Tape Recorder Revival

[jdandy]

I think the popularity of prerecorded reel to reel tape would skyrocket if the tapes were made in 1/4 track and 1/2 track options at 7.5 ips on 7" reels with NAB equalization for the majority of existing reel to reel machines still being used in enthusiast's homes. It is my opinion that there exists only a tiny market for 10.5" reels recorded specifically for tape machines operating at 15 ips with IEC equalization. There is an entire market of reel to reel owners who are being ignored.

[miner]

I, too, feel that a maker will not come out with a newly built deck. There are those who can do wonders to old school decks and bring them back to there original specs, or better. I enjoy my RT707, fits nicely into my cabinet and makes wonderfull recordings an 7.5ips from 45 rpm LPs. My next project will be to record the 45 rpm release of SRVs box set from QRP/Analogue Sounds when it is released next month. I'm an Analogue Man in a Digital World...

[tony-w]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I think the popularity of prerecorded reel to reel tape would skyrocket if the tapes were made in 1/4 track and 1/2 track options at 7.5 ips on 7" reels with NAB equalization for the majority of existing reel to reel machines still being used in enthusiast's homes. It is my opinion that there exists only a tiny market for 10.5" reels recorded specifically for tape machines operating at 15 ips with IEC equalization. There is an entire market of reel to reel owners who are being ignored.

I think having high quality prerecorded 7.5 ips reel to reel tape becoming available, would lead to there being more 15 ips 1/4 and 1/2 inch master tapes for the hi-end.

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I think the popularity of prerecorded reel to reel tape would skyrocket if the tapes were made in 1/4 track and 1/2 track options at 7.5 ips on 7" reels with NAB equalization for the majority of existing reel to reel machines still being used in enthusiast's homes. It is my opinion that there exists only a tiny market for 10.5" reels recorded specifically for tape machines operating at 15 ips with IEC equalization. There is an entire market of reel to reel owners who are being ignored.

Dan:

Check out The Tape Project website. This topic has been discussed in detail

In a nutshell, it's a matter of production capability. It's either one speed or the other and TTP opted for the best sounding medium. TTP is hard pressed to turn out the 200 or so 15 ips tapes in a timely manner and throw in new backorders that are running between large runs, and you can see they are at full capability.

[Scottsmrnyc]

Okay, I thought I take a minute to say that I have always loved reel to reel tape. It may be because I just like the look of them, the way the reels turn or the big VU meters moving. I do have what I consider to be a substantial home audio system and I do think that the way I have my reel to reel tape machines intergrated into that system makes for a better sound. My current system includes two Teac 3340s- one for the external speaker system and one for my headphone system. I also have a home recording studio which has a Tascam ATR 80 and a Tascam ATR 60. My sound board needs to be improved and I am running the home recording studio into a vintage Stax SRA-12S intergrated headphone amp and a pair of Stax Sigma non pros. Here are a couple of thoughts/questions

- I do feel that tape is the best source for music- when done properly.
- People who are starting their own high end tape companies should look to record new
artists who need exposure not try and make deals with the record companies for their
master tapes.
- I am wondering why someone would spend $17,000 to $21,000 for a customized
quarter inch reel to reel tape machine when they could buy a vintage 2 inch or 1 inch
machine for 70% less. ( As you know I bought a Tascam ATR 80 and Tascam ATR 60
roughly $5000 which included the freight delivery charges from Arizona and Florida.
- I don't know why everyone who loves tapes has to have a Studer. I have heard a
couple of Studers at Shows and I think the sound is very thin the the mids and bass.
- My Tascam ATR 80 and ATR 60 are in mint condition and I love the Tascam sound-
which can describe as having a strong mid and bass.
- What if all the reel to reel tape lovers in the world contributed some money to start a
huge reel to reel tape company. Perhaps we could go public and sell stock.
- What if the reel to reel tape companies that already exist went public and people who
love tape could invest in them?

Your comments are always welcome.

[Scottsmrnyc]

Greg Beron- A Junior Member?

[Toccata]

I used to be a recording engineer from 1978-1990--used a Tandberg TD 20A and a Studer/Revox PR 99, both 2-track, 15 ips 1/4" tape decks. Mics of choice were Schoeps CMC 65 and B&K (now DPA) 4006 mics. Nothing beats beats the quality of an analog master tape. (Well, I suppose a DSD recorder would come close!)

[Greg Beron]

Scottsmrnyc posted some interesting points I think, and I would like to add to them.
(also there is a reason people are buying $17K to 22K 1/4" 2 track tape decks vs old decks... they listen to them).

REEL TO REEL CONSORTIUM:
I am working on a new idea, a lobby group of like minded audio guys that are into R2R. The 'Reel to Reel Consortium' would be a member driven group to promote all things R2R but mostly as a group to promote more music on tape. Here are just some of the key missions of the Consortium. These are just some rough ideas so far.

1.) Establish have a dedicated web site to disseminate news and developments on R2R matters.
2.) Establish a member base (easily contacted by email) made up of consumers that purchase, or have interest in R2R products and services.
3.) Provide an easy contact method to inform members of companies providing R2R goods or services.
4.) To establish a viable presence of Master Tape copy purchasers to music companies.
5.) Also to allow those music companies to consult the group on titles they may offer for sale and even pre-sell those titles allowing for assurance of a profitable venture before production even starts.

I believe if we had such a group we are more powerful than just a random voice here and there singing the praises of R2R.

[MyPal]

The TapeHeads forum is dedicated to reel to reel but usually not much happening there.

[miner]

Many informative users on TapeHead