recording analog for a huge dummy

  • Thread starter Thread starter happyjack
  • Start date Start date
H

happyjack

New member
Ok this is embarassing, but it must be done. Can someone explain the process of recording analog to say 2" tape. Just totally explain every detail of getting it done. Can it be done for under 500 dollars? I'm looking to get the same quality as something like say the Rolling Stones earlier material (i.e. Aftermath, Their Satanic Majesties....) You get the picture I hope. I'm lookin' to buy a 4 or 8 track reel to reel of which I can record all the tracks simultaniously. I don't even know if that's possible. I need help. This is a long droning thread I'm sorry. I understand digital well enough to know I want to do it like the greats did. Thanks! Hope you can help!! :)
 
One real of 2 inch tape will run you at least $200. At 30 ips, that is 10 minutes of tape.
I have seen 24 track machines for less than $20,000.00 but I havent seen any 2 inch 8 tracks for quite some time.
 
how does tape sound when like many tracks are re-recorded?.. like multiple takes of a song. Does it start to bleed through as the takes build up. Can drums sound pretty decent through a Teac 3440. thanks
 
happyjack said:
Explain the process of recording analog to say 2" tape. Just totally explain every detail of getting it done. Can it be done for under 500 dollars?
Click to expand...

One would be here for days writing every precise detail on how to record to an analog 2" tape. Also like Farview said, the tape alone will eat up almost all of your $500 budget, and the tape deck you couldnt even touch for under 15K.

I'm looking to get the same quality as something like say the Rolling Stones earlier material (i.e. Aftermath, Their Satanic Majesties....) You get the picture I hope.
Click to expand...

You can still achieve the "early rolling stones" quality if you record digitally, and without the hassle of trying to edit on analog tape. Todays digital machines can virtually duplicate the sounds of analog. With the right plug-ins and knowledge on how to use them. Now of course it may not be a perfect replica but you will come pretty damn close. Hope this helps.
 
I'd have to disagree with the digital Mr. Nice guy. I think you could get pretty good quality out of even a narrow-head reel to reel deck with good noise reduction. You could probably achieve a close quality on a machine like a Tascam 388 if you plan everything out right, taking advantage of some of the technology that exists today and didn't then. If you want to hear a '70s sounding song my band did on a 388, to hear what can be done, check out:

(the song starts off lo-fi on purpose, so don't be alarmed)

As I said, noise reduction would strongly help in this situation, but still give the characteristic sound of tape. Many albums in the '60s and '70s were recorded on 8-tracks. This song was done on a 388 then mixed to a computer with a cheap sound card. A 388 can be bought for between $200-$500, and the tape is much much cheaper than 2 inch tape (tape we used on our last album was $3.25 a reel). We weren't trying for a Rolling Stones sound, but I'm sure it's possible.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

-MD
 
Yes there is no reason you cant get that sound with a 4 or 8 track analog machine.
Also in the early days of the stones they probably did all their stuff on 4 or 8 tracks cause I dont thing their where many if any 24 track machines around.
 
You are right, 24 track machines didn't happen until the 70's. Deep Purple's Made in Japan was done on 8 tracks. But it was 8 track 2 inch tape. You can get some quality out of 8 or 16 track 1/2 inch tape and it can be done cheaply but the maintainance on an analog machine and the tape costs ($3.25 a reel couldn't be a price for new tape) will still sink you.
 
$3.25 a reel for SM900 1/4" tape brand new. I bought out a company's stock of it at that price when they were discontiniung that particular tape.

-MD
 
Farview said:
One real of 2 inch tape will run you at least $200. At 30 ips, that is 10 minutes of tape.
I have seen 24 track machines for less than $20,000.00 but I havent seen any 2 inch 8 tracks for quite some time.
Click to expand...

A reel of two inch tape is a little less, some $170, though I've bought 50 reels of used Basf/Emtec 911 in great condition for €15 each.

A reel of tape at 30 ips will run some 16.5 minutes.

A decent 2" machine will cost between $4k and $10k, but don't just buy anything because it's a 2"machine, some are a pain in the ass.

A couple of years ago I got a 2" Telefunken M15A 16 track for free.

Oh and Happyjack, I don't think the Rolling Stones is a fine example of recording quality, because some of it sounds .....er.........bad.

There are many recordings that show the great quality of the 2" format, which is still the best sounding format for music.

About noise reduction: look what Steve Albini has to say about NR: http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/t/2748/1221/?SQ=55113fdd9b61c788c065bb674663f39f

Before you go the analog path, gather as much info and knowledge as you can, there are many pitfalls.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top