Favorite 1/2" machines

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Phrige

Phrige

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Hi guys. I'm just getting into reel to reel stuffs. Exciting! to say the least.

While I'm on the hunt for my first machine, most likely a 1/4" due to money constrictions.

I love the idea of recording on 1/2" I believe its got higher quality than the 1/4" but not quite 1" gear prices. I'm not familiar with many machines that do 1/2", Other than Tascam 80 or 38, 34... Any recommendations to research, any favorites?
 
What kind of track format are you thinking about?

16-track 1/2"

8-track 1/2"

4-track 1/2"

2-track 1/2"
 
Personally, 4 Track. But I'm more curious as to what people on here have used and enjoy. I guess lets keep it between 4 and 8 tracks, but I'm open to everything..

I was wondering too, When you record 8 tracks on 1/2" does it noticeably alter the sound? It is using a smaller footprint of the tape vs a 4 track or even 2track, but I wonder how apparent it is.
 
Phrige said:
Personally, 4 Track. But I'm more curious as to what people on here have used and enjoy. I guess lets keep it between 4 and 8 tracks, but I'm open to everything..

I was wondering too, When you record 8 tracks on 1/2" does it noticeably alter the sound? It is using a smaller footprint of the tape vs a 4 track or even 2track, but I wonder how apparent it is.
Click to expand...

All other things being equal, which they often aren't, you'll have about 3 dB less S/N. You will also have a bit more crosstalk, because the gaps between tracks are much smaller on 1/2" 8-track versus 4-tracks.

There may also be other differences that come with the format change, since narrower track machines tend to be more "consumer" level (-10 dBV levels, unbalanced audio and 7.5/15 ips and record electronics that can do levels of +4 to +6 on the tape) while the wider track machines are designed to interact with pro studio gear (+4 dBu gear, balanced audio with transformers and 30/15 ips and perhaps record electronics that can do levels up to +9 on the thicker, higher output tapes).

Whether that makes a big difference is a matter of opinion. I used to track on 1" 8-track. When I try, I can detect these small differnces now that I'm tracking on a 1/2" machine, but it's not a problem in getting a good recording.

OTOH, comparing 8 vs. 4 tracks on 1/2" tape, having 8 tracks versus 4 does make a big difference in the recordings I can do.

Cheers,

Otto
 
Thanks for clearing that up ofajen.

So as I look for 1/2" machines I can't seem to find many decent ones. And some one source will call 1/2" then I find they are really 1/4".. Like I'm interested in a Fostex E-2. I've heard mixed things about Fostex but if it was a 1/2" id go for it.

anybody got models they can recommend?
 
first decide how many tracks you want... a Fostex E-2 is not generally used for multitracking but for mastering down to stereo. Once you know how many tracks you need then work out your budget and you will generally find the wider format machine you want the more it's going to cost.

If you're after 8 tracks... you can choose from 1/4" right through to 1" or even 2" (rare). if you're after a 4 track, it's much easier to find a 1/4" deck in good condition than it is a 1/2" deck and in imo not worth it (same goes for 2 track decks).
 
If the TSR-8 had 3 heads and analog meters, I would say it would be damn near the perfect 1/2" machine. Instead, I've got a 38 and a TSR-8. These are 8 track decks. I can't really afford to step up to 1" tape, so 1/2" is the pinnacle of my little studio. I've also got a 388, which is 8 tracks on 1/4" tape. It is a rare gem since it combines a full mixer and deck in one package. Fostex has a machine (don't know the model offhand) that is an 8 track deck on 1/4".
 
Yea the fostex I bring up just cause i got a good lead on one. It is 2 track, but I can make it work. from what I read the e-22 is the 1/2 inch vs the e-2's 1/4 inch.

That's what I was looking to find out, if its really worth springing for the 1/2" for higher quality. I know some older low quality 1/4" recordings I've heard I'm really not crazy about the hiss, small amounts of wow and overall feel of it. Which is why I was thinking of upgrading to 1/2" to make sure I get a higher quality and circumvent that whole issue. I guess what your saying Chilljam is I maybe better off with a higher end 1/4" than paying extra for hard to find 1/2" gear. Thats def the kind of advice I'm looking for.

Thanks for the tip Jjones The TSR-8's seem really nice. a little bit pricier but still fair. I'll look for one.
 
Fostex 1/4" 8-track machines:

A-8
R8
M80

I agree with the above. You gotta nail down how many tracks you want and then set the budget...you're all over the board at this point.
 
4 track, open to getting an 8 track if the deal is right.

1/2" is the perferred medium, while 1/4" is more common so it may come down to the budget I'm able to spend on it. Cause if I can manage to get a good working 8 track like a Tascam 38, i'll jump on it. Likewise the Fostex is limited in its 2 tracks, but I found one in great shape for $200. Maybe worth getting since I'm new to tape and I'll always have a use for it for mixdowns.

So as i search craigslist and other local sellers, I just want to get your opinions on what to def keep away from/ what to def look for.

What do you guys think about this, Tascam 38, looks to be clean and ok physically. Seller says needs belt changed and I don't know if anything else. "The controls engage but the reels do not turn." I've changed belts on cassette decks like Tascam 122 and the similar, so thats not the problem, the 'anything else' is:D .
 
I think an 8-track is the minimum for typical multitrack recording. A 4-track can be fun, but it has its limits.

Otari and TASCAM did 1/2" 8-track decks that are not going to cost a lot used, and there are always a few on eBay, almost every week.

AFA 1/2" 2-tracks...those are considered the ultimate format for mixdowns...but 1/2" 2-track decks are not cheap, even used (when you can find them).
I solid 1/4" 2-track (half-track, not quarter track) mixdown deck is pretty much the standard for analog mixdowns.

So...you need an 8-track multi and a 2-track mixdown...and you will be in tape heaven. :)
 
Thanks Miroslav :)

btw you aren't THE cosmic cowboy of WFMU fame are you? (just thought I'd check )
 
Phrige said:
What do you guys think about this, Tascam 38, looks to be clean and ok physically. Seller says needs belt changed and I don't know if anything else. "The controls engage but the reels do not turn." I've changed belts on cassette decks like Tascam 122 and the similar, so thats not the problem, the 'anything else' is:D .
Click to expand...

Depends. If it's Play that's failed, then yeah, almost certainly the capstan belt. If rewind and fast forward don't work either it's something else as the reel motors are direct drive.
This assumes that there is tape loaded on the machine, of course - it won't do anything otherwise.
 
Good to know! I wasn't sure how the motors and belts were set up, I was trying to verify that the motors work. Thanks a ton.
 
Phrige said:
Thanks Miroslav :)

btw you aren't THE cosmic cowboy of WFMU fame are you? (just thought I'd check )
Click to expand...

:)

No...but then, there are many of us, not just one. ;)


Oh....
I just saw a Fostex E-22 on eBay (overpriced at $1000+)...which IS the 1/2" 2-track /center track time code model (the E-2 is the 1/4")...but those things are oddities that only a collector might want to buy.
Unlike the E-2, Fostex didn't make very many of those...they are rarer than hen's teeth, so forget about parts for them.
I was almost going to buy one awhile ago, because I really wanted a 1/2" 2-track mixdown deck...but a few people persuaded me that the E-22 wasn't all that fantastic to begin with, and being such an obscure deck...it was too much of a risk.

I currently have an almost-new 1/4" 2-track OTARI 5050 BIII, which is OTARI's last (still available) tape deck. http://www.otari.com/product/recorder/mx5050/index.html
 
:D Just wanted to be sure Miroslav, it'd be a heck of a coincidence.

Thanks for the Fostex info. It seems to be the situation, i've read about people who have them that end up dead in the water due to lack of parts. I'll have to pass it up, though its odd to find them so expensive online on ebay.

Got another email from the Tascam 38 seller, responding to my question about if he's tried to play/ff/rew with tape reels on the machine.
"No tape reels. If you lift the handles on the side the reels should move. They don't move"
I may have to go there and check it out, but will have to pick up a spool of 1/2" tape to be sure. I just want to verify that theres a difference in actually having spools on the machine vs lifting the little arms which the tape run under. (sorry for my lack of technical terminology.)
 
Phrige said:
Got another email from the Tascam 38 seller, responding to my question about if he's tried to play/ff/rew with tape reels on the machine.
"No tape reels. If you lift the handles on the side the reels should move. They don't move"
I may have to go there and check it out, but will have to pick up a spool of 1/2" tape to be sure. I just want to verify that theres a difference in actually having spools on the machine vs lifting the little arms which the tape run under. (sorry for my lack of technical terminology.)
Click to expand...

Yerrss. That machine has a problem. It might be an internal fuse, there are several, at least one of which will be for the reel motors (can't find the schematics for the power system at the moment).
If that has is the case, there may still be an underlying issue that caused the fuse to blow.

Or, indeed, it might be the tension arm - apparently it uses a photointerruptor to tell if the tape is loaded (I always assumed it was a microswitch). If that's failed somehow it would assume the machine has no tape always.

Or, it might be a problem the the braking system - the braking solenoids have rubber sleeves which can turn to goo and prevent it operating correctly.

In any case, I suspect you'd be taking something of a risk with that machine.
 
I gatta thank you JP. cause I could have been way out into some deep water. I think you made good points with the possible problems and their sources. If I had sometime to tinker I would pick the machine up (certainly for much less), but right now I'm just looking to record.

Thanks again for your advice.
 
Yes 8 track is usually what people go for when working with multi-tracks but if you have a use for it i say you should first get a 2 track deck... a good condition working Tascam or Otari 2 track deck is better than a 1/2" 8 track deck that has problems (of course if you have a use for the 2 track deck).

What are you wanting to record? a live band? solo/acoustic stuff? this will help us help you please supply information on where you want to go with analog recording.
 
Actually I'm looking to do both. I do solo, multitrack stuff. And I'm looking to record small 2 piece or 3 piece groups (which I have in mind). As well as some voice over work/ spoken word.
I would like to store masters of all the work on do on 2 track, so its definitely something I'm looking for.

I'm really sick of working on the computer, doing so much editing of different kinds i just get drained and feel burnt out staring at this screen. So I'm going to keep the majority of things in 'the reel world', I will be doing mp3 copys which I'll be posting online.

So far I've got a lead on a Teac 2340, the gentlemen lives nearby. The unit has very low use. 1st owner barely used it for minor 4 track recordings, 2nd owner used it to transfer old tapes.

Waiting to hear back about a Tascam 38 from a studio. 38's seem to be the most prevalent fair priced units around here.
 
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