3M Tape question

[analog aaron]

There's a place near my house selling 7" reels of new 3M 996 "Audio Mastering Tape". Is this tape any good and would it be safe to use on my Fostex R8?
Thanks Guys,
Aaron

 

[jpmorris]

There's a place near my house selling 7" reels of new 3M 996 "Audio Mastering Tape". Is this tape any good and would it be safe to use on my Fostex R8? Aaron

Personally I'd give it a miss. I think 996 is a higher output tape than the R8 is designed for, so it may not be able to erase it properly. Ideally you would want the machine rebiased for it. I don't know if it will have shedding issues...

 

[Herm]

Spend the extra few bucks and find some new quantegy 457. Its what your machine uses.
My opinion on old tape like 1/4 inch is there is just not enough savings to buy old crap and take the chance its going to be anygood or match up to your machine. Also I dont know what 996 is but if its 1.5 mil tape thats to heavy for your transport, You need 1 mil. dont know if it makes that much differance but why chance it.
Il take one good roll of 457 for 15 bucks anyday over 5 rolls of old junk for the same price.

 

[ofajen]

My opinion on old tape like 1/4 inch is there is just not enough savings to buy old crap and take the chance its going to be anygood or match up to your machine. Also I dont know what 996 is but if its 1.5 mil tape thats to heavy for your transport, You need 1 mil. dont know if it makes that much differance but why chance it.
Il take one good roll of 457 for 15 bucks anyday over 5 rolls of old junk for the same price.

Yup. 996 is junk, absolute crap. If you have any 1/4" or 1/2" 996 laying around, don't use it, just send it to me and I'll dispose of it for you. Heck, I might even pay shipping!

Cheers,

Otto

 

[cjacek]

Yup, as Herm said, get some Quantegy 457 and I'd also suggest RMGI LPR35. The RMGI goes for 12 bucks and is currently in production. Both are fine tapes for your Fostex.