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Best REEL TO REEL blank tape?

Hi. I am about to buy a Pioneer RT 909 open reel tape deck to record many of my LPs on. I have been out of the open reel tape deck game for more years than I can count. My understanding is that Maxell UD-180 tape is top notch (the "best" is always debatable). I also understand that this Maxell tape was their latest to be manufactured -- late '90s -- 2003. Are my assumptions correct? What open reel tape do YOU recommend for 10" reels and why? Thanks for your help. Cal.
dramapsycho
c1ferrari
464 posts
 

Dramapsycho,

I'm unacquainted with the RT 909...can you bias the deck for a particular tape?

Regards,
Sam
dramapsycho's avatar
dramapsycho OP
28 posts
 
C1ferrai -- not sure. I am less into "perfect" sound with this R2R project. I believe that Maxell UD tape will work just fine as will some of the current production tape from U.S. Recording (referenced in an earlier post on this thread). I will be taping LPs from a Clearaudio Concept table and I just want to have fun with my music and watch the reels spin. If you have doubts about the Maxell UD type tape then please let me know.
c1ferrari
464 posts
 

Dramapsycho,

Is there a recommended tape type/formulation in the owner's/operator's manual?

Should there be one, I would suggest communicating the info to U.S. Recording, for example, and obtaining the identical tape or its closest analog -- hehe :-)

-Sam
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
The manual will have a "bias" and "eq" for various tapes. When using tape not found in the manual, the new tape will have instructions how to set "bias" and "eq" that corresponds to the old tape in your manual.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
All tape machines can be biased for a particular tape. Most of them require that a technician do the work.

BTW, if the machine is *not* set up for a particular tape, there is no point in auditioning the differences between tape, as the issues of highs and lows are usually also dealt with in the setup/bias procedure.

Shedding is a phenomena of all polyester-backed tapes. It can be reduced by storing them in a low humidity environment. If a tape does start to shed, it can be 'baked' for about an hour at about 120-150 degrees to chase the moisture out of the polyester. This will get rid of the shedding/sticking problem for months or years. OTOH some tapes can be so saturated with moisture that they will be too far gone. This baking procedure can be a bit of an art, BTW, but if done right can get a lot of older tapes back into service.

Have fun :)
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