I've got the space and love old gear (have a couple analog synths) I'm just not sure of the benefits of reel 2 reel recording over digital. I mean I know tape has a distinct sound. But I also know it might be a big time vacuum if it isn't working properly. I dunno, talk me into it - explain the benfits over my computer recording equipment.
Yeah, get something that works for sure. It might surprise some, but I’m not much into the older generation machines or collector pieces. Many folks that come from a digital perspective tend to lump all analog reel-to-reel together. But the last generation stuff before digital took hold is leaps ahead of the older stuff.
I consider stuff from the mid 80’s through 90’s as modern analog. Going back to the 60’s and 70’s there are some machines I wouldn’t take if you gave them to me. Of course there are a few machines that were ahead of their time from any era and are still ticking.
But in general it’s a mistake to throw all machines into one analog basket just because they have reels.
Back in the day I had the privilege (and misfortune at times) of using various classic decks, but nothing excited me more than experiencing the advances in the 80’s. Specifically in the Semi-pro realm with machines like the Fostex E-16 and TASCAM TSR/MSR 8 and 16 track. Otari, TASCAM and Fostex all introduced machines that ran circles around older wider track models.
TASCAM was at the forefront of real head design improvements that enabled narrower tracks to keep pace and even out spec many older machines with wider tracks. Microprocessor control reduced wow & flutter, and made for more constant tension from one end of the tape to the other. There were advances in noise reduction, tape formulations and other aspects… it was just a great time.
So anyway, I usually won’t try to talk anyone into any 35-year-old monsters that you have to position with a crane. I really like the newer, more compact machines better. I choose them on purpose for various reasons.
As for what a modern analog machine in proper working condition can do for one’s recordings… eh, where do I start? It’s all about the sound. You just can’t get around it. First thing is your music has to be worth recording in the first place before analog will do anything for it.
No offence to anyone, but if it’s rap/hip-hop don’t waste your time worrying about the format. Rap and digital have a symbiotic relationship… they helped create each other. They rose to dominate pop music together, and it’s no coincidence.
The more complex and mature your music is the more analog will benefit you. Jazz, Gospel, R&B, many types of rock, some types of country, choral music, and new age are a few examples of genres that can benefit from tape.
If you have a gifted singer with a velvety voice and a good mic… give tape a shot and I won’t have to explain anything more.
By the way, digital did not kill analog. Semi-pro narrow track analog killed the pro analog establishment. Analog home/project studios heralded the end of the super studio. Personal digital just continued in the new world order that modern personal analog began. Late generation analog is not old; not outdated and still has tricks digital can’t do.
