2. analog
  3. 118926-1110

Reel to Reel uses -

My wife and I love to entertain.  It never ceases to surprise me how many will walk over to my stereo and stare at my Reel to Reel tape deck.  Some under the age of 35, will ask what it is? Others want to know why I have it, and what do I use it for?  Of course I answer their questions, but now it makes we wonder how others use their machines?  I have been following a couple of high end blogs that I really enjoy and see that one gentlemen uses his machine to play master tape copies.  I do this as well, but have no where near the selection that he does.  I make copies of my favorite LP's to play when guests are over, and also make my own master tapes using a couple of neuman's microphones.  I record small jazz trios and solo artists straight to the machine.  People are amazed at how 'real' these tapes sound.  My main reel to reel is a Pioneer RT-1050 high speed half track.  I have a second just like it that I use for the above mentioned site recordings.  I also have a ReVox B-77, a Sony TC-765, and a Crown 822, all half track machines.  Anyone out there making your own masters?

Norman
normansizemore

Showing 11 responses by c1ferrari

c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

I'm interested in live-to-2 track analog reel recordings, as well.  I have a couple of Studer A-820/2CH decks for recording at home and am in search of a correctly-priced remote location deck.

Good luck to you!  :-)

Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

I'd looked at Nagra IV-S machines, but couldn't find one in the desired configuration.  I really should have purchased an A-810 when they were attractively and reasonably-priced.  :-(

I've never considered a Pioneer RT 1050...I'll have to look into it.
Thanks.

Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

Effusive apologies for the tardy reply!  I have a matched pair of Schoeps mics with matched capsules of various polar patterns and using a Gordon mic amp. 
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
A Tascam 32 or BR-20 are great machines. Even after servicing they are very inexpensive.  Also, the Studer A807.
If I can get an A807 in a 'portable' format, I should give it serious consideration.  I'll have to read up on the specs.  Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone who is competent with A807 service.  :-(
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
 I ordered an Opus 3 tape and listened to 15ips 2 track IEC for the first time on my system and was totally floored.
Cerrot -- the Opus 3 label is one of my favorites for analog reel material!  I think I know the feeling you're describing.  :-)
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Anyone using 1/2" machine for home listening?
Yes, I have a 1/2" head stack and listen to 1/2" tape. :-)
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

I've only recorded direct-to-2 track at home (a very live environment) and at a lodge...another challenging acoustic space.  Cardioid capsules were used in either instance...haven't deployed the omnis, yet.  I'm still learning mic technique and placement! ;-)

Here's a link to Gordon Audio: http://gordonaudio.com/

Sam


c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Thanks for the link to Gordon Audio.  Makes for good reading with my morning coffee.  This is a much more elaborate way of recording live.  I have a small Nakamichi microphone preamp, and a small CRATE 6 channel board was well which allows me to alter frequency etc.  What I have really been enjoying are two Nuemans KM184's straight to the machine.  Excellent results.  

I recently seen someone recording with a couple of older Sony's that allowed you to alter the microphone pattern.  I am very interested in experimenting with this, since the Nuemans are cardioid only.


Norman

Indeed a pleasure, Norman. :-)

My ideal analog recording chain, at this juncture, are two Schoeps mics through the Gordon mic pre into a Studer.  It seems you've experienced this recording chain with two fine KM184's into your analog(?) recorder.  ;-)

Like you, I am encouraged by the sonic results.

I just need a terrific venue and musicians, so I can practice my mic'ing technique!  Haha :-)

Happy Holidays and New Year!!

-Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Sam, I hate to ask but is there a huge difference with the half inch tape? Are you running it at 30ips?
If I were recording "dense" acoustic music, I would try 1/2", half-track, at 30 in/s (haven’t had such an opportunity as of yet). I have some 1/2", pre-recorded, 30 in/s tape, on 14" reels that I haven’t listened to, yet. I know I have a 14" take-up reel...somewhere! :-)
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
inna,
I was thinking the same thought, but now I am wondering.  When I last worked in a studio they were using two inch tape for 24 tracks at 30ips and then mixing the masters down to half track quater inch tape at 15ips.  
I would imagine that if you were recording live to half track half inch there would certainly be an advantage.  It's silly, I don't even know where I would put another machine, but I can't help thinking about it. =)
N
I've read that 16 tracks on 2" sounds quite fine!  Norman, was the studio recording primarily rock?

Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

Well, 1/2" masters/safety copies/dubs, etc. are catch as catch can!  From what I've read, 16-track Studer rec/rep heads are rather scarce.  An A827MCH outfitted with the aforementioned heads would be awesome!  :-)

Best,

Sam
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