indicator for Track 1 flashes. Hold "RECORD" and press "PLAY." The flashing indicator stays lit to indicate recording. At the end of the performance, press "STOP."
Play back your track. Press the "RTZ," Return To Zero, button, and the unit automatically rewinds to the 0000 position set with the "COUNTER RESET" button. Set "RECORD FUNCTION" switch to "SAFE." Slide the monitor section's "LINE OUT' switch to "MONO." Press "PLAY," and adjust the volume of your recording for comfort using the "LEVEL" control.
Record Track 2. Turn Channel 1 "PAN" control fully clockwise. Levels are already set, but repeat the "TRIM" adjustment if the next performance is at a different volume than the first.
Switch "RECORD FUNCTION" switch on Track 2 to "BUSS R" position. The indicator for Track 2 flashes. Hold "RECORD" and press "PLAY." You hear the performance on Track 1 through the headphones, and you can record a performance for Track 2. Rewind the tape, and take Track 2 out of record mode by switching "RECORD FUNCTION" to "SAFE."
Continue recording performances on tracks 3 and 4 by following the same procedure, moving "PAN" control to either full left or right position and selecting the matching "RECORD FUNCTION' switch. More than one channel can be assigned to a track for recording by using this method.
Set the unit for mixing playback. On each of channels 1 to 4, set the "INPUT" switch to "TAPE." In the monitor section set "LINE OUT" to "L-R." The master fader should be between 7 and 8, in the shaded area.
Return tape to the start by using the "RTZ" button. Press "PLAY," and monitor your performances through your headphones. Adjus each track for volume, tone and panning by using the fader, EQ controls and "PAN" control. Repeat this until you have a mix that you like.
Connect your mixdown recorder using the RCA patch cable. This could be a regular stereo cassette deck or a computer sound card. Set the level on your mixdown recorder, and set it to record. Play back your mixed performance on the TASCAM 424, and you have a final version of your recording.