I remember making albums like this in the 80s/90s, but with no computer. Recording to a 4 track cassette machine, duplicating on a twin cassette deck, and using Letraset transfers for the j-card! I miss those days, it makes me want to go and get a 4 track and do it again.
Same here man. I started again in 2021 with nothing better to do, and I actually love it more now than when I was a kid. 🤷 Nothing wrong with a 4 track and a couple double decks with simultaneous record... that's how I'm going to put out my record, if I ever stop being a damn perfectionist and just stop fiddling with it and release it, ha.
He seems honest and he's got catchy enthusiasm going on with none of the nauseating "ironic stuffiness" and superiority complex you see everywhere; it's refreshing.
To cut back on the time taken in step 1 for mastering that took 13 hours: -Make 1 master tape -Buy a tape duplicator (around $200) -Record 3 tapes at a time, usually in half time (10 minutes/side in your case) -In some cases, you can find duplicators that will record both sides as well This takes away the headache of waiting around and worrying that every tape is being dubbed properly. Using one master and investing in the technology used back in this time frame reduces the overall tediousness of tapes
Yeah the tape duplicator I’m talking about usually has 4 “sides”, 1 for the master and 3 that all record from the master at the same time. It usually has a hi-speed setting as well (recording in “half time”.) They are a god send for this type of shit!
Man, that ”why did you stop!?” was the standard phrase back in 99 when my band worked with a Fostex R8. So damn annoying. But looking back at it we had lots of fun with the limits of the equipment and the nice results you get when recording on tape. Loved this video. Nice tunes as well man.
As a Parisian, I feel very proud to have such a creative and talented phenomenon nearby. I don't own a radio-cassette player, but I would love to help you get all the recognition you deserve by showing my Mandelbro cassette to everyone I know.
The underground metal scene has relied on tapes since the mid 70s. Even today, alot of bands dont have digital and only have cassette or cd format. They are an awesome format for music
Same with the "Memphis Rap" scene of the 90s consisting of DIY home studios with cheaper affordable gear to produce lofi/gritty southern hiphop beats. I became fascinated in the production methods utilized by these people, and since been slowly building my setup. So far I have a good budget drum machine, and want to get a sampler next.
I'm sorry I discovered you so late, but here I am. I came across this channel while searching for a cassette recorder and I was incredibly inspired. Thank you.
Don't worry, I'm getting here 2 weeks later than you and I'm also getting inspired by all I've seen in here. It's great to see someone recording his music on tape nowadays. BTW, I was looking for hifi tape players
Dude!!! I was just thinking about doing the same thing. I have kind of a "large" channel and I just love cassette tapes. Great video, I want a tape!!! hahahaha
I was making mix tapes in the late 1990s when I was DJing using actual vinyl. Back when you had to have a sense of pitch control, know breaks, etc. No Serato, no programs doing the heavy lifting. If you wanted to make a really great mixtape you used a 4 track, etc. Piecing it together like this guy is doing. Lots of mental creativity components. The physical mixtape was something to be amazed because the cassette design of the cover, color of the cassette was a thing. I'm not taking away from how mixes, creating music is done today, because I'm learning that too, but try making music as someone in the 90s would and you will see how different it was. Something to be appreciated. I applaud you @mandelbro
Me: *a person who doesn’t have a band, album, or a tape deck* Me: ✍️ Prepare the masters for tape ✍️ This is honestly very inspiring. I’d love to have one of these tapes
Born in 1977, tapes and tape trading were essential things in my life. Today i am recording in Ableton, but my love for tapes never faded. Most of my friends tell me that recording my digital tracks into tape, will destroy my sound. Sound which needed blood, sweat, long hours, fx chains changing every other day..hard work. But i simply cannot stop thinking about it. Maybe i will write and produce some mono tracks and experiment with them. I really enjoyed this video. And those templates..wow. They got all the templates about every single style out there. Great and valuable stuff. Thank you.
I love how you're making a goal to get one million streams without a label and showing that labels aren't what make music great. I love just everything you were talking about in your 1 million in 12 weeks video. I really agree with and like the point you are trying to prove with your challenge. (I'm interested in the tapes, they look awesome)
Greetings MandelBro. Ive gotta tell you. Your recent videos about recording with the Tascam analog Porta-studio has really brought back memories for me. I love seeing your enthusiasm. The DIY approach is the best quality an artist can have. There are simply way too many musicians who cannot see the opportunities and advantages to doing things yourself. While YES, it is enormous amounts of work. But there is something about it that makes the final product a bit more sentimental. I have never allowed my lack of equipment, budget or tools prevent me from creating. I believe it is a quality that separates artists from musicians. True artists take what they have available and create. I love that many younger artists appreciate the earlier methods and technologies that some of us grew up with. While it is definitely a lower quality than what you might get from a full digital studio. There is indeed a nostalgia that comes with recording with minimum tools. I personally love it. Thank you for sparking my memories. I now find myself digging through my foot locker of memorabilia to locate my early recordings from the 80s and 90s. Would love to do a tune with you one of these days. Just name it. Best of luck. I play bass BTW. 36 years now. Still learning. Lol.
I grew up with cassettes and CDs and am still passionate about physical music formats. Even if streaming services are seemingly unbeatable in terms of mobility and diversity, vinyl, tapes and CDs will always have a special fan factor that no file has. The video conveyed exactly the emotions that I experienced during the in-house production and implementation of my first music projects. I would of course be very happy about a Mandelbro tape. Keep it up!
Pointers: - Recording manually will introduce wow and flutter - Tape head is not aligned with standard (old deck, needs to be calibrated before recording) - The higher end sounds muddy as the tape head needs to be demagnetized and a quick "this sounds good" EQ will sound weird when played back on a high end tape deck - The signal levels were way too hot for the tape - Portastudio is not suitable for mastering tape (too much proprietary EQ and speed), use a proper recorder deck - The final tape should utilize Dolby noise reduction (not available on the Portastudio as it uses DBX) Using a tape duplication service is highly recommended just to save time and sanity. : )
Absolutely what ☝️ is saying. You also want to clean the heads gently with the way that the tape crosses its path. No cleaner on rubber at all! Must demag often. Also, how did the cassette sound on a normal tape deck? Did you check it? Multitrack decks and home decks have very different IPS(inches per second) tape speed.
He set the recording speed to Normal, and he turned off DBX to not have noise reduction But I do agree that the eq will sound odd on a high end tape deck, as the head literally got fucked which is why it sounds muddy And indeed, it can introduce the problem that is basically the biggest fucking issue ever which is Wow and fliutter He even regretted recording manually i think,
I'm commenting this because I want a cassette and earlier this year I found out that my dad had a Tascam 414 MKIII and I was searching RUclips videos to how to fix it and then I found your video about the Tascam 424 and I loved it, Specially how you portrayed the history of making Music and and how simple it is when 20, 30 years back to make music. Thank you for encouraging me to rebuild my dad's 414 MKIII , And I hope you will have the best of luck with the album. Peace
I started doing home recording on a Tascam 4-track in 1995 while in high school, so this really takes me back. It was a process, and not easy, but an absolute blast. I remember mixing down to a master cassette, and then making copies from that. Again, on tape; not even CD-R was around back then. It's fun to be finding those old masters 25+ years later and digitizing the good stuff to share on social media.
Hi, honestly speaking, I subscribed a couple of weeks ago and this is your second video I've watched. Man, my jaw dropped and i cannot find it. Such a creative idea, congrats. I would love to get one of those cassettes as I am 41 and remember those days when music was played mainly from tapes and vinyls. There is a Polish word that fits perfectly - sztos! Keep up the good work, compose, record and ... visit Warsaw one day. Cheers, Bart
Sounds like a British Pittsburgh accent. Your voice is intriguing to the highest degree. It warps my mind in inconceivable ways. Loved your accent, loved the concept, loved the video.
@@lucasrem I mean a lot of artists generate attention through online streaming but then sell physical copies of their albums(either as vinyl or cassette tapes) as merch basically for people who enjoy using those mediums/having a physical copy of an album.
Dude,love the project…specially since you‘re 13 and tinkering with tapes - supercute! Since I am a grumpy dinosaur, who thinks he knows his way around tapes, my heart skipped a beat when you sidenoted „found a way to record both sides at the same time“. Honestly, that could be a video on it‘s own! But no please continue how you underestimated how nasty the folding of the covers was. ❤ Will check your sound! Keep going!
This is what we all used to do to get our music out there in the days before the internet! But yeah, I love it that people are getting back into physical media again. I put my last album out on vinyl - that was an interesting experience.
It's so interesting to see someone experiencing cassette for what seems like (close to) the first time. I grew up on cassettes, so I feel like the novelty of the sound, album art, etc. wore off a long time ago
Since a video of yours popped up in my notifications i been following you, because you´re putting a lot of hard work into this channel and music, and it's worth it. Also the tapes were gorgeous, and I would love to have one! Greetings from Argentina
I just got into tapes the same as a ton of other people here! Your video was probably the most interactive and fun idea I've found while binging RUclips, so getting a tape of yours would be awesome! Keep up the effort and energy you put into the video, as well.
I know it seems ridiculous, but manual work gives so much satisfaction, I got some old cassettes, a recorder and now I am creating music playlists, re-recording them on the cassettes, designing the cover and booklet just to enjoy them myself.
PLEASE LABEL YOUR CASSETTES- people take them out of the case and don't put it back and then have no idea what is on it- do the world a favor and design a beautiful sticker to put on each side to tell us what the name of the tape is, who made it, and which side the listener is on
Just curious if there is a popular make of tapes people use nowadays. Back in the day there were so many variations of blank tapes available we hardly ever bought more than 3-4 of the same stuff. Thus, I could tell even my mixtapes apart just from memory.
I loved this and I loved how physical it actually was. I think your way of doing it connected you to the product better then just sending the details and music off and getting the cassettes back in the mail. Really awesome project and really cool video This really makes me want to do something similar
NO MAN... I nearly CRIED when you cleaned that Tascam. Only clean it once a year AT most. And be really gentle with it. You've probably damaged the tape heads already... And with the rollers... Oh my god. Don't use alcohol on the rollers (if that's what you use). Alcohol turns rubber sticky But THIS is why you need to boost the highs. Your tape heads are ruined. My Pioneer dual tape deck sounds like CD quality without any EQ
@@Theledart Yeah, I use alcohol too. But only once a year - not every time I play something. I don't scrub the tape heads like this guy does. A little goes a long way. The first deck I cleaned was my dad's hifi stack I borrowed. I ruined the tape head instantly, it sounded like this guy's deck. Thankfully he doesn't play tapes... So my vintage Pioneer dual deck gets very careful treatment!!
Cleaning the heads with cotton buds and isopropyl alcohol doesn't damage the heads. I clean mine & the capstan once a week and have been doing so for 40 years. Preferably they should also be demagnetized every 6 months or so. Don't clean the roller with audiobook though, agreed.
@@duprie37 Before I got my Pioneer deck, I had an old Sony hi-fi with a nice quality deck. But the tape head was dirty, so I (very lightly) used cotton buds and isopropyl. It dulled the sound. I made recordings with it, so I could verify before/after too. Luckily it wasn't expensive. But I've seen it first-hand
I feel you, bro! Last year I started a drum and Bass party series with a bunch of friends. As a bonus we are selling DJ mixes at the parties recorded on tape. I spent nearly 20 hours flipping tapes on a vintage Braun Stereo cassette deck. But over all: all the work was worth it when we received the first feedback from our guests at the parties. They where amazed that we keep tape culture alive. Nice to see others do the same!
I was supposed to get up to study about one hour ago, but you have no idea how fast I got up when you announced the giveaway (even I was surprised :3). I want one of those tapes so bad. And your process made me wanna get my future debut album on tape as well. I've got exams to study for right now, but it will happen. Thank you for all of the motivation and bops you give to this wonderful community. Keep it up, you're one of my favorite artists right now!! (for real)
As someone who is just getting into tape this was really fascinating! I've been thinking about doing a physical release for a few months now but don't have a finished album to do so. I just discovered your channel and have been enjoying it so far keep up the amazing work! (I would love to win a tape btw I just didn't want it to be the most important reason to comment)
Keep up the good work with the cassette and cassette 4-track recorders! I am in my sixties and I still do it. After all everything was made on tape in the beginning! I still have tapes from the 70s that sound like I just recorded on them today! What I did was when all the cassette tapes were on clearance on all the big box stores when they were phasing them out yeah, I went and bought gobs of them. 4 pack 5 pack type 2 cassettes. I will have enough for 18 lifetimes! I can't believe how much just one of those cost nowadays on the internet the type two. What's really weird is when I was looking for all of these way back in the stores I never found any metal tapes. I don't think they were actually as popular as the cro2 mainly because of the price back then. It just makes me happy to see younger people today doing old school. And actually working playing an instrument to make the tapes versus all computer stuff. Keep it up buddy and all you others out there!
I’m an older guy now. Tapes were way cool. I would make my own music and give people tapes. Mostly girls at school. You could always tell if someone actually listened to it. Lol
Thank you so much for sharing! Right now I'm producing an alternative rock band and was thinking about suprising them with a limited edition of their upcoming EP on cassette. Thanks to your video, now I know all I need to know! :)
I really like the idea of using a qr for a digital download for people that don’t have tape players but want physical merch and to support their artists. That’s really cool!
Ayy! Good question. "Far Away" was never part of any album, but I've put it as a B-side on single that I'm releasing very soon!! So it will be out, don't worry :)
It’s really funny because this projects always take more time to do than expected. And I feel you when you get exited about the prints 😂😂 I would love a cassette! Awesome work man!
I am from india, the things like tapes, recoreders, paintings lives for long long time. I think the era of old things like this will makes the tread mark of time. And here it is you make it. Appreciate your work I really like to have this cassette
I'm finding your music pretty addictive, it's really very very good indeed, I think you are very talented. I've also been very inspiired after discovering your channel, and have gotten out my old Tascam 244 I've had 35years(!), refurbished it and listened to music I created in my more youthful years! How astonishing cassette is making some sort of a comeback! Yes of course I would love a cassette of your new album. Lee.
I have recently gotten SUPER into tapes, and I would love to get one of yours! You have been a huge inspiration in terms of my own musical journey, and when I release a full-length project I will absolutely be doing a tape release :) Love the content man, keep it up!
First demo I ever did was recorded on a reel to reel and released on tape back in 1995. That was the beginning of my musical journey with my band made up of classmates formed in 1990. 30 over years on we are still together although living in separate countries. It is so cool seeing a younger muso like yourself going the tape path. All the best for your musical adventures ahead. This is passion and perseverance at it's best . Good stuff . Hope i get to check out your future releases!
You man are something else , you've managed to send me in my old time when i was listening to my moms kassetes very beautiful times ,take care and keep it going brother nice videos .
Dude! You’re awesome , after watching only 2 of your videos I’m a fan of you as a person and that makes me love your music even more. I hope I haven’t missed the tape giveaway !
Bro you just made amazing work when you tried to record your whole album on cassette tape! It's incredible. I think when you listen to tapes or vinyl you feel the music more concentrated and deeply !
Instagram always used to recommend your account to me until I eventually clicked on it "way back" in April 2020 and I'm very glad I did. It's so refreshing to see an independent creator making music simply because it's fun. Always puts me in a good mood when you upload something. I'm a teen and I really hope to achieve the creative freedom you have in my future. I love your mini-songs but you announcing an entire album was even better. I'd love to have a physical copy of Oneitis and maybe give the entire album a listen even earlier than I thought :D
I did tape recording before watching and was completely self-taught, this helped me get an idea on specifically how to use the inner flaps, I just used the 1 extra flap version for track listing and if there was another it was solely for track listing. Lyrics never occured to me till this. Thank you
Dude I want a tape! This was great! I love how you talked about mixing and EQing. I remember when I was younger drawing on all the J Cards trying to make them look cool. I'm glad you're choosing retro stuff. Keep at it!
This was really great man, I think tapes need to be brought back, they are way too cool. Also I'd like to apply for one of those 5 tapes lol. Really great video, man.
Yo, i bought myself 50 tapes some time ago, and even Got a duplicator machine, but the duplicator was broke, so I was super excited to see your process, and it even Got me thinking about finally finishing my own tape. This was Hella inspirational, and I only know likeminded hip-hop dudes that are super into tape machinery, so this was a Nice switch-up to my idea of what tapes are used for in the 21st century. Mad respect coming your Way! ✌️
Ok but this looks like so much fun? Definitely wanna try it 😭 You just gained a new subscriber!! :) Good luck with your new album!! Analog is the way to go
this would probably make the absolute coolest entry in my cassette collection also just rocking out to this with my walkman, omg im stoked bring back cassettes!
Really love your music and your videos! The joy you show in realizing your crazy ideas makes my day every time. I would love to revive my cassette player, and what better music to do that with than your album!
Me being a bit late is ONE way to see it. You overestimating how quickly I would find this by accident is another way. Nice job on getting it done from start to finish and (with me!) congratulations to 7k subscribers! Hugs
i swear all of your music in these videos inspire me to create some song, your creation process is legitimately so inspiring and genuine, thanks for sharing a lot of it online. and i also would really love to win one of those tapes! :D
Wow the process is mindblowing! I'm def interested in getting one of the tapes, so glad that I discovered you. I'm gonna go check out your music right away!
Recently I've had to return to recording on a 4-Track cassette recorder. I duplicated most of the steps in this video back in the 1980's and it's good to see people are still doing it "old school". Well done and best of luck!
Hey, I'm only in the middle of the video but I have to compliment you already. I feel like I'm back in my youth when I still recorded tapes and I know what every single cassette means to you. To hold a physical thing in your hands with your music on it. It suddenly becomes real. I think I will also record my music on tapes again and make them for a small number of copies. Thanks for the little digression into and for reminding us what it can mean to be in touch with your creation. You are doing it just right because one can feel the passion with which one can approach it. Greetings from Germany ... ... I'm at the end of the video now and apparently my feeling was right ;) - and it's absolutely ok for me that I'm apparently too late for your raffle. Congratulations to the winner(s)
Love seeing the process. You’re not alone in your desire to see your stuff printed. It’s exhilarating. Great job you did. Folding is hard 😅. As me to the list of people wanting a tape. Thanks!
As someone who's done exactly this 4 or 5 different tape runs it definitely gets easier and you get into the groove of things, though waiting for the tapes to dub one at a time is still a pain. Totally worth it though! The handmade DIY feel of homemade tapes is way more personal and special to not only you, but to your customers. They can tell that a lot of love was put into it.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
let’s all do stupid tape stuff together 😎
goals
Could I get some
Send me, I’m playing in the ussr player))))
Hell yEah!
Compilation!🤖🎛️📼
I remember making albums like this in the 80s/90s, but with no computer. Recording to a 4 track cassette machine, duplicating on a twin cassette deck, and using Letraset transfers for the j-card!
I miss those days, it makes me want to go and get a 4 track and do it again.
I just got a Tascam 424 mkii yesterday as well as an Alesis HR16 drum machine!
Do it mate I also grew up making my own mix tapes and I've just started doing them again. So satisfying
Same here man. I started again in 2021 with nothing better to do, and I actually love it more now than when I was a kid. 🤷 Nothing wrong with a 4 track and a couple double decks with simultaneous record... that's how I'm going to put out my record, if I ever stop being a damn perfectionist and just stop fiddling with it and release it, ha.
I did the very same in the 90s too! Miss those days
I used Minidisc to edit the music and then to a double deck with 2 recording drives.
Do y’all think it’s too late to win the cassette giveaway 💀
nuh uh there’s always hope i think
maybe
hopefully
probably
Nah you got it dude… I believe in you!
I hope I get it!
I hope too !
Sorry my boy
it's heartwarming to see how excited you are when doing this such of things, you're so talented bro, keep it up
He seems honest and he's got catchy enthusiasm going on with none of the nauseating "ironic stuffiness" and superiority complex you see everywhere; it's refreshing.
To cut back on the time taken in step 1 for mastering that took 13 hours:
-Make 1 master tape
-Buy a tape duplicator (around $200)
-Record 3 tapes at a time, usually in half time (10 minutes/side in your case)
-In some cases, you can find duplicators that will record both sides as well
This takes away the headache of waiting around and worrying that every tape is being dubbed properly. Using one master and investing in the technology used back in this time frame reduces the overall tediousness of tapes
or you can buy a tape deck with hi speed dubbing
or buy a double cassette deck: probably would be 2nd hand but you seem to have the cleaning wheels/heads down to a T D:
Yeah the tape duplicator I’m talking about usually has 4 “sides”, 1 for the master and 3 that all record from the master at the same time. It usually has a hi-speed setting as well (recording in “half time”.)
They are a god send for this type of shit!
exactly what i was thinking ...my band did this so many times back in the day.
Exactly what I'm thinking too. That's what I'm going to do. There's one on Facebook market place for $100. Imma get it. Hope it works 100%
Man, that ”why did you stop!?” was the standard phrase back in 99 when my band worked with a Fostex R8. So damn annoying. But looking back at it we had lots of fun with the limits of the equipment and the nice results you get when recording on tape. Loved this video. Nice tunes as well man.
Ahaha, that's amazing. Yeah, it's a cool format but does come with its fair share of issues :D
limited equipment unlimits your unlimited creativity
there is allways a way around in Music Production
As a Parisian, I feel very proud to have such a creative and talented phenomenon nearby. I don't own a radio-cassette player, but I would love to help you get all the recognition you deserve by showing my Mandelbro cassette to everyone I know.
you produce, give them gigs?
The underground metal scene has relied on tapes since the mid 70s. Even today, alot of bands dont have digital and only have cassette or cd format. They are an awesome format for music
_"Even today, a lot of bands don't have digital and only have cassette or cd format."_ ... ??? CD's *_ARE_* digital format...
@@RiverOfBlacklights yeah I know but I'm talkin like spotify and stuff like that, I just dont know what to call it
@@Bloodandiron86 Streaming? That's probably a good word to use
Nah, I was young when cassettes were mainstream tech. They were never awesome - just adequate thats all.
Same with the "Memphis Rap" scene of the 90s consisting of DIY home studios with cheaper affordable gear to produce lofi/gritty southern hiphop beats. I became fascinated in the production methods utilized by these people, and since been slowly building my setup. So far I have a good budget drum machine, and want to get a sampler next.
I'm sorry I discovered you so late, but here I am. I came across this channel while searching for a cassette recorder and I was incredibly inspired. Thank you.
Don't worry, I'm getting here 2 weeks later than you and I'm also getting inspired by all I've seen in here. It's great to see someone recording his music on tape nowadays. BTW, I was looking for hifi tape players
Dude!!! I was just thinking about doing the same thing. I have kind of a "large" channel and I just love cassette tapes. Great video, I want a tape!!! hahahaha
Oh definitely! Highly recommend trying it :)
tremeeendo el bada aguante bokitaaa
Baias baias
eiii badaaaa
I was making mix tapes in the late 1990s when I was DJing using actual vinyl. Back when you had to have a sense of pitch control, know breaks, etc. No Serato, no programs doing the heavy lifting. If you wanted to make a really great mixtape you used a 4 track, etc. Piecing it together like this guy is doing. Lots of mental creativity components. The physical mixtape was something to be amazed because the cassette design of the cover, color of the cassette was a thing. I'm not taking away from how mixes, creating music is done today, because I'm learning that too, but try making music as someone in the 90s would and you will see how different it was. Something to be appreciated. I applaud you @mandelbro
Me: *a person who doesn’t have a band, album, or a tape deck*
Me: ✍️ Prepare the masters for tape ✍️
This is honestly very inspiring. I’d love to have one of these tapes
Born in 1977, tapes and tape trading were essential things in my life. Today i am recording in Ableton, but my love for tapes never faded. Most of my friends tell me that recording my digital tracks into tape, will destroy my sound. Sound which needed blood, sweat, long hours, fx chains changing every other day..hard work. But i simply cannot stop thinking about it. Maybe i will write and produce some mono tracks and experiment with them. I really enjoyed this video. And those templates..wow. They got all the templates about every single style out there. Great and valuable stuff. Thank you.
I love how you're making a goal to get one million streams without a label and showing that labels aren't what make music great. I love just everything you were talking about in your 1 million in 12 weeks video. I really agree with and like the point you are trying to prove with your challenge.
(I'm interested in the tapes, they look awesome)
Greetings MandelBro. Ive gotta tell you. Your recent videos about recording with the Tascam analog Porta-studio has really brought back memories for me. I love seeing your enthusiasm. The DIY approach is the best quality an artist can have. There are simply way too many musicians who cannot see the opportunities and advantages to doing things yourself. While YES, it is enormous amounts of work. But there is something about it that makes the final product a bit more sentimental. I have never allowed my lack of equipment, budget or tools prevent me from creating. I believe it is a quality that separates artists from musicians. True artists take what they have available and create. I love that many younger artists appreciate the earlier methods and technologies that some of us grew up with. While it is definitely a lower quality than what you might get from a full digital studio. There is indeed a nostalgia that comes with recording with minimum tools. I personally love it. Thank you for sparking my memories. I now find myself digging through my foot locker of memorabilia to locate my early recordings from the 80s and 90s. Would love to do a tune with you one of these days. Just name it. Best of luck. I play bass BTW. 36 years now. Still learning. Lol.
Kind of surreal watching someone figure out this process we used to take for granted! I still have so many mix tapes from my early 20s!
I grew up with cassettes and CDs and am still passionate about physical music formats. Even if streaming services are seemingly unbeatable in terms of mobility and diversity, vinyl, tapes and CDs will always have a special fan factor that no file has. The video conveyed exactly the emotions that I experienced during the in-house production and implementation of my first music projects. I would of course be very happy about a Mandelbro tape. Keep it up!
Pointers:
- Recording manually will introduce wow and flutter
- Tape head is not aligned with standard (old deck, needs to be calibrated before recording)
- The higher end sounds muddy as the tape head needs to be demagnetized and a quick "this sounds good" EQ will sound weird when played back on a high end tape deck
- The signal levels were way too hot for the tape
- Portastudio is not suitable for mastering tape (too much proprietary EQ and speed), use a proper recorder deck
- The final tape should utilize Dolby noise reduction (not available on the Portastudio as it uses DBX)
Using a tape duplication service is highly recommended just to save time and sanity. : )
Absolutely what ☝️ is saying. You also want to clean the heads gently with the way that the tape crosses its path. No cleaner on rubber at all! Must demag often. Also, how did the cassette sound on a normal tape deck? Did you check it? Multitrack decks and home decks have very different IPS(inches per second) tape speed.
A lot of times now days, if youre are recording too cassette you are wanting some wow and flutter.
Yeah, if you're not well versed in tape recording you'd be better off using a duplication service.
He set the recording speed to Normal, and he turned off DBX to not have noise reduction
But I do agree that the eq will sound odd on a high end tape deck, as the head literally got fucked which is why it sounds muddy
And indeed, it can introduce the problem that is basically the biggest fucking issue ever which is Wow and fliutter
He even regretted recording manually i think,
i ordered CDs for my album last year and the excitement of seeing my music in physical form was awesome, this video was so fun to watch!
Congratilations, collegue !!! I made my own album on cassettes too in 2021 !!! It's amazing feeling !!!
GREAAATTT welcome to the club
I'm commenting this because I want a cassette and earlier this year I found out that my dad had a Tascam 414 MKIII and I was searching RUclips videos to how to fix it and then I found your video about the Tascam 424 and I loved it, Specially how you portrayed the history of making Music and and how simple it is when 20, 30 years back to make music. Thank you for encouraging me to rebuild my dad's 414 MKIII , And I hope you will have the best of luck with the album. Peace
The album looks juicy, wouldn't mind getting a copy before everyone else! Nice work on the tapes btw
I started doing home recording on a Tascam 4-track in 1995 while in high school, so this really takes me back. It was a process, and not easy, but an absolute blast. I remember mixing down to a master cassette, and then making copies from that. Again, on tape; not even CD-R was around back then. It's fun to be finding those old masters 25+ years later and digitizing the good stuff to share on social media.
Hi, honestly speaking, I subscribed a couple of weeks ago and this is your second video I've watched. Man, my jaw dropped and i cannot find it. Such a creative idea, congrats.
I would love to get one of those cassettes as I am 41 and remember those days when music was played mainly from tapes and vinyls. There is a Polish word that fits perfectly - sztos! Keep up the good work, compose, record and ... visit Warsaw one day. Cheers, Bart
Sounds like a British Pittsburgh accent. Your voice is intriguing to the highest degree. It warps my mind in inconceivable ways. Loved your accent, loved the concept, loved the video.
tapes are actually still very popular in the underground hip hop community its practically the only way people make physical copies of albums
You need to stream the tapes, psychical media, 1980 HipHop!
how you get attention in the now days, tape online? RUclips ???
@@lucasrem I mean a lot of artists generate attention through online streaming but then sell physical copies of their albums(either as vinyl or cassette tapes) as merch basically for people who enjoy using those mediums/having a physical copy of an album.
Dude,love the project…specially since you‘re 13 and tinkering with tapes - supercute! Since I am a grumpy dinosaur, who thinks he knows his way around tapes, my heart skipped a beat when you sidenoted „found a way to record both sides at the same time“. Honestly, that could be a video on it‘s own! But no please continue how you underestimated how nasty the folding of the covers was. ❤
Will check your sound! Keep going!
This is what we all used to do to get our music out there in the days before the internet! But yeah, I love it that people are getting back into physical media again. I put my last album out on vinyl - that was an interesting experience.
This video is awesome. Cassettes is like time travel, so to give people some of them away, it’s like your giving them time machines!
amazing!
чтооооо слава меррлоу приветя твой фанат
ПИПЕЦ Я ПРОСТО ХОТЕЛА ВЫПУСТИТЬ БИТТЕЙП НА КАССЕТАХ ДЛЯ ДРУЗЕЙ А ТУТ ТЫ
я аж испугалась
this video was the jumpstart for my upcoming solo band (very Dayglow) 'whatever you want.'
I'll be grateful with you, Mandelbro, my whole life
As a fellow musician, thank you for this inspiring take on perfectionism in music
It's so interesting to see someone experiencing cassette for what seems like (close to) the first time. I grew up on cassettes, so I feel like the novelty of the sound, album art, etc. wore off a long time ago
Bro, i just found your channel, it's mesmerizing, good content and really good music. New sub and fan!!
Since a video of yours popped up in my notifications i been following you, because you´re putting a lot of hard work into this channel and music, and it's worth it. Also the tapes were gorgeous, and I would love to have one! Greetings from Argentina
I just got into tapes the same as a ton of other people here! Your video was probably the most interactive and fun idea I've found while binging RUclips, so getting a tape of yours would be awesome! Keep up the effort and energy you put into the video, as well.
There’s nothing weird about enjoying printing
How amazing that he's amazed about somoething we did for years
Royal Blood are doing a limited cassette run for their upcoming album, and I'm so happy about it. Awesome video!
I know it seems ridiculous, but manual work gives so much satisfaction, I got some old cassettes, a recorder and now I am creating music playlists, re-recording them on the cassettes, designing the cover and booklet just to enjoy them myself.
PLEASE LABEL YOUR CASSETTES- people take them out of the case and don't put it back and then have no idea what is on it-
do the world a favor and design a beautiful sticker to put on each side to tell us what the name of the tape is, who made it, and which side the listener is on
Okay yes you’re right. I’ll add some labels on these cassettes before sending them out!
@@mandelbro1 i am your fans from Malaysia...i like your job
Just curious if there is a popular make of tapes people use nowadays. Back in the day there were so many variations of blank tapes available we hardly ever bought more than 3-4 of the same stuff. Thus, I could tell even my mixtapes apart just from memory.
@@aTrulyPowerfulSpirit maxell tapes are what I use in my recording, the type II ones
@@mandelbro1 Then next time record all your tracks at lower volume, I saw clipped tracks so loud almost to *Loudness War*
Love your hard work and dedication to the cause!
omg i would really love to get a cassette
since this year i do music myself and i really enjoy your music and please keep doing it
I loved this and I loved how physical it actually was. I think your way of doing it connected you to the product better then just sending the details and music off and getting the cassettes back in the mail. Really awesome project and really cool video
This really makes me want to do something similar
NO MAN... I nearly CRIED when you cleaned that Tascam. Only clean it once a year AT most. And be really gentle with it. You've probably damaged the tape heads already...
And with the rollers... Oh my god. Don't use alcohol on the rollers (if that's what you use). Alcohol turns rubber sticky
But THIS is why you need to boost the highs. Your tape heads are ruined. My Pioneer dual tape deck sounds like CD quality without any EQ
Glad someone said something
I have cleaned my tape decks with alcohol all the time for many many years in 80 - 90s. No problems. Do use 99.9% alcohol though.
@@Theledart Yeah, I use alcohol too. But only once a year - not every time I play something. I don't scrub the tape heads like this guy does. A little goes a long way.
The first deck I cleaned was my dad's hifi stack I borrowed. I ruined the tape head instantly, it sounded like this guy's deck. Thankfully he doesn't play tapes... So my vintage Pioneer dual deck gets very careful treatment!!
Cleaning the heads with cotton buds and isopropyl alcohol doesn't damage the heads. I clean mine & the capstan once a week and have been doing so for 40 years. Preferably they should also be demagnetized every 6 months or so. Don't clean the roller with audiobook though, agreed.
@@duprie37 Before I got my Pioneer deck, I had an old Sony hi-fi with a nice quality deck. But the tape head was dirty, so I (very lightly) used cotton buds and isopropyl. It dulled the sound. I made recordings with it, so I could verify before/after too. Luckily it wasn't expensive. But I've seen it first-hand
Wow I love the way these turned out We need to Make Cassettes Great Again!! 😁
Amazing to watch you growing! I'd love to get your tape and invest in a cassette player then 😎 Greetings from Brussels
Mandelbro you rock bro!
💕
I feel you, bro! Last year I started a drum and Bass party series with a bunch of friends. As a bonus we are selling DJ mixes at the parties recorded on tape. I spent nearly 20 hours flipping tapes on a vintage Braun Stereo cassette deck. But over all: all the work was worth it when we received the first feedback from our guests at the parties. They where amazed that we keep tape culture alive. Nice to see others do the same!
Incroyable vidéo 💙
I was supposed to get up to study about one hour ago, but you have no idea how fast I got up when you announced the giveaway (even I was surprised :3). I want one of those tapes so bad. And your process made me wanna get my future debut album on tape as well. I've got exams to study for right now, but it will happen.
Thank you for all of the motivation and bops you give to this wonderful community. Keep it up, you're one of my favorite artists right now!! (for real)
As someone who is just getting into tape this was really fascinating! I've been thinking about doing a physical release for a few months now but don't have a finished album to do so. I just discovered your channel and have been enjoying it so far keep up the amazing work!
(I would love to win a tape btw I just didn't want it to be the most important reason to comment)
Keep up the good work with the cassette and cassette 4-track recorders! I am in my sixties and I still do it. After all everything was made on tape in the beginning! I still have tapes from the 70s that sound like I just recorded on them today! What I did was when all the cassette tapes were on clearance on all the big box stores when they were phasing them out yeah, I went and bought gobs of them. 4 pack 5 pack type 2 cassettes. I will have enough for 18 lifetimes! I can't believe how much just one of those cost nowadays on the internet the type two. What's really weird is when I was looking for all of these way back in the stores I never found any metal tapes. I don't think they were actually as popular as the cro2 mainly because of the price back then. It just makes me happy to see younger people today doing old school. And actually working playing an instrument to make the tapes versus all computer stuff. Keep it up buddy and all you others out there!
I’m an older guy now. Tapes were way cool. I would make my own music and give people tapes. Mostly girls at school. You could always tell if someone actually listened to it. Lol
Thank you so much for sharing! Right now I'm producing an alternative rock band and was thinking about suprising them with a limited edition of their upcoming EP on cassette. Thanks to your video, now I know all I need to know! :)
aww rip im 3 years too late
I really like the idea of using a qr for a digital download for people that don’t have tape players but want physical merch and to support their artists.
That’s really cool!
From what I see on the tracklist, there is no "Far Away". What are your plans for this track if it's not on a album?
Ayy! Good question. "Far Away" was never part of any album, but I've put it as a B-side on single that I'm releasing very soon!! So it will be out, don't worry :)
@@mandelbro1 nice, i can't wait ❤️ Love from Poland 🇵🇱
This was so fun to watch, your edit skills are insane!
Love your enthusiasm for cassette tape! BIG LOVE from an old 67 geezer Keeffee!
what a cool project!! thanks for sharing the process, inspirational.
It’s really funny because this projects always take more time to do than expected. And I feel you when you get exited about the prints 😂😂
I would love a cassette! Awesome work man!
I like how you took your time and went through with everything
I am from india, the things like tapes, recoreders, paintings lives for long long time. I think the era of old things like this will makes the tread mark of time.
And here it is you make it.
Appreciate your work
I really like to have this cassette
I'm finding your music pretty addictive, it's really very very good indeed, I think you are very talented. I've also been very inspiired after discovering your channel, and have gotten out my old Tascam 244 I've had 35years(!), refurbished it and listened to music I created in my more youthful years! How astonishing cassette is making some sort of a comeback!
Yes of course I would love a cassette of your new album. Lee.
Man, this was so fun. Instantly subbed, love the vibe of the background music too! Great job on the cassettes!
I have recently gotten SUPER into tapes, and I would love to get one of yours! You have been a huge inspiration in terms of my own musical journey, and when I release a full-length project I will absolutely be doing a tape release :) Love the content man, keep it up!
First demo I ever did was recorded on a reel to reel and released on tape back in 1995. That was the beginning of my musical journey with my band made up of classmates formed in 1990.
30 over years on we are still together although living in separate countries. It is so cool seeing a younger muso like yourself going the tape path.
All the best for your musical adventures ahead. This is passion and perseverance at it's best .
Good stuff .
Hope i get to check out your future releases!
This is an incredible video, from music, to edit, to information, to comedy. Solid. Love it dude, just subscribed.
You man are something else , you've managed to send me in my old time when i was listening to my moms kassetes very beautiful times ,take care and keep it going brother nice videos .
Tapes are just as cool as vinyl!
Dude! You’re awesome , after watching only 2 of your videos I’m a fan of you as a person and that makes me love your music even more. I hope I haven’t missed the tape giveaway !
Bro you just made amazing work when you tried to record your whole album on cassette tape! It's incredible. I think when you listen to tapes or vinyl you feel the music more concentrated and deeply !
Instagram always used to recommend your account to me until I eventually clicked on it "way back" in April 2020 and I'm very glad I did. It's so refreshing to see an independent creator making music simply because it's fun. Always puts me in a good mood when you upload something. I'm a teen and I really hope to achieve the creative freedom you have in my future.
I love your mini-songs but you announcing an entire album was even better. I'd love to have a physical copy of Oneitis and maybe give the entire album a listen even earlier than I thought :D
I did tape recording before watching and was completely self-taught, this helped me get an idea on specifically how to use the inner flaps, I just used the 1 extra flap version for track listing and if there was another it was solely for track listing. Lyrics never occured to me till this. Thank you
Dude I want a tape! This was great! I love how you talked about mixing and EQing. I remember when I was younger drawing on all the J Cards trying to make them look cool. I'm glad you're choosing retro stuff. Keep at it!
This was really great man, I think tapes need to be brought back, they are way too cool. Also I'd like to apply for one of those 5 tapes lol. Really great video, man.
That's awesome. I want one! Good luck making tapes popular again, I loved buying those on record stores.
Yo, i bought myself 50 tapes some time ago, and even Got a duplicator machine, but the duplicator was broke, so I was super excited to see your process, and it even Got me thinking about finally finishing my own tape. This was Hella inspirational, and I only know likeminded hip-hop dudes that are super into tape machinery, so this was a Nice switch-up to my idea of what tapes are used for in the 21st century. Mad respect coming your Way! ✌️
congrats, bro! that's a lot of hard work. love and respect
oh yea, would love a tape. i dig your ground up work ethic man, really admirable
I used to have a lot of cassettes, it's very nice to see that besides the music you like the format. Congratulations!
Very exciting experience, nice job. In my young time cassette where very common now looks like an exotic staff.
dude i love how happy you are while doing your stuff as an artist ♥ keep inspiring ☝
Ok but this looks like so much fun? Definitely wanna try it 😭 You just gained a new subscriber!! :) Good luck with your new album!! Analog is the way to go
this would probably make the absolute coolest entry in my cassette collection
also just rocking out to this with my walkman, omg im stoked
bring back cassettes!
Really love your music and your videos! The joy you show in realizing your crazy ideas makes my day every time.
I would love to revive my cassette player, and what better music to do that with than your album!
Me being a bit late is ONE way to see it. You overestimating how quickly I would find this by accident is another way. Nice job on getting it done from start to finish and (with me!) congratulations to 7k subscribers! Hugs
With that said! Please draw me as a winner! I'd be a happy one! Byee
i swear all of your music in these videos inspire me to create some song, your creation process is legitimately so inspiring and genuine, thanks for sharing a lot of it online. and i also would really love to win one of those tapes! :D
Wow the process is mindblowing! I'm def interested in getting one of the tapes, so glad that I discovered you. I'm gonna go check out your music right away!
Recently I've had to return to recording on a 4-Track cassette recorder. I duplicated most of the steps in this video back in the 1980's and it's good to see people are still doing it "old school". Well done and best of luck!
the zoom in at 4:30 is absolutely priceless
Hey, I'm only in the middle of the video but I have to compliment you already. I feel like I'm back in my youth when I still recorded tapes and I know what every single cassette means to you. To hold a physical thing in your hands with your music on it. It suddenly becomes real. I think I will also record my music on tapes again and make them for a small number of copies. Thanks for the little digression into and for reminding us what it can mean to be in touch with your creation. You are doing it just right because one can feel the passion with which one can approach it. Greetings from Germany ...
... I'm at the end of the video now and apparently my feeling was right ;) - and it's absolutely ok for me that I'm apparently too late for your raffle. Congratulations to the winner(s)
Yoooo. Dude this is so cool! I'm gonna do this.
with one tape ofc
also i subbed
nice stuff dude
Awesome to watch this process and makes me nostalgic about my old mixtapes
Reminds me of the 80's mate, you have a bright future keep leaning in the right direction you'll get there bro!
Love seeing the process. You’re not alone in your desire to see your stuff printed. It’s exhilarating. Great job you did. Folding is hard 😅. As me to the list of people wanting a tape. Thanks!
As someone who's done exactly this 4 or 5 different tape runs it definitely gets easier and you get into the groove of things, though waiting for the tapes to dub one at a time is still a pain. Totally worth it though! The handmade DIY feel of homemade tapes is way more personal and special to not only you, but to your customers. They can tell that a lot of love was put into it.
I love how you kept using the music you made using the sound of putting cassettes on top of each other