Reel to Reel

Let's see . . . I had a Stellavox TD-9 I used for live recording, and as a mixdown recorder for recording projects in small or home studios. I also had a modified Teac 3300 that I used as a playback deck for Stella's recordings on my home system.

But that was many years ago, and I sold both machines when I stopped doing that line of work. I still have a handful of master tapes - but an analog tape machine REALLY goes to pot when they sit around unused, and I can't justify the expense (and the space) of having one around to use once a year or less.

Now the whole Tape Project thing is a great idea, and if I was much wealthier might be a great reason to have a 1/4" machine again . . . but for the money, I'd personally get much more enjoyment out of a whole pile of CDs than one Tape Project release.

Commcat hit it right on the nose, there's not much more one can say about the sound quality of RTR recordings.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to buy back the Ampex 351-2 I bought new in 1958. The friend to whom I sold it, put it in his closet and never used it. The Neumann U 67 mikes I also bought new at that time, I sold for $600 for the pair. It was a little less than what I paid; now they go for around 7 or 8 grand each!

The sound of a master tape is addictive. Once your exposed to it you want to hear more. The Tape Project tapes are $200 a set, about the same you'll pay for a copy of a master tape from the few sources out there that sell them.

Tomorrow I be getting an 800 lb shipment 200 master tapes that came from a Memphis studio that shut down in the late 90's, over one hundred are 1/2 inch 2 track mixdowns at 15 and 30 ips. The remaining are 1/2 inch 8 track masters that need to be mixed down to two tracks; here comes another machine and a need for DBX and Dolby noise reduction that some were recorded with.

Hearing these tapes for the first time will be like going on a blind date and I'm sure some may be dogs. On the bright side of things, some might also be great. It will be an experience!

Ken

I use my Crown 822 to record live with, small venues. It is amazing the quality of playback that it provides. I am NOT a fan of CD, so I also use either my Crown or Sony 755 to record CD's that are not available in vinyl. You won't believe how listenable a CD becomes when you record it on reel to reel. I also enjoy making mixed tapes of my favorite jazz and rock recordings. I literally play reel to reel three or four times a weeks. It seems we are always listening to it. I can't imagine not having one. Buy a quality unit that is made to last. Sony's, Teac, Crown, Revox, Pioneer, Ampex.. When taken care of, these machines will last for decades to come. You will not regret open reel.

Otari still builds the 5050.

The old Ampex stuff is built to run for years 24/7. Properly refurbished, the old Ampex transports will last indefinitely if owned and operated by an audiophile.