2. analog
  3. 118926-1110

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
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
Norman and Livin_262002

Thanks. The guru of Sony APR-5000 series machines is Richard Hess. There is a yahoo users group run by Richard, which has all the manuals etc uploaded. The APR-5000 series are really good and very good value compared to the equivalent Studers (it's as good as an A80). Spares are an issue, but it is built like a battleship. You can still get new heads or just relap the existing ones, if they're not too worn. they come up pretty cheap, esp in the USA.

alectiong's avatar
alectiong
110 posts
 
I don't have experience with R2R, or expertise to repair vintage ones. Reading positive reviews about its sound has me very intrigued, and wondering whether to join the club, and how.
There are good reviews about the UHA decks, heavily modded from Tascam and good to go. Are the UHA decks a hassle free way to enjoy R2R?
normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
alectiong,

The UHA machines are fantastic especially if they are in your budget.  You can however find well maintained Otari's, Tascams, Pioneers, Studers,  for much less.  All of these machines will have the needed IEC eq  profile, high speed and half track configuration needed to play back master tape copies.  Some can be had for under $1000.00.  Even with servicing, your total would be less then $2000.00  This will give you a good taste.  From there, the skies the limit.  Be prepared, as I promise you've never heard anything like a master tape copies.

But there is more, tape your favorite songs from albums you enjoy, get a couple of quality mics and begin making your own masters!  Have a few favorite CD's?  Tape them, somehow they become totally listenable without fatigue.  I love analog tape and half track reel to reel is outrageously good!
Enjoy
Norman


c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

I've only recorded direct-to-2 track at home (a very live environment) and at a lodge...another challenging acoustic space.  Cardioid capsules were used in either instance...haven't deployed the omnis, yet.  I'm still learning mic technique and placement! ;-)

Here's a link to Gordon Audio: http://gordonaudio.com/

Sam


c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Anyone using 1/2" machine for home listening?
Yes, I have a 1/2" head stack and listen to 1/2" tape. :-)
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