Any point in going to 1/4" tape

  • Thread starter Thread starter cactuseskimo
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Nope, all you'll get will be tape hiss added to your noise floor
 
Yes, if you like the sound.

I have a 1/2" 16- same track width as a 1/4" 8- and even without the noise reduction engaged at 15 ips (inches per second) the noise isn't bad. With dbx noise reduction engaged there isn't ANY noise. At 7.5 ips there is a more distinct "warmth" that comes from exagerated low end and less highs, but I wouldn't use 7.5 without NR unless I wanted the increased noise for some reason.

The signal to noise ratio gets even better if you're talking about a 1/4" 4 or 2 track.

Where the noise DOES become siginificantly more noticeable is if you compress and raise the level of the track later. Again, dbx noise reduction makes this almost a non-issue.

I've actually set up my 1/2" 8 track as an insert effect in Pro Tools. You need a 3 head machine to do that, and you need to be able to compensate for the delay, but its pretty cool. Great way to A/B tape sound vs. straight digital at any rate, and get a sense of what levels cause tape saturation.

Take care,
Chris
 
yeah, there's a point. I recently got a 1/4" half track and there is absolutely no hiss whatsoever. The digital noise floor is supposed to be 120 db but once you add in all of the other factors that go into home recording I doubt you will still be below the 90db or so you can get from a good half track. One of the best investments I ever made to my studio. Haven't had it long so I am still in shock from how good it sounds...
 
I would say it all depends on the amount of conversion compared to the quality of your converters compared to the quality of your tape machine:)
 
FALKEN said:
yeah, there's a point. I recently got a 1/4" half track and there is absolutely no hiss whatsoever. The digital noise floor is supposed to be 120 db but once you add in all of the other factors that go into home recording I doubt you will still be below the 90db or so you can get from a good half track. One of the best investments I ever made to my studio. Haven't had it long so I am still in shock from how good it sounds...
Click to expand...

Please forgive my ignorance, but I do not actually know that much about reel to reel recording. I do know (well, I think I know) that finding a machine that runs 1/2" tape is expensive

I would most likely be looking at something that runs 7 1/2 speed, um 4 track 1/4" tape??? Whatever the hi-end consumer norm is I guess, as I can't shell out big bucks.

Is running 1/4" 4 track tape at 7 1/2 speed any good? What about 1/4" 2 track?

Actually, if someone who is knowledgeable about RTR recordings could give me sort of a primer. That would be VERY appreciated.
 
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Check out the analog forum at the bottom of the BBS. Lots of good info and knowledgeable folks there concerning analog (tape) recording.

DD
 
Thanks, I did and found out some good information. Now I'm just trying to narrow down how it will be used in the process. I've posted about that in another thread if you have some input.
 
you want a 1/4" 2-track running at 15 ips. you would use it for mixdown or mastering. basically, you would record all of your tracks to your PC, or what have you, and mix it out through a mixer, into the tape reel. then you would transfer the tape back to PC.
 
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