problems with a 4-track

[SHthrash]

I've been using a Fostex X-12 4-track recorder. Whenever I records on all 4 tracks and play the tape back on the recorder itself, it sounds fine. But when I play the tape on any other stereo tape play, it only plays the first two tracks. Any ideas what the problem could be and how I can fix it? Thanks.

[airborne50caliber]

You need to mix that cassette down to another cassette. These audio cassettes have two sides, each in stereo. The way it makes it four track is by combining the A and B side. So

Track 1 --> Side A L
Track 2 --> Side A R
Track 3 --> Side B L
Track 4 --> Side B R

But when you put it in a normal cassette player it reads one side at a time. So you have to mix it down to stereo.

[SHthrash]

Sorry, I'm a bit slow, but how do I mix it down to stereo?

[isojoe420]

Sorry, I'm a bit slow, but how do I mix it down to stereo?
You need an external source (tape deck, computer). Plug the outputs of the 4-track into an external recording source. After you have the proper levels and settings, push play on the 4-track and record on the external device.