a CHEAPER way of getting the analogue sound in digital is not to go into the 8 or 16 tracks. But to use a 1/2" two track. This will work for everythign but drums. But drums really only in our world of project/ home studio land ned kick and snare to have that sound. Yea it would be great, but i promise you 2 tracks on 1/2" will sound better then 16 on 1". You save money, and it will sound better. Reasons? The frequency response, headroom and head bump is all about track width and tape speed. at 30ips the tape hiss is non existant because it flies out of your audible range basically, but you lose the low end head bump but gain pencil flat response with high frequency WAY up there, especially with 1/2" 2 track. a 1" 16 track at 30ips WILL HAVE NO LOW END, and basic frequency response of 30Hz~20kHz not pencil flat. 15ips is mandatory at that track width. At the 1/2" 2 track width (and 15ips) you can probably get basically pencil flat response and somewhat of the bump in the lowend from an Otari 5050 2 track (not the 8 track version) for $800 for new condition. $500 in good condition. $400 if you look for a deal. All comes with more headroom and compression then your hearts desire.
Its ALL about track width, and of course 1/2" 2 track is the WIDEST of all standard analogue widths. FMR Magnetics can of course kit you out for a 2" 2 track! That Sjoko, has more headroom then your converters.