Something Silly but Fun!

[analog aaron]

Our band is playing a "balls to the wall" Halloween show at a local Irish Pub near my house this coming Sat. Oct. 27th. We play there all the time and this place PACKS OUT!!! I have planned on recording the show using one of my 4 track cassettes, but instead I think I'm going to use either my old Rheem Roberts (1725) or Rheem Roberts (450) 4 track reel machines. I realize these machines aren't the greatest but I'm certainly not going to bring my R8.This bar is smokey,grungy and the people get nuts in there... You can't trust these people around nice gear. Anyways I'll just use 2 mics stereo L and R and should get a pretty good sound. I don't want to open a new tape for this recorder so I'm going to use an opened Ampex 631 tape (don't know exactly if the bias is right for this particular machine but it seemed to work well when I tested it. Soon after the show I'm going to put some "highlight" clips up for everyones enjoyment and amusement. Ha. (Question about the 1725 Model Rheem) Oh yeah, Does anybody have any idea why the capstan sleeve keeps sliding off the capstan pin roller. I'd like to use this model because it's tube, but I won't be able to if this keeps happening. I'll have to use the 450 instead. Anyways what's happening is when I press play, the capstan roller sleeve slowly sides off of the roller pin. I don't know how this is supposed to stay on because the end of the pin is completely flat with nothing to stop it from sliding off. The 450 unit has a grooved finger "Bolt" on the end so this sleeve won't come off while playback. What can I do about this???
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[A Reel Person]

... but I think this would be a perfect time to use the 424mkIII and record 4-simul to cassette! Just cover the unit in clear plastic material to prevent the inadvertent spill,... or just keep the riff raff away from the gear! The 424mkIII going 'balls to the wall' has to sound better than any old clunky Roberts from the 60's, shouldn't it?

Either way,... good luck!

[analog aaron]

Yeah, That Roberts machine is as heavy as a small Bass amp. I was just gonna use 2 mics total for the Roberts machine. I kinda thought it would be kinda cool if I used the Roberts and put it up HIGH so the crowd could see the reels spinning whist recording! Kinda like an "Old-School Halloween" show!. (424mkIII Question- maybe I should use it.)... But you say 4-simul?.. D'you mean, just use 4 mics and record to all 4 tracks or is this some other method?
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[jjones1700]

You don't HAVE to use all 4 tracks on the 424 for recording, you know.

I guess time on stage would also be a factor as to which would be the best to use. Too bad you aren't near my area, I'd bring the RT-909 to add a little razzle-dazzle factor and capture the band on tape.

[analog aaron]

I didn't know what the RT-909 was until I just looked it up on the web. Looks pretty cool and they seem to sell for a good chunk on ebay. I like the led screen. Bright blue display among the aluminum face plate.. NICE. If you lived near us, You wouldn't wanna risk damaging that unit anyways. Like I said, this place gets "out of control".... Fights break out, people puking, Beer flying everywhere....You name it. It happens at that Pub. Especially during any holiday show. I guess I can't say we don't contribute to the kaos, with our fast punk, old raunchy rock n' roll covers and stage antics.... I can't wait to see what happens!!!! The band will be dressed for the occasion for sure. I'm singing wearing another head! I'm also making another fake arm on my right side to hold onto another "dummy " mic stand. Nothing like a lead singer with "Built in" Backup vocals! Ahahahahaha! Is the RT pretty bad-ass? I don't know much about it.
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[jjones1700]

Wow, sounds like something out of the cheesy "Road House" movie! Playing behind a cage.

The RT-909 isn't "pro" quality, but it is a damn fine piece of machinery. It has a "closed loop" tape transport system (looks like the inside of a cassette tape now that I think about it....hehe) that helps keep some unwanted vibrations and noise from affecting the recording/playback. They are very gentle with tape so that is a good thing. I've played back some of my 3600' (pretty thin tape!) with no problems whatsoever.

Actually, I own 3 of them. 1 is in tip top shape, 1 just needs a new capstan motor, and 1 is probably just going to stay around as a parts machine. I got them dirt cheap from around my area.

If you are wanting to update, there are plenty of makes and models out there. There are more good models than bad. If you stick with Tascam/Teac or Otari, getting parts shouldn't be much of an issue.

Have fun at your gig and try not to end up the patient in the hospital!

[analog aaron]

Originally Posted by jjones1700

Wow, sounds like something out of the cheesy "Road House" movie! Playing behind a cage.

Yeah Exactly like "Roadhouse". Direct qoute from "Roadhouse" when some guy's gettin' it on with some chick in the supply closet of the bar. Someone opens the door behind them, Man in action says: " Whaddya want?!!! I'm on break!" Other guy Closes door and leaves them alone. Stud guy goes back at it and says to the chick: " Yer gonna be my little Saturday night regular" In reference to a few weeks ago on this forum, I hope I didn't offend anyone!
Ahahahahahahahahaha! That line is classic!!!
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[A Reel Person]

that's what I'd do under the best circumstances, but I can understand why you'd not want to expose your good harware to risk.

Yeah, I meant with 4 mics recording 4-tracks simultaneously. That's a step in "production" (if done right), but there's nothing wrong with live-to-stereo recording. I've done a ton of it! Sometimes it's easier to get a more balanced live recorded sound with just two mics.

Yeah, having a reel to reel on stage (or side of stage) would look pretty impressive. Why do you think they use reel-to-reels as props in hip hop videos? (It just looks cool!)

[analog aaron]

Here's the basics (but not even the finished product) for the show this Sat!
Enjoy!!!!!!!!

[jjones1700]

Originally Posted by analog aaron

Here's the basics (but not even the finished product) for the show this Sat!
Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Yeah, you even look like trouble!! Pretty cool. Now all you need is some black lights and it would be a riot.

[A Reel Person]

Have fun & good luck on the gig!