Why Not Bring Back Analog, Reel to Reel Tape

Bring back analog, RTR?

If you go through the trouble of lugging a great machine, a fine set of mikes and a good pre wherever you can find a group of musicians willing to let you record them you'll realize just how good analog tape can sound. If they're good they might be under contract and the answer will be no. Many clubs won't let you set foot in their doorway to do any kind of recording but you can't stop trying.

Their is an alternative. Their are those that worked at the great studios in the 60s and 70s when analog tape was still the norm. Many engineers were allowed to take home master tapes to make copies for their own use. Well, after all the years have gone by, some of those tapes can be had, copies that is, for a price. The price is usually around $100 per reel plus the cost of the tape. That comes to about $300 plus per hour at 15 ips. You don't get to listen before you buy so you get what you get, after you've paid. All in all the results are good and the more you get the easier it is to amortize the cost of your high dollar RTR machine.

My experience has been great and I've never regreted the the cost I've incurred in master tape dubs or the machines I've bought to play them back. I don't have that many tapes but I'm always on the lookout for another gem.

Ken

Gentlemen,

It always comes down to the tape machine you're playing it back on, the electronics, speakers and the ROOM in which you're listening. One link does not make great music but a great chain does.

This thread could go on a tangent and benefit us all. RTR machines have made a resurgence as the prices show, however, without a supply of program material that is truly worthy of top of the line RTR machines, topics such as this are headed to a dead end.

This thread might be an incentive for those of us DINOSAURS that still appreciate the sound of tape; be it at 7 1/2 ips two or 4 track, or 15 ips whatever.

Where do we RTR Gonners go from here? A new thread based on titles would be a great start. My apologies for the hijacking but we might just be on to something here. Your thoughts?

Ken

Atmasphere,

You may be thinking too far ahead, but it's the only way to get ahead:-)

Duplication of music is what TTP has done. The sonics are great but they can only continue to supply master tapes if they show a profit. They sourced available and affordable master tapes they thought would draw a wide range of audiophiles to RTR sound. As is the case with all start up companies it takes an investment of money, knowledge and time to get things off the ground. They need more subscribers to increase their sales, fund masters that will attract new subscribers and satisfy those that bought into the concept before they heard the first tape. The cost of their undertaking is beyond the scope of the average audiophile.

What I'm going to say should not be construed as pompous so please don't take it that way.

A year and a half ago, after I drove to ATR Services to pick up my ATR 102, I had a conversation with Mike Spitz regarding a possible resurgence of RTR tapes. I wondered if it would be possible to reissue tapes that passed the 50 year copyright statue;. I was told that he had a inquiry from a party that had an interest in doing just that. The price of four ATR machines along with the acoutrements needed to do the job was not in the business plan. That plan was to duplicate 7 1/2 ips tapes to those that wanted them.----------

The market wasn't there then and would be now??????

If they're are those out there that have 15 or 30 ips tapes that would be willing to allow duplication for others with NO PROFIT MOTIVE it might fly. However, I'm not an attorney, so I can't make the call.

To sum it up, I'm spending my kids inheritance on music, and have multiple ATR machines that are drooling at the opportunity to spread master tapes to those that realize that in the golden era of music, everything was on tape.

Why do I think I'll get a reply from a lawyer? I have one in mind with whom I've spoken before; and an Audiogonner--what could be better?

Your thoughts, Ken