1/2" and 1/4" ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter themaddog
  • Start date Start date
the tape is 1/4"
It can record and play back 1/2-track and playback 1/4-track (you can call it "regular" stereo 1/4" tape recordings)...
...if I'm not mistaken. never seen those machines in person :o
 
themaddog said:
Hey everyone,
I found this machine on eBay that claims it is both a two track 1/4" and 1/2" deck. Is this true?
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No, look again.. it actually says 1/2 track, not 1/2".
This is not unheard of.. I think the Otaris do it as well. It can only play 1/4" tapes, but it is able to handle both 2 and 4-track stereo. Usually the machine is 1/2 track (i.e. it uses the entire tape width for both tracks) but has an extra head that allows it to play (but not usually record) 1/4 track tapes.

These machines are supposed to be pretty good, but I haven't seen very many of them, and I'm not sure about part availability. Looks like it has TEAC heads though.

There are machines that can handle both 1/4" and 1/2" tapes, like the Ampex ATRs.. but you have to swap the headblock and tape guides first.
 
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I have a Technics 1506 - very similar - It is one fantastic deck !
The vertical transport and single capstan were quite the technology at the time. I bought it used, and when we went to look at it, the guy admitted that there was a problem - one channel didn't play back. Sure enough, he was right. My buddy and I looked at each other and made the universal "head cleaning" sign to each other ;) and I offered him half of what he was asking (including 20 tapes - about half in sealed boxes). Think I paid CAD$600 in 1988. Got home, cleaned the heads and transport, and all was well.
I did many bounce recordings back in '88 when I was stuck in the Arctic with this and a cassette deck. I listen to that stuff now, and am still amazed by how it sounded.
Before I went overseas again in 2002, I was using it mainly for the pre's - they are amazing - very clean and musical. It was just too big to bring with me, so I loaned it to a buddy for a few years. Wish I had it with me sometimes.
 
themaddog said:
Oh! I just can't read. Thanks guys!

-MD
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It's water on the brain Maddog. Mine too. I close my eyes and all I see is rivers and puddles of flowing water. :D
 
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