Nostalgia is such a powerful draw, so I would not be surprised if people nowadays still yearn for a professional 80s multi-track cassette recorder. Guess what? they are not fully disappeared, some of them are still available to get in 2021! If you want to pick the best 4-track cassette recorder, keep reading on and we will be showing the best models that we found, and buying one is not a pipe dream anymore.
What’s a 4-Track Cassette Recorder?
A 4-track cassette recorder is an old-school recording device that allows users to record 4 different tracks onto cassette tapes. You can control each track’s volume and content with a 4-track cassette recorder. And you can re-record and modify the recording on each track respectively if you want.
4-track cassette recorders are popular music recording tools back then because people can plug in their instruments and record their music without a modern computer. Most importantly, they are easy to use and affordable for producing professional music cassette tapes for people in the 80s and 90s.
Best 4-Track Cassette Recorder in 2021 – New & Second-Handed
TASCAM MF-P01 4 Track Cassette Recorder – The Best in 2021
There is no more classic a 4 track cassette recorder than a Tascam Portastudio recorder. The cassette recorder is easy to use, as you can see there are only a few rec buttons and volume wheels to manage your recording options.
The model from TASCAM is a really old model and I’m surprised that it is still for sale in 2021. According to Tascam, this MF-P01 recorder is the most inexpensive Portastudio. If you have old 4 track tapes and want to listen to them again, getting this completely new old-school 4 track cassette recorder/player seems like a good idea.
TASCAM Porta 02 mkII Ministudio 4-Track Cassette Recorder
The problem with the first TASCAM 4-track cassette recorder is that it only allows you to plug one instrument at a time. If you are looking for a more advanced model, this TASCAM Porta 02 mkII ministudio 4-track cassette recorder should suit you best.
Besides the two mic/line jacks, you can have more options when it comes to 4 track recording. You can change the volume and audio balance for each track’s recording with this model, and it is still portable and compact. With two mic/line jacks, you are able to record from two microphones, CD players, tape decks, and musical instruments. And the phone jack on top allows you to use stereo headphones with this cassette recorder. However, I did not find this product never-used online, all the items I found are second-handed.
Yamaha MT4X 4 Track Cassette Tape Recorder – Best for Professional Musician
Compared to a regular 4 track cassette recorder, the Yamaha MT4X looks much more complicated and it’s way more expensive. But, it’s worth the price!
The Yamaha MT4X is not only a cassette recorder but also a mixer as you can see there is plenty of EQ adjustments on the side of the recorder. And it offers dual AUX SEND and AUX Return to let you add more effects from external signal processors.
You will have GAIN controls, Equalizer controls, AUX controls, Assign keys, Pan control, Input select key, and channel fader for each track. Also, a master module is offered to control the recording conveniently, and you will also get a recorder control panel with a multifunction display and tape speed control. The digital display will show the signal levels and the operating mode.
The Yamaha MT4X 4 Track cassette tape recorder comes with the best physical keys that allow you to achieve perfect recording. For example, the recorder can automatically rewind by the RETURN TO ZERO key, and the noise reduction can be turned on/off by the dbx key. Additionally, the PUNCH I/O key gives you more flexibility when recording.
Overall, this is one of the most powerful 4 track cassette recorders that can do various jobs.
