u/QuirkyFly2128

I'm new to owning a rtr tape machine and quite unknowledgeable when it comes to what the capabilities/limitations. I recently picked up a working Sony TC-255 tape recorder at the thrift. I make music using an audio interface and daw, but have always been interested in vintage recording gear like cassette or rtr. I was wondering what the limitations are for recordings with the machine? Can I hookup my microphone for acoustic guitar/vocal recordings? What kind of cords would I need for that? Can I bounce mastered tracks from my daw to the tape recorder?

Any insight would be helpful, thanks!

I don't know much about rtr machines but I've always been interested in recording/bouncing music to a taperecorder. So, when I saw this Sony TC-255 at the thrift, I had to get it. After bringing it home, I noticed that when I turn the lever for FWD/REW, the dials spin momentarily and then stops. From my limited knowledge, these dials should spin for longer?

Assuming the machine works/can be fixed, is there any point in using it for recording/master bouncing?