Quarter track allows you to record 4 tracks on a quarter inch tape or two stereo tracks in both tape directions. Half track literally divides the quarter inch tape in two. A wider track and all things being eqaul, beter signal to noise due to a wider track but, you can record in only one direction unless you have a need for half track mono. Many decks especially pro units had both a quarter and half track head and allowed switching between heads depending on the tape being played back.
What is Half track and quarter track?
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I used to own a 4 track Dokorder reel-to-reel machine back in the '70s & '80s. I had 4 meters that I could engage all at once, or choose which track I wanted to record on. I never did much with this feature because all I used the machine for was to record my LP's. What the heck is a quarter track and half track machine? Do they use the same width of tape that a two track or 4 track machine would use? Are half track and quarter track machines for consumer use or just for pro use? Were pre-recorded tapes two track?
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I used to own a 4 track Dokorder reel-to-reel machine back in the '70s & '80s. I had 4 meters that I could engage all at once, or choose which track I wanted to record on. I never did much with this feature because all I used the machine for was to record my LP's. What the heck is a quarter track and half track machine? Do they use the same width of tape that a two track or 4 track machine would use? Are half track and quarter track machines for consumer use or just for pro use? Were pre-recorded tapes two track?
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- 7 posts total
- 7 posts total