VCRs can tape more than TV. If you own a VHS Hi-Fi VCR you can record audio with near
digital fidelity.
However, we should stress that if you hear music on the
"Midnight Special" that you like, it's not fair to copy the songs onto a cassette. Please
buy the CD or tape. Most of the artists whom we play on the "Midnight Special" record for
small, struggling labels, or spend their life savings to record their own CD. When you copy their
music from the radio, the labels go bankrupt, or worse, the musicians starve. Support the music by
buying CDs and tapes. You can use our playlists to locate the addresses or telephone numbers of small
labels and self-released artists. Larger labels such as GREEN LINNET, Sugar Hill, ROUNDER, PHILO, FLYING FISH and RED HOUSE are available at most record
stores.
Here's a brief explanation of how to turn your VCR into a
"Midnight Special" time-shifter.
Most, if not all, VCRs include
audio input jacks on the rear panel, and on some models on the front panel. Connect the tape outputs
from your stereo receiver (or spare outputs from a separate tuner) to the audio inputs on your VCR.
Some fancy radios even include tape outputs. Tune the receiver to 98.7 (we'll be happy to supply some
glue if it might slip to another station). Leave the receiver or tuner or radio turned on, with the
volume down. Leaving electronic components turned on won't wear them out, and with the volume at zero
they use about as much electrical power as a night light.
VCRs that have audio
inputs also have a way of selecting those inputs. You must switch the VCR from its built-in tuner to
those external audio inputs. Each company handles this in a different way. Some use a simple switch,
most handle it as a programming function.
Program your VCR as your would to
record a TV show, as far as setting time and day. When it asks for channel, go through the channels
until you find either channel 0, or "AUX." Check your owner's manual to learn how to program
the audio inputs, but most VCRs use "0" or "AUX." Set the record speed to SLP
(sometimes called EP). VHS Hi-Fi fidelity is about the same at fast and slow speeds. Then set your VCR
to "timer record." That's all there is to it. When you come home, or wake up, as the case
may be, the "Midnight Special"will be waiting for you.
For playback,
I suggest connecting the audio outputs from your VCR to your stereo system tape inputs. This sounds a
lot better than playing the "Midnight Special" back through your TV.