Tape Recorder Revival

[jdandy]

Ivan.......Here's my two reel to reel machines.


Akai GX-636 (1/4 track heads)






Revox B77 Mk2 (1/2 track heads)

[riley]

A couple of years ago I had ATR services build a "new" Ampex with 1/4 and 1/2 heads, a remote, etc. Got it setup, figured out the tape preamp issues, subscribed to the Tape Project, and enjoyed the whole tape thing, for a while. I kind of soured on it when I later found out that a bunch of "Master Tapes" that I had bought from an overseas source were actually copies of SACD's.

Eventually I figured out that buying hires files and using a good DAC/computer setup was a lot easier to deal with than the RtoR and provided a comparable listening experience so now the Ampex just decorates my room and my closet is full of tapes.

On the other hand, I am really liking the high resolution files and my DAC2x.

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by riley

A couple of years ago I had ATR services build a "new" Ampex with 1/4 and 1/2 heads, a remote, etc. Got it setup, figured out the tape preamp issues, subscribed to the Tape Project, and enjoyed the whole tape thing, for a while. I kind of soured on it when I later found out that a bunch of "Master Tapes" that I had bought from an overseas source were actually copies of SACD's.

Eventually I figured out that buying hires files and using a good DAC/computer setup was a lot easier to deal with than the RtoR and provided a comparable listening experience so now the Ampex just decorates my room and my closet is full of tapes.

On the other hand, I am really liking the high resolution files and my DAC2x.

There is a list going around. I've always been suspicious of that list with some ridiculous prices. I guess it only makes sense to buy from proper production studios with the licensing rights eg. TTP, Opus3

[jdandy]

I don't own or purchase prerecorded reel to reel tapes. I use the Akai GX-636 with 1/4 track heads to make mixed music tapes for my enjoyment, and to transfer client's 1/4 track reel to reel tapes to digital disc. I use the Revox B77 Mk2 with 1/2 track heads to make live studio recordings direct to tape. The Revox B77 really shines recording live.

[tony-w]

Originally Posted by riley

A couple of years ago I had ATR services build a "new" Ampex with 1/4 and 1/2 heads, a remote, etc. Got it setup, figured out the tape preamp issues, subscribed to the Tape Project, and enjoyed the whole tape thing, for a while. I kind of soured on it when I later found out that a bunch of "Master Tapes" that I had bought from an overseas source were actually copies of SACD's.

Did you ever buy any tapes from The Tape Project?

[riley]

Originally Posted by tony-w

Did you ever buy any tapes from The Tape Project?

Yes, a couple of years worth. Half were 1/4, the rest 1/2". I felt they were sonically quite good but not always my choice of material.

Then too, I prefer to select individual songs which is easy on a computer and impractical on a tape.

[tony-w]

Originally Posted by riley

Yes, a couple of years worth. Half were 1/4, the rest 1/2". I felt they were sonically quite good but not always my choice of material.

Then too, I prefer to select individual songs which is easy on a computer and impractical on a tape.

Once more audiophiles start buying these tapes, a wider selection will become available.

[MyPal]

Tony, apart from TTP & Opus3, do you know of any other good software labels?

Great avatar BTW.

[tony-w]

Originally Posted by MyPal

Tony, apart from TTP & Opus3, do you know of any other good software labels?

Great avatar BTW.

UltraAnalogue Recordings, and Yarlung Records are a few.

[Myles B. Astor]

Groove Note will be playing three three tapes at the Newport show. There's also Jonathan Horwich/Int. Phonogram. There should also be more tapes from a European record label (that I'm not at liberty to say just yet) coming out in the near future.