Readers may suspect that Richard Dean's lapses into metaphysical metaphor result from a peyote button every five paragraphs. Yet this first article in his new series is full of useful tips beyond mere sound-on-sound.

Jean Luc Ponty music to record

The underlying concepts of multitrack recording are explained from the bottom up.

Looking for an entry into the world of recording? Neville Unwin investigates one of the better-known beginners' courses in recording techniques.

From the humblest of 4-track cassette recorders to the might of 48-track digital, multitrack is the technique used for 99.9% of all commercial recordings. David Mellor looks at the background to this powerful tool and wonders how we ever managed without it.

for multitrack recording

The Master Section

This month we scrutinise the master section of a typical multitrack mixing console and ponder the meaning of PFL, talkback and that small grey button that goes "neep neep".

One way to discover more about recording.

8-Track and the Jargon Jungle

Further into the jargon jungle of marvellous multitrack with Desperate Dean. Careful with them tracks, Richard.

Sound Workshop

Paul White takes you on a guided tour of the features and facilities of a typical multitrack mixer.

Analogue tape, digital tape or hard disk? All have strengths and weaknesses, some of which are more obvious than others; this comprehensive overview unscrews the inscrutable.

MIDI & Multitrack

Part 10: David Mellor looks at ways of getting the best of both worlds by combining a MIDI system with a multitrack tape recorder.

David Mellor takes a day trip to the University College of North Wales in Bangor to visit the first studio in Britain to take delivery of an Akai DR1200 digital multitrack recorder.

The Input Channel

A guided tour through a typical in-line channel strip.

A no-nonsense, rack-mount multitracker with an attractive price tag.

Cassette Multitrack

It is said that small is beautiful - and Tascam's new personal multitrack machine is certainly small. Nik Newark dubs his demos and road tests Tascam's latest four-track cassette machine.

Multitrack Recording In The Classroom

Our educational consultant describes a basic, 4-track recording session from initial recording to final mixing.

Many people own one and even more would like to, for the E16 is the 16-track tape machine to aspire to. Gareth Stuart finds out why.

Multitrack Recorder

Already established in hi-fi, Sansui have made their musical debut in the form of a number of multitrack cassette machines, among them the WSX1. Nigel Lord reckons the "studio in a box" is finally here.

Editing Techniques

In the second part of this series, Richard Dean turns his attention to the equipment and techniques you need for removing the dead wood from your hard-won demo or master tape, and shows you how to make the kindest cut of all...

Insert Points & Aux Sends

Last minute bargains: Guided tour around typical multitrack desk, stopping at all notable features. Bed, breakfast and evening meal not provided.

Multitrack Cassette Recorder

Affordable cassette multitrack with a few unexpectedly sophisticated features.

4 Channel Multitrack Tape Deck

Now it can be told. Martin Sheehan tells reporters of his secret life with a Teac A3440.