recording with analog tape, need help ...

[MCI2424]

I'm familiar with the Fostex 1/4" 15 ips R2R format.

In my opinion, the much sought after tape compression sound is not really achieveable on this format reel to reel machine. You need big fat tape for that, like 2" tape.

I recommend bypassing the analog stage altogether. The R8 uses funky Dolby C that imparts its own artifacts. I think your project will suffer more than it'll gain from spending some of its life in the analog format.

This machine was pretty nice in its day, but was never considered a serious pro level machine.

True, The home recorders don't have enough linear gain to properly saturate tape. The pro machines can get away with this.

 

[Zeppe]

I have. The DMP3 is very much like my A&H 4000 console pre-amps. I can't tell the difference at all. Both are quiet and have a good balanced sound with plenty of headroom. The DMP3 is the ticket for those who rock.

For those about to DMP3, we salute you!

M-Audio Rep?

 

[leddy]

True, The home recorders don't have enough linear gain to properly saturate tape. The pro machines can get away with this.

Can you elaborate? Do the tape deck electronics distort before the tape saturates?

 

[Bguzaldo]

Hey Massive,

Do you have any thoughts on the Soundcraft Ghost? I have been really happy with it (more than happy with it) but have never had the chance to do a shootout with the DMP3 or anything of that nature.

Thanks,
-Barrett

 

[Massive Master]

Soundcraft Ghost - Nice.

Ghost with Creation Audio mods - Rather freaking nice.

The Ghost preamps are pretty decent on their own. The EQ is the selling point on that board (IMO). But with the CAL mods, it really turns it into a completely different console...

 

[Bguzaldo]

Soundcraft Ghost - Nice.

Ghost with Creation Audio mods - Rather freaking nice.

The Ghost preamps are pretty decent on their own. The EQ is the selling point on that board (IMO). But with the CAL mods, it really turns it into a completely different console...

Awesome, thanks a lot that's good to know.

Thanks,
-Barrett

P.s. I read all the rants on your website today, great stuff! I encourage everyone to check it out

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Yet more examples of how one cannot properly judge solely on brand name.

I have never been a fan of mAudio (to put it lightly) based upon horrendous experiences with much of their stuff. But I have never experienced the DMP3 and had no idea that it was a cut above the rest of their flotsam.

Same thing with Soundcraft. While the Ghost series is a very respectable mixer, the Spirit series leaves a whole lot to be desired.

The same thing can be said about just about every brand out there. One can only really talk about specific models, not brands. To generalize everything entirely by brand name is just bigotry.

G.

 

[coniglius]

...
In my opinion, the much sought after tape compression sound is not really achieveable on this format reel to reel machine. You need big fat tape for that, like 2" tape.
....

This seems to be a popular criticism of 1/2" tape formats. For instance, I've got an Otari MX-5050 1/2" 8-track and have heard the same criticism of this machine. From a logical standpoint, this doesn't make sense to me. 8-track over 1/2" has the same track width as 16-track over 1" and those 16-track decks don't seem to have any love for them lost over that. So the extra "size" of the tracks being a contributing or necessary factor in tape saturation, only present in 1" or 2" tape, doesn't make sense to me. Ok, now this is assuming all electronics being equal. Is this criticism based on the fact that all, or most 8-track 1/2" machines are simply not capable of delivery this saturation by virtue of their consumer design, and not by fault of the tape format?