four-track

Basic multitrack setup

Four-track refers to audio recording technology using four separate tracks on magnetic tape, allowing independent recording and playback of multiple sound sources.

This format revolutionized music production in the 1960s, enabling layering of instruments and vocals: The Beatles recorded Sgt. Pepper's on four-track.

A four-track is also a portable cassette recorder using this format, popular with home musicians before digital recording.

recording

tape

Adhesive strip on roll

cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge
recorderEnd-blown wooden flute
analogComparable equivalent

overdubbing · lo-fi · home recording · demo · mixdown · bouncing · multitrack · reel-to-reel · dubbing · layering

production

mixing

Combining into one mass

editingRefining content for clarity
masteringAttaining full command
producerOne who makes things

engineer · console · microphone · acoustics · booth · monitors · faders · preamp · DAW · channels

aesthetic

lo-fi

Imperfect audio quality, informally

DIYAmateur home projects
indieProduced outside majors
bedroomRoom for sleeping

raw · demo · hiss · warmth · saturation · analog · gritty · authentic · underground · cassette culture

Categories

lo-fi aestheticslo-fi, cassette tape, tape hiss, distortion, crackling

Opposites

recording capacity/sophistication

four-trackPro Tools

Professional audio editing software

8-track · eight-track · mono

recording context

four-trackAbbey Road

London recording studio street

recording methodology

four-tracklive recording

Audio from real event

field recording

Family

four, track, fours, fourth, fourths, fourteen, fourteenth, forty, fortieth

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G