Question About Ampex 499 Tape

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demto

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Can anyone help.

I have aquired a 10.5" reel of Ampex 499 tape. Seems as new?,
but may be years old.

Does anyone know anything about this tape as I don't see it
mentioned anyware.

How would it compare with Ampex 456 ??

If anyone has any info I would be gratefull.
 
The 499 is a better version of the 456 if Im not wrong.
I use 456 and I LOVE the sound of it !
 
What type of deck do you have. The 499 requires a different bias setting. It sounds similar to 456 but can handle higher recording levels resulting in lower hiss and noise.
 
It'll handle +3db more energy before distortion than 456.

;)
 
I would like to thank everybody who replied to my question.

Paulie.

The recorder is a 1/4" 2 track Revox A77. I have replaced
many of the electronic components on the boards inside with
better ones where possible and the machine performs very
well. Background noise is extremely low with a very good
frequency response.

I used the 499 tape and it seemed better than 456. The 499
tape seems quieter than 456 as well as other improvements. I
know the Revox is ancient by todays standards but it amazes me
just how good tape can be. I use it for my own guitar playing
and 'singing ?' only.

Don't use it much now, but would never part with it. I wan't to
give it the best possible tape to work with and 499 is very good.

Assuming it works ok with 456 is there anything I must do to
get the best from 499, or is it more the case that it will stand
a greater input before overloading ?.
 
DAT is Junk. Need a studio who can still mix it and revive the recordings
 
Looking for a studio who can mix from AMPEX 499 Grand Master Gold, 2" tape
 
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