Restored my dads R2R but no tape loop on integrated

If it is a two track make sure that all your tapes are stored tails out. 
i.e. rewind to the beginning before each use.  NEVER store a tape in  fast wind mode.

Good luck to you.As long as you are careful you can live without a tape loop.
But one sure makes it easier.  I would really like to move up from my two preamps to one good one.

@elliottbnewcombjr So much good info! I got lucky with the model being what it is, he also apparently had a Revox that saw more use so the tape heads on this one have very light wear. Appreciate the offer on tape, I discussed with the technician and will be using SM911 @ 7.5ips so the unit is being calibrated for +6 bias tape and 1.5mil thick. The 15ips is nice to have but seems more suited for mastering.

I’m still wrapping my head around the workflow for adjusting levels before a recording but that is definitely helpful. Would it make sense to adjust levels for L & R separately or together?

My turntable is entry level (Project debut carbon evo) and I notice a channel imbalance often, mainly when playing 180g records. The vocals are rarely centered, always shifted to the right. It's not a system wide issue because everything sounds centered on digital. There’s an underlying problem, either VTA or antiskate or other - I’ve tried a lot. Its my first table and I know that i’ll eventually upgrade to a better one so i’ve given up tinkering with it. Recording to tape would allow me to even that out a bit i guess?

@fuzztone Yea i’m happy with that setup for the time being! You’re saying I’d have to replug (unplug?) even using the dual outputs on the phono pre (RCAs to R2R & XLRs to integrated)? Since i’m primarily using the TT for playback i’ll prob keep the phono pre's RCAs unplugged from R2R except when recording anyways.

@fuzztone ok i will keep that in mind!

jvonoldershausen

The channel imbalance that you notice is due to the cartridge. I have seven carts that range from -.6 to +1.1 dB.(left) If you can’t balance it in the phono preamp (like I can) you will have to do it with the record settings. (Unless your goal is to preserve imperfection) Take a test record with stereo balanced pink noise or a mono LP to get a feel for the offset required. I used to record LPs setting max levels for the loudest part of the side (some search required) and then just let her rip.
Do you have peak LEDs with your VUs? If so it’s easier to set max level. Try some recording some acoustic like guitar or piano and see how much flashing (saturation) your ears can handle. Remember that loud signals also cause "print through." There is always a trade off between tape noise on the floor and distortion on the ceiling. Your job is maximize the fit in between, balanced. You can mitigate this with a dBx compander or dBx ll but this is a trade off also.
If you use dBx ll you ALWAYS need it for playback which is a p.i.t.a. because they used cheap ass switches that often fail for one or more channels.
I also used to record the needle drop and go back and record mute over it up to the start of the program.
Make sure you hand demag the heads often or you will end up with DC "bias" on your tapes. Either routinely or upon checking with a magnetometer. DO NOT lay tapes on speakers (same thing) A splicer is recommended for maintenance (leaders etc.)
If you do much recording I recommend you become familiar with setup, and acquiring test tapes - setup is dynamic. My deck has test tones built in.

https://rsdacademy.net/textbooks/AnalogCircuits/Part6/PageSetup.php?Page=41&FileName=AnalogAudio....

Have fun.