
famous beagle
Well-known member
Ok, I know I said (in another thread) that I was done with buying ATRs on line, and that's true. But I bought this one before I said that. While I was looking around for a multi-track R2R, I got it in my mind that it would be fun to find a consumer R2R from the 60s --- like a Sony, etc. After doing a little research, I found a model (TC-530) that got good reviews, I found one for $100, and pulled the trigger.
Believe me, after my recent experiences, I was expecting nothing. But I cleaned it up, threaded up some tape, and holy smokes, the thing works; and it sounds good! The 1/8" mic inputs are not working right now (they're buzzing and just likely need to be replaced or reburnished), but the line inputs work, which I was planning on using anyway so I could record with a decent condenser mic via an external pre. I just thought this machine would be fun to use for live two-track recordings (my wife and I have an acoustic duo) or even just for song ideas, etc.
I made a video of the first test run recording (the song is "Balloon Maker" by Midlake), which you can check out here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uaup98o10hayb8v/AABJ7wPTQDQec100Z1Vlo6cia?dl=0
I monitored the song through the deck before I made a recording, and I was shocked when I recorded and played back. The difference was practically imperceptible.
Anyway, I'm a happy camper. I finally have a working R2R in the house!
Believe me, after my recent experiences, I was expecting nothing. But I cleaned it up, threaded up some tape, and holy smokes, the thing works; and it sounds good! The 1/8" mic inputs are not working right now (they're buzzing and just likely need to be replaced or reburnished), but the line inputs work, which I was planning on using anyway so I could record with a decent condenser mic via an external pre. I just thought this machine would be fun to use for live two-track recordings (my wife and I have an acoustic duo) or even just for song ideas, etc.
I made a video of the first test run recording (the song is "Balloon Maker" by Midlake), which you can check out here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uaup98o10hayb8v/AABJ7wPTQDQec100Z1Vlo6cia?dl=0
I monitored the song through the deck before I made a recording, and I was shocked when I recorded and played back. The difference was practically imperceptible.
Anyway, I'm a happy camper. I finally have a working R2R in the house!
