Ampex/Quantegy 499 and RMGI SM900 =Bad?? Why?

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ReelFostex!

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I have been reading that Ampex/Quantegy 499 and RMGI SM900 are +9 & are really not appropriate tape for semi-pro reel to reels, why is that? I don't understand, because these are studio quality tapes? Are they that hard on the heads of say a model R8 fostex...thanks...I am a newbe.
 
Might be hard on the heads plus the consumer decks were not made to track that hot.
 
Opinions may vary, what I've heard is that:

499/900 are thicker than even 456. The Fostex decks (a8-80-r8) are designed for 1 mil tape like 457 or lpr35. The transports aren't as robust to handle the heavier tape and head wear will be faster, although how much wear overall from use in a "semi-pro" environment is also an open question.

Also, the electronics may not be capable to bias and paint the stronger signal , although the Fostex decks were designed for a 320 nW/m (I think that is +5 over Ampex 0) operating level. The sound you get from those tapes may or may not be what you are looking for, although other people have had been happy with 499 on stock Tascam (+3) machines. Quantegy has their tape specs online for comparison. However, I'd stick with the 1 mil +6 formulations like NOS 457 or LPR35.
 
I ran 3M 996 on my Tascam 48, best tape I've heard with tons of headroom. Not sure if the previous owner of the 48 biased the machine for 996, (got 6 rolls with the machine) but I had no issues with recording, erasure or transport. That said, I guess it's not supposed to be a good match and I may not have been using it to it's full potential, but, I liked it. ;)
 
thanks for the advice!

I want to thank all of you for the replies...and advice. I will will use rmgi lp35 on my little fostex R8 machines...perhaps try the 499 on my not so small E-2 and E-8...but use and stick with rmgi sm468 on the big units, and perhaps use sm911 to mixdown the smaller model 20 eventhough its 1.5mil...sound OK?...tape really makes such the difference...and I want to do it right. Oh and there is a place in Sylmar California that will relap 1/4" 8-track rec/play heads for $85(total for the one head with play/rec)...I am trying to get everything fully functional, restored, and R8 capstan belts can be bought new as well as pinch rollers...about $80.00 for 2 R8 belts and 2 pinch rollers...I will let you know more as I put all the pieces together..we have all the electronic testing equipment at work...too. thanks again.
 
Hello sir...I visited your electronic site...you have turned electronics into an art...beautiful tube amps....and restrored machines...better than new. So perhaps:),
design and build an all tube reel to reel with matching amp for monitoring...omg they would sell...with cnc and all, it might even be possible...Sir I am very taken by your electronics...I play thru the best amps...rivera, matchless, I think what you do is just plain fantastic....
 
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