The Low-Down on LPR 35 Tape

[themaddog]

OK, for anyone that was watching an earlier post about the MSR-16 and tape to use for it, I finally did my test between Quantegy 456 tape and Texas Tape Work's special run of LPR 35. My band recorded the same song on both reels of tape, with the same levels. We did them all at high and low speed.

The best sound overall was always off of the high speed. I didn't know if the bass response would be better with the low speed, but it sounded even tighter and fuller at high speed. As for which tape sounds best...

It's really a question of not what sounds better, but there is a difference is sound. The 456 has a lot of that analog warmth people are always talking about. It's good, but not necessarily good for what we play. I would use it and shell out the extra money, maybe, if I were recording a blues band or olde time rock 'n' roll. The LPR 35 came out sounding more accurate to me and another guy in my band.

I had the DBX on for all tests. I tried snare drum hits at different levels to try and hear which could handle higher levels. I did not exceed +8, since that is where the meters stop on the MSR-16, and I figured any higher would confuse the DBX. Both sounded similar in how they handled the higher levels, except for the aforementioned "warmth" difference.

Either tape sounds great, but I can buy almost three reels of LPR35, with that much more tape on it (1 mil reels as a pose to 1.5 mil 456), for the cost of one reel of Quantegy 456. I didn't hear any problems with print through or anything like that, although I would imagine that would take its toll over time. Perhaps 456 would hold up better over time, but who knows, since BASF 468 is reputed to hold up so well.

I have a reel of Quantegy 406. Someday I'll try that one out too and hear if there's a difference. Any ideas from anyone about using 406 on the MSR-16?

Thanks, and I hope this post helps out anybody who was thinking about using LPR-35, particuarly all you guys who have been helping me out so much!

-MD

[Beck]

Thanks MD -- good report.

I've used 406 on my TSR-8 and I like the sound of it. It's a little softer -- kinda reminds me of Scotch 226... a little more smear.

Tim

[cjacek]

I know this posting is old but I was doing a search on the LPR35 and this came up. Good review. Thank you.

[themaddog]

I've periodically been purchasing "special run" 1/2" LPR 35 from Tape Works Texas, and recently got my combat pay from work, so thought I'd use it on some new tape. I've worked with a particular tape rep from there over the past few years -- nice guy named Brian Pool.

Anyhow, after placing my order he called me back and told me that there's someone else in LA who is going to buy up the remaining run of 400 reels. I'm not certain on this, but I think it may be Tape and Tape from eBay, as he has sold this tape before and is from LA.

If you want to try this tape out -- and it's a great tape for the money -- now is the time to place your order. Like I said, I personally like the sound of it better than Quantegy 456 and it's about 1/3 the price. I placed what will probably be my final order before they sell the lot for 30 reels.

If you want to order it, the address is here:
http://www.tapeworkstexas.com/basf_lpr_35.html

Best wishes,
-MD

[themaddog]

Tape and Tape is selling this tape, which costs $21.95 new from Tape Works Texas, for $40. As I said before, I'm pretty sure he's trying to buy up the remaining stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BASF-LPR-35-1-2-...2em118Q2el1247

-MD

[Beck]

Thanks, MD.

Yes, that is correct... RapeandTape is selling the same stuff, but he is misrepresenting the tape as being a long version of SM 911, which is just normal LPR-35. The tape is just like what TWT has, which is a 1-mil SM 900. It could be a nasty surprise for anyone using normal LPR-35.

I recently ordered a reel of this from TWT for testing, but have not yet received it. I wanted to test it before recommending it to the members here.

However, based on MD’s report and the pending loss of this tape to Bill Hallmark… I say go for it. At $21.00 I think you even get a 6-screw precision reel. Ask to make sure, but either way it's a good deal.

And I can tell you TapeWorks Texas is a reputable company and nice to deal with. I’ve purchased SM 468 from them in the past when it was still available. Unfortunately, they ran out of that some time ago.

I will never buy any tape from Bill at tapetape, even if I know it came from TWT. Because you may get it 2 months later or not at all, or maybe a different tape than you ordered and after he's double or triple charged your credit card.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by Beck

RapeandTape is selling the same stuff, but he is misrepresenting the tape as being a long version of SM 911, which is just normal LPR-35. The tape is just like what TWT has, which is a 1-mil SM 900. It could be a nasty surprise for anyone using normal LPR-35.

'RapeandTape' .. LOL!!

Yeah, that co**sucker is surely misrepresenting. I can't believe it [actually I do, from his past misdemeanors]. What really gets to me is that he must know this but is banking on mis-informed buyers. Even the TWT site says it loud and clear:

Product represented to TapeWorks Texas by EMTEC/BASF as the "SAME AS SM900, EXCEPT ON A 1-MIL TAPE INSTEAD OF 1.5-MIL."

http://www.tapeworkstexas.com/basf_l...10_5_reel.html

Bill's a criminal.

Here's a nice thread dedicated to our friend:
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=230731

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[themaddog]

Originally Posted by Beck

At $21.00 I think you even get a 6-screw precision reel. Ask to make sure, but either way it's a good deal.

Every reel of "special run" LPR that I received has been on a 6-screw reel.

If I had a 1/2" 2 track machine, I think this would be the ultimate tape for it. As it is, I think it sounds great on my MSR-16.

I once spoke to one of the reps at TTW about this tape. They said the closest way they could represent it was "like SM900 on thinner tape," but it really isn't a +9 tape like SM900. It is hotter than +6, but still isn't as high as +9.

-MD