A New Reel to Reel Tape Deck?


normansizemore
inna,

Here is my quote: "We should also consider some master dubs at 7.5 ips I have heard some of these and I must say in most instances that I absolutely cannot tell the difference between a 15ips half track and it's 7.5ips half track copy."
Easy to explain.  Note that I said we should consider 'some'  and in 'most' instances.

If you are making a half track master copy from 15ips to a second generation master half track at 7.5ips, and your machine is properly calibrated you really won't hear a difference on most material.  Look at a machines spec at 7.5ips and compare it to the spec at 15ips.  I personally can't think of even one machine that specs better at 15 than it does at 7.5ips

15ips became the defecto setting in the 1950's, because it allowed high end frequency extremes.  As machines electronics, more importantly head design improved along with the quality of tape, 7.5ips half track can easily match the performance of most material recorded at 15ips.

The other reason that material is recorded at 15ips and 30ips in the studio is headroom.  Here, when recording live these speeds have an advantage.  This however does not translate into making a dub.  The dynamics of recording a drum set live is completely different that dubbing a recording of a drum set.  

At the slower speed, nearly every machine will give you more bottom end, and all of them will easily spec to 20,000hz +/- 1db.

The source material matters as well.  If you are listening to classic rock, and the machine is running at spec, you won't hear a difference.  This is also true of complex classical.  With solo instruments, piano and guitar it's much more difficult because of the frequency limits of the solo instrument itself.  Your not going to hear a 35hz note from a Martin D-45 for example.

If we are talking about quarter track, then there is not contest whatsoever.  But with half track, 7.5ips the sonics can be outstanding.

I have several half track 7.5ips second generation studio master that will make your jaw drop.  

And my point was not to create a debate as to tape speeds, but to provide an option for those wanting to purchase prerecorded tapes at a more reasonable cost. And keep in mind that, and a second generation half track master at 7.5ips will blow the pants off of its vinyl brother every time.

Norman 




The other reason that material is recorded at 15ips and 30ips in the studio is headroom.  Here, when recording live these speeds have an advantage.  This however does not translate into making a dub.  The dynamics of recording a drum set live is completely different that dubbing a recording of a drum set.  
Indeed.
...a second generation half track master at 7.5ips will blow the pants off of its vinyl brother...
I guess I'd better get my decks lined up for CCIR and NAB @ 7.5 in/s! ;-)
Sam,

I believe your Studer is already factory aligned for those settings. It's a near perfect machine!

Norman
+1 Norman, that's been my experience too. Most of the tape recordings and dups I made from those days and under normal (indoor) storage conditions seem to have held up well. Even though my Pioneer 909 was freshened up a few years back I can't imagine there isn't some level tape of degradation over time. It always blew me away just how much of my instruments fidelity was lost in post. 

Last I looked the cost of those prerecorded 10 inch reels was over a grand? 



 
m-db,

Here is a link shared by miles_b_astor recently. http://avshowroomsforums.com/showthread.php?5-Companies-Currently-Producing-15ips-Reel-to-Reel-tapes...!

You can get them for a little less that half that amount.  Also, if there are any local studio's in your area, they too will sell off safety copies and masters of older recordings.  

My son has my old Pioneer 909.  This was my wife's favorite machine. She loved the quarter track format (don't have to rewind to play) and the auto reverse.  It's also an excellent sounding machine, with superb build quality.  I seen one once modded with half track heads and high speed.  
I wish that were an option for us all, as that was a very popular machine.

I recommend to all those that have a 900 series machine to loosen the tension a little on the tape tensioners.  It really saves on head wear and doesn't need to be so tight with the dual capstans.

I find that analog tape is really the best storage method for archiving recordings.  There are tape formulas that have held up well for over 50 years.  Of course, having a safety copy with a newer formula is always safe measure.

Since you mentioned the 909 and it's quarter track, you should check out some of the old releases in that format from the 60's and 70's.  If you are a Beatles fan it will knock your socks off.  Those old Capitol tapes are outstanding!

Norman