reel to reel choices?>

[zeppelin]

I've been doing some research about purchasing a reel to reel machine for my own home use, to start on a more serious recording approach. I've been looking at Tascam, Revox, Otari, Fostex, Studer, MCI, Scully... basically all the contenders.

I thinking about either a Otari or the Revox C278. I forgot to mention I would like an 8 track.

Between those 2 what do you think I am better off with in terms of the machines themselves. I don't have the manuals to compare specs like freq. response, distortion, wow and flutter ect.

What advice do you guys have?

Thanks in advance!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

The Otari is a half inch or one inch machine? If so, you get a fatter sound from it if the Revox is a 1/4" logging machine that runs at a slow speed?

What is the format and speed of each one you are considering?

Traditionally, a Studer would offer superior audio quality and held a larger share of the high end professional analog market for large budget studios and signed artists.

Otari is also a high quality brand but, like TASCAM, they were not in the same league with guys like Studer, MCI, Sony, Ampex and Scully.

Revox was Studer's consumer division and not strictly considered pro gear by many gear sluts.

Do you have specific deals available to you on both of these machines?

Cheers!

 

[zeppelin]

Facts I found so Far:

Revox C278 8 track :
C278 1/2" 8 track recorder by Revox/Studer. It has 8 balanced ins and outs. Included are the metal reels and one 1/2" tape. This is the high speed model for audio recording (7 1/2" and 15" IPS). Don't confuse this hi-fi machine with the lower speed logging model.

Pictures here : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3704501855&category=15199

Otari 5050 MKIII :It accommodates a 1/2-inch wide tape and two 7 1/2 ips and 15 ips tape speeds.

Pretty much the same machine. There is an Otari 1" 8 track machine that would be nice.

I guess I need more info, but is 1/2" 8 track ok? I realize 1" would be better, but what do you think?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

The Revox pictured looks pretty tasty! Finding parts and technicians who could work on it might be slightly more difficult then the more common Otari.

Both companies are still in business and offering parts and service so that much is good.

I'd probably lean toward the lower mileage machine or one that looked better cared for by the previous owner.

If all of those factors were the same, I would lean toward the Revox for the higher quality sound and construction standards.

Keep in mind, noise reduction is not included on the Revox and you will have to budget for that as well if you want to keep things clean.

As a not too shabby fallback, TASCAM offered the TSR8 which has dbx type I professional nr built in and also is a half inch, 15 ips recorder that makes a very decent recording, though it is a 2 head machine so, calibration will be a little more tricky to perform.

The TASCAM's are also more abundant and therefore less expensive to buy used. You also have better odds of getting a low mileage one as most of these recorders were bought up by home users who would record a fistful of tunes and let the deck collect dust.

Have fun deciding!

Cheers!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Oh!

About the one inch question;

Obviously that would be nicer but, your tape costs will go up about 40% over 1/2 inch stock and the sound quality differences might be negligible depending on the quality of the rest of your signal chain and mastering medium.

If your going top shelf on all the other supporting gear too, consider one inch. If not, think hard about the cost factors of tape.

Cheers!

 

[zeppelin]

Thanks for the advice thus far.

I reall want a machine with xlr connectors or at least 1/4". RCA just says consumer more to me. I looked at some tascams on ebay just to see the different models they offer. Theres some black ones that look newer style with led VU meters and then there is some kinda tanish ones with analog big VUs that look nice.

I need to read more.

Also I realize I'm taking a big risk with any tape machine off ebay, but the good thing is I have professional tape machinists at the school I go to, so problems can be easliy addressed.

Also wher might some good places to look for, for sale analog machines?

Thanks

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Well, there was life before Ebay, ya know!

Local buy and sell newspapers, trade ins at musical instrument stores, garage sales, private sales...

It's always best to see the machine in person and check it out before you hand over the dough.

I have two TASCAM reel to reel decks. A 1/2 inch 8 track called the 38 with external dbx and a 1 inch, 16 track called the MS16 with the full option package of dbx, roll-around rack and remote track arming and 10 point autolocator, with full transport remote. It's a fully balanced xlr in/out deck and sounds great.

All of my machines were bought locally here in Toronto by cruising the buy & sell weekly papers we get here and I was able to fully see the machines in action before I bought them.

I recommend the "in person" method for gear of this caliber and trouble factor for shipping over long distances.

Cheers!