reel to reels

  • Thread starter Thread starter FBstdminime
  • Start date Start date
F

FBstdminime

New member
I tried posting this in the analog only forum, but apparently no one reads that, so I'll post it here:
I have an all digital studio but I would like to get a reel to reel recorder to make it more professional. I know 2 inch machines are the best way to go, but my pockets tell me that that setup won't be possible. I really only need four tracks at a time, and I figure if I get a 1/2 inch reel to reel that's only four tracks I will still have a lot of space for each track. In theory, shouldn't it be better than a 24 track 2", because they break down to 6 tracks for 1/2". So, after researching, is my best option an Otari mk-5050?

Thanks in advance,
Eric
 
Probably so, unless you could find an Ampex ATR-102 with 4-track heads. This is not really likely, as they are out of production and sought after like gold. When you say 4 tracks, are you allowing for a sync track? Have you considered that even a 1/2" 8 track has better width/track than a 2" 24 track? this would leave you 6 tracks of audio, a guard track, and a sync track. I've been using a setup like this for several years, in this case a Tascam 38 with 6 channels of DBX NR. Works great, love the analog tape sound for drums, vox, etc.... Steve
 
There is a technique they call "Fatting" which sounds like what knightfly is probably doing.

You use a smaller channel analog or dat deck in sync with the multitrack. You do your tracking to the smaller deck then dump the final take to the larger multi track. In the case of large analog setups this helps relieve the main recorder from excess wear and tear. In the case of a DAW it allows you to track to analog and still edit and mix with the DAW.

Being able to sync the decks is vital but it's pretty easy to sync a DAW to a tape deck using a SMPTE to MIDI TC convertor.
 
i don't understand the part about 8 track 1/2".... I thought 2" 24 tracks were 6 tracks per 1/2"... that should be more space per track. Anyway, I really only need four tracks, since I the most I use at a time is 4 mics on the drums. Then I will dump everything into my daw, and record some more tracks with the reel to reel, and repeat the process. Now, this smpte you speak of, I've heard of it, but I have no clue what it means or how to use it to my advantage with this setup. Could you please explain it?
 
A good 2" is the only way to go if you want REALLY good analog results, or 8-track 1".

It`s more than track width that counts, a good 2" has electronics that is WAY much better than the MX5050`s

Amund
 
i don't think there are any commercially made mx5050 1/2" 4 track models, all i've seen is 1/4" 2 and 4 tracks and 1/2" 8 tracks. however, there are some 1/2" 4 trk versions of their mtr line, as i saw an mtr-10 end yesterday on ebay at $510. ebay is a good resource for seeing what's out there, as is www.blevinsaudioexchange.com and surely some other online classifieds. try searching for various models of ampex, scully, mci, studer, otari, and whatever else i forgot.
 
SMPTE Time Code is the industry standard sync code. It is written to one of the tape tracks and that audio signal is sent to a sync box. The sync box converts it to Midi Time Code that any sequencer or DAW can follow. The advantage would be if you want to do more tracks on tape and have them sync up with the DAW. The sync boxes are only a couple hundred or less.
 
those cheapie Tascams..like the 38, and even the older Otaris wont sync with time code. they don't have that capability.
 
Sorry, my bad math - 1/2" 8 track IS a narrower track width than 2" 24 track. I use an 8 port MIDI interface with SMPTE/MTC capabilities, leave a guard track and do indeed sync the DAW to the SMPTE off track 8. If you need 4 tracks and only have 4 tracks, there is no practical way to sync the deck to the DAW for the second group of tracks. Only more expensive decks with timecode capabilities can follow timecode, the others must record it on a track, and have the other equipment follow the tape deck. This is why you need more than 4 tracks in order to use 4 for audio on most decks.

Neve is absolutely correct on the sound quality of the bigger machines - too bad the tape hasn't come down in price as much as used decks have though - sure would like one in my studio... Steve
 
Studer A80!

Here`s one for sale($3000)
It`s in Norway.........

Amund
 

Attachments

  • studer81.webp
    studer81.webp
    42 KB · Views: 84
Hi Neve!

Cool looking machine - but I'm unfortunately a creation of the digital era (error?) and have no knowledge of working with such a beast. Can you tell me what all those cool looking silvery plates are to the right of the VU meters?
 
FBstdminime said:
8 track 1"??? And who, pray tell, makes that?
Click to expand...

don't forget Scully, MCI, Ampex...probably make up a larger share of the marketplace at a lesser (new) cost originally.

Littledog...for some reason I don't believe your "digital upbringin's";) ...you "sly" dog you!!
 
littledog said:
Hi Neve!

Can you tell me what all those cool looking silvery plates are to the right of the VU meters?
Click to expand...


Various testpoints and pots to calibrate the deck.


Amund
 
mixmkr said:


Littledog...for some reason I don't believe your "digital upbringin's";) ...you "sly" dog you!!
Click to expand...

Yeah, sad isn't it! Someone as old as me who's only "analogue" experience is a Tascam 234 4-track cassette deck! Went right from there to ADATs, etc. Pitiful! I wouldn't know a take-up reel from a take-out order of Chinese food.

My "excuse" is i was just an innocent, happy musician most of my life. Not until I was around 40 did someone "trick" me into becoming an engineer, if you can call it that (apolologies to real engineers like Harvey). Oh, to be young and carefree and unaddicted to gear! :(
 
well..damn..you were serious asking about the Studer calibration pots. had me fooled. ....isn't that a motto of yours?;)
 
could someone please give me some examples of good sync boxes? Can my Tascam TMD-1000 do the job?
 
Last edited:
I'm not familliar with that unit. I know MOTU and D-Man make a few models. Any SMPTE to MTC convertor should do the trick.
 
i have a TSR-8 that does sync to smpte time code by striping on 8.
this was especially useful for syncing with drum machines.
paid $1200 in '97. had it inspected and aligned at pro audio.
i've only worked six 10.5 inch reels on it and it is covered when
not in use. it's in perfect working order.
make me an offer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top