Does Anyone Manufacture Tape?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jimfreschi
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jimfreschi

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I have no less than 3 reel to reel tape decks, all in pretty good working order.
It's time to buy some magnetic tape. I've got to pick one type and stick to it as I am about to calibrate.
I've been told that the NOS (New Old Stock) Ampex is no good.
I've tried the Quantegy tape and it seems to work fine, but I've not really run it through rigorous tests.
Can anyone recommend a good 1/4 tape to buy that comes in reels?
I was recently told that Maxell is best for archival purposes.
But is anyone actually making new 1/4 inch tape on reels?
And where can I buy it?
 
What type of tape deck do you have? This will matter as to what type of tape to recommend.

As a blanket answer, though, Quantegy (on their site) still sells their remaining stock and plans are to re-start manufacturing again, date yet unknown. Another company, RMGI, is making fresh tape and, while it had a few hiccups initially, as all companies of this nature do (did), it's good tape, using the old (but good) BASF / EMTEC oxide / techology. Yet another company is ATR and they make good but very high operating level tape, more suited to higher end recorders. All but the Quantegy, can be bought here:
http://usrecordingmedia-store.stores.yahoo.net/opreelrectap.html

Again, what model tape deck do you own?:confused:
 
That's good news about Quantegy! The 456 is my favorite formula. Currently I use RMGI sm 911. It's decent, very "clean." The 456 has a "creamy" tone to it that I love to use.
 
Most people like RMG. I LOVE ATR they are more expensive but the cost is worth the end result. You should check out Becks extensive threads on sticky shed tape. The site for ATR is http://www.atrtape.com/
 
My Tape Decks

I have an Otari MX5050 QXHD(4-track) qxhd, an AMPEX ATR-700 and a Revox a77.

I use the Otari to make primary recordings and mix down to the Ampex, using a Tasacm M520 console.

The Revox a77 I use more for just recording off the radio and playing old pre-made tapes.
 
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For the Otari or the Ampex you'll be good with 456 or SM911 for sure. Those are both designed around a 1.5mil +6 tape spec.

I would be LPR35 made by RMGI would be great for the Revox, though I may be wrong.
 
Hmmm, I'm not familiar with SM911. I'll have to look that up.
 
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