ausrock
Well-known member
This is probably a dumb question, but can someone please explain what exactly is meant when refering to a r2r as being a 1/2 track stereo.
O
Old Trout
New member
Two tracks in one direction, each using one half of the available tape width.
ausrock
Well-known member
So this would be different to a 1/2" 2 track for instance?
O
Old Trout
New member
It's not about the size of the tape width. I believe the reason it is not just called a two track is because there used to be a lot of two track reel to reel stereo decks made, that used a quarter track format. That meant you could record two tracks at a time, but be able to turn the tape over and record two more tracks in the opposite direction. Each track used a quarter of the tape width.
Those were called 1/4 track stereo decks.
A 1/2 track, 2 channel (stereo) deck, could I guess, be made using any tape width, but 1/4" and 1/2" tape widths are the most common.
Those were called 1/4 track stereo decks.
A 1/2 track, 2 channel (stereo) deck, could I guess, be made using any tape width, but 1/4" and 1/2" tape widths are the most common.