what's the best 8-track tape brand?

[lilcapn]

hi -

for use with a TSR-8 reel to reel machine, what brand of tape would folks recommend?

Quantegy is a brand i've used in bigger studios (24-track), and i've read recommendations for Ampex with this machine...

suggestions? are there real differences? is any one actually BAD for the machine?

thanks!
mac

 

[Track Rat]

Ampex is Quantigy. My fav.

 

[lilcapn]

ampex=quantegy

well that makes it easy!

thanks,
mac

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Captain of smaller dimensions:

Quantegy is now, of course Ampex or Ampex is now Quantegy. I bought some Quantegy when I was using a 488 Tascam. I didn't care for the cassette mechanism -- too noisy -- not as good as the old Ampex I thought.

But, I did buy many cassettes made by Sony. Good solid ceramic mechanism. The cassettes were called UX-PRO by Sony. I don't know if you can get them anymore by that name but I've found Sony cassettes to be put together better than Quantegy and the tape was also very good. That's my stinging two cents.

Green Hornet

 

[lilcapn]

thanks for the info

now -- any tips as to the best outlet for 1/2" tape? i've never had to buy it before.

also, as i'm going to be "getting to know" this new format with my TSR-8, i imagine even used tape wouldn't be a bad thing to have to mess around with -- is it possible to find reels of 1/2" tape used?

thanks!

 

[A Reel Person]

You'll most often see Quantegy or BASF/Emtec on sale on those web sites,

but if you ever see 3M tape, it's a good brand name too. 3M's not seen very often, 'cept I have loads of it. I have Ampex/Quantegy and BASF reel tape too.

If you live near a major city, there may be media suppliers you can call or visit, otherwise just search the web. There are several web outlets for blank media. You can find used reels of 1/2", but I wouldn't necessarily recommend used tape, if new tape is available.