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Reel to Reel uses -

My wife and I love to entertain.  It never ceases to surprise me how many will walk over to my stereo and stare at my Reel to Reel tape deck.  Some under the age of 35, will ask what it is? Others want to know why I have it, and what do I use it for?  Of course I answer their questions, but now it makes we wonder how others use their machines?  I have been following a couple of high end blogs that I really enjoy and see that one gentlemen uses his machine to play master tape copies.  I do this as well, but have no where near the selection that he does.  I make copies of my favorite LP's to play when guests are over, and also make my own master tapes using a couple of neuman's microphones.  I record small jazz trios and solo artists straight to the machine.  People are amazed at how 'real' these tapes sound.  My main reel to reel is a Pioneer RT-1050 high speed half track.  I have a second just like it that I use for the above mentioned site recordings.  I also have a ReVox B-77, a Sony TC-765, and a Crown 822, all half track machines.  Anyone out there making your own masters?

Norman
normansizemore
flatrocker
18 posts
 
I have a Tascam 32 upstairs for high speed half track recordings of my LPs.  The 45 RPM vinyl recordings can have you up and down often to flip the record, so archiving them to tape makes sense.  The quality is outstanding, but it eats up some tape.  I have a Teac 3300SX, half track machine downstairs where there is no turntable.  I can play the tapes there and get close to the vinyl repro quality.  I agree with the comments from folks that have never been exposed to open reel decks.  I would like to do some live music recording, but have not done that yet.

Mike
normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
Mike,

I used to have a 3300SX. Fantastic machine.  Mine was super smooth.  I would imagine that your recordings are as excellent reproductions of your vinyl collection.  I actually do the same as you with my favorite vinyl.

The TASCAM would be a little better for live recording, as it has a little more headroom than the TEAC.  I believe the heads are exactly the same however.

You should check here for some second generation master copies.  There is nothing quite like them.     http://avshowroomsforums.com/showthread.php?5-Companies-Currently-Producing-15ips-Reel-to-Reel-tapes...!

Norman
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,085 posts
 
Revox B77 mk 2 with IEC board, just got it. Like others have Opus 3 tape on way..collecting bits needed to record live..have access thru church to some incredible talent..blessed. plan is Ayre A to D then direct to drives so i can compare analog tape at 15 IPS to digital A/ B with minimal changes to chain....


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,085 posts
 
love this thread BTW..thanks for all posts..
i may have sailed over the edge...

normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
Tomic601,
You will love  recording with the ReVox. I have a B77 series 1, that I used to use extensively. Get a couple of good used mics to start with with and plug directly into the ReVox. You will be floored at how good a recording you can get with two well placed mics. 

I've never really cared for recording with digital. It's certainly easier and less costly. 

But don't stop there with the ReVox. Tape your favorite LP's, make mixed tapes of favorites. Even try recording your best CDs. You will be stunned at how they come out on tape. 

And certainly get get all the master copies you can. 
 Enjoy!
Norman
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