Cassette culture: know & choose the best audio cassettes and tape decks!

This video focuses on the main aspects related to audio compact cassettes and on some hints on how to choose a good tape deck. Cassette culture and the analog revival started by vinyl is getting bigger. Now is the time to go back to this mistreated media and start to explore the potential of TAPE!
ERRATA CORRIGE: BIAS is applied only during recording, NOT during playback.
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Music: www.bensound.com/
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--- Tape in production:
National Audio Company (good quality):
(USA, Type I) amzn.to/2CVNbly
Maxell (medium quality):
(USA, Type I) amzn.to/2Qb893t
(USA, Type II) amzn.to/2QaXWnD
(UK, Type I) amzn.to/2P7iQb7
(IT, Type I) amzn.to/2SGCx7N
Recording the masters:
FOX (good quality, Type I): www.recordingthemasters.com/a...
--- Good info sites:
Vintage Cassettes: vintagecassettes.com/index.htm
(all on the various brads of cassettes)
Tape Tardis: tapetardis.wordpress.com/
(a lot of information on cassettes, suggestions, history and culture)
Tape Heads: www.tapeheads.net/
(forum)
--- Choosing tape decks:
Nakamichi: www.naks.com/
(all on all Nak models)
Cassette decks: a buying guide: www.cs.cmu.edu/~./gdead/tapin...
(small but helpful)
Steve Hoffman: forums.stevehoffman.tv/
(forum)
Tape Heads: www.tapeheads.net/
(forum)
--- Where to buy cassettes & co. :
Tape Line: tapeline.info/v2/
(nice but nothing high quality)
Duplication.ca: www.duplication.ca/home.php
(mixed tape stuff. Nothing high quality)
Deltamedia: www.deltamedia.com/
(US)
Tape Head City: tapeheadcity.com/
(good for prerecorded)
--- Indie rock bands on tape and other pre-recorded sources:
BandCamp (bandcamp.com) for indie productions!
Discogs: www.discogs.com/sell/list?sty...
Post Pop records (label directory): postpoprecords.com/tapelabels/
(UK, and America labels)
10 Cassette labels : www.electronicbeats.net/10-cas...
(US)

[@QUIZFILTER]

DAMN it would be SO NICE if someone started making a bunch of new type II & METAL blank cassettes!!!! Uuugh, that would be some heaven.

[@tsharp1194]

Yeah I want to get into cassettes and I was looking at blank cassettes and would like metal but they are way to expensive in my opinion

[@pcorf]

I record mainly on Type I Normal Position cassettes like the TDK AD90 for example.

[@allenjones3130]

It'd be great if manufacturers started making stereo cassette recorders that can use metal and chrome tapes.

[@evolute99]

@@pcorfdo you find that you can tell a difference between type I and type II?

[@jimreid963]

Very informative, I’m a vinyl buyer and have been for 40 years. However I’m a big user of cassettes and I still get so much pleasure out of making my own compilation albums. Anyway well done on your video.

[@anadialog]

Thanks Jim!!

[@HammyTechnoid]

When I was running the cassette duplication department of the recording studio I once operated, I'd always get CrO2 as the tape. The tapes would be produced in real time, usually 5 at a time, on high quality decks, some Sonys and some Teacs, each calibrated for each tape. We charged $7.00 each and everyone was happy.

[@anadialog]

Fantastic! That is true high fidelity!

[@cruzingrsx4484]

Hello, I want to thank you for reintroducing me to my cassette deck! I have been playing about 75% records and 25% cd’s for the last 4 years. After watching you champion the cassette format I decided to clean the heads and pinch rollers on my Onkyo Integra TA-RW909 that’s in like new condition. I put some battery’s in the units remote-control and enjoy some of the well recorded cassettes that were made about 35 years ago. I put on my Sennheiser HD580 headphones and sat back in a zero gravity chair and hit play button on the remote. First I started tapping my feet then moving my head and before I knew it I was dancing in the chair. WOW... I had forgotten how great a high quality cassette in a high quality tape deck that is properly recorded sounds. Now I have about 100 cassettes that I will reintroduce myself to, thanks to you...lol. It’s time to put another cassette in the deck and I enjoy my new favorite format. A question sir , besides having my machine professionally tuned can you recommend in-between maintenance tips? Many thanks for the educational videos, there super helpful. Also what are your feeling about leaving a cassette in your unit until the next time you use it, the manual does not mention anything about that?

[@anadialog]

Now this is what I call satisfaction!!! It is fantastic that you started to listen to your cassettes and that you actually enjoyed it! Thank you for informing me! Coming to your questions, I would say that you should clean uour heads and tape path (NOT the plastic and rubber parts) with isopropyl alcohol, demagnitize these with a proper tool and possibly change the rubber belts for optimal trasport. I will do a video on these aspects in the future.

[@xlproductionsptyltd4563]

The two "external parts" are called "erase tabs". Breaking the tab off prevents recording over the existing recording. If you decide you want to record over the existing recording, you simply put some sticky tape where the tab was and your cassette recorder will now record on that cassette. The extra slots on the Type II and Type IV cassettes are so that the cassette recorder can identify that tape and adjust accordingly.

[@olaniyi570]

I stocked up on high grade tapes in the 90s. I'm glad I did. I use Nakamichi cassette decks because there are still some repair shops that stock parts and services them. I also love the way they sound.

[@anadialog]

Good investment!

[@craigdavidson2278]

My grandad got a Sony TC-K61 and a TC-K81 in 1980. The K81 was stolen in a burglary late 80's. He gave my dad the k61 mid 90's and my dad gave it to me at Christmas....even though it only has Dolby B it has type I,II, III and IV. It sounds great.

[@Luckystone211]

0:46 Bring back the cassettes fast, I love audio cassettes, cassette decks, and i listen to them. Iam a vinyl fan too. I love them both. Physically owning/ collecting Vinyls, cassettes, CDs , Books, and so on is just human! Collecting things is natural, animals and birds do it for what ever reasons. Mankind has done the art of collecting, owning, right from souvenirs, prizes,gifts and the like for ages. It's a go to sort of thing by going through ones collection and taking the right pick to hear music, there's a physical and mental connection, it livens the mood, and mental well being. On line music is different, you can't see it in form physically, can't collect them,no physical storage, the human element is lacking.

[@davedavis9693]

bought a 4 track cassette , finally used it after many year's in the box . Sound is real as it gets , pure analog . order new chrome one's out of Japan thru Amazon

[@anadialog]

Good job Dave!

[@edwardbarr1533]

Excellent video you make the valid point at the outset that the compact casssette opens the door to reel to reel appreciation

[@Odihmantich]

8:12 wow! It’s one of my favorite films ever. And the soundtrack there is amazing!

[@Soundfreeek]

Very informative video ! Thanks. Just bought a SONY TC-KA5ES and a bunch of metal cassettes. It has been almost 20 years I haven't played a cassette !! Looking forward to starting recording my vinyls albums...!

[@m1k3l1f3]

For the longest time besides radio. My dad's cassette collection was the only format I could listen to at home in my bedroom off my boombox or off my Walkman. So like many others I'm too nostalgic for the return of the format. Still buying cds and now that tapes are coming back I can grow my tape collection some more.

[@paulfrancis4824]

Really enjoyed this and learned so much, many thanks 👍

[@leonardoastorga5115]

Thanks for your video. I have a Tascam 103 manufactured in 1989 and still sounds pretty good!. Unfortunately the industry never massive launched records in metal cassettes, but if the growing trend continues, I think that is probably we have good quality cassettes tapes in the near future. Respect, Leo.

[@anadialog]

I really hope so Leonardo! I just discovered that Recording the Masters has started to produce a high quality type I cassette: FOX C-60

[@totallyfrozen]

I grew up on cassettes. I’m starting to prefer them (and CDs) again because I’m tired of losing data in the cloud. Apple Music Match is a subscription service. You PAY for a song, then you PAY to be able to play that song across all your devices….THEN, when Apple no longer sells the song (aka, “This title is no longer available in your country or region”) they simply delete it from your device and purchase history and no refund. Saving your entire library in physical format is very desirable.

[@anadialog]

I didn't no that, unbelievable! Thanks for sharing that

[@bradfordlewis9765]

Thank you for confirming something I already knew had to be done to the cassette player besides just cleaning the heads and capstans, etc, which is demagnetizing the heads. I've had several people call me NUTS for doing just that.

[@shaun9107]

This section is right up my street I have been using tapes since the 80s right up to today and tomorrow I am stiking with it more FUN for recording pity about chrome & METAL tapes not being sold today

[@anadialog]

HI Shaun, well the National Audio Company sells good quality chrome cassettes. I ordered a few and in a following video I will analyze them.

[@desperadolighfoot8534]

I've got hundreds of type 2 and 4, which are 20 to 45 years old. And surprisingly, they sound just great on my Nakamichis (2). The Nakamichi will spot the brakes between songs and stop at its beginning. They haven't degraded one bit. On the cheaper ones, type 1, I have to glue back the felt buffer.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

VWestlife did a video once, showing how good 50 year old compact cassettes could sound. A lot of them still sounded fantastic :O

[@davidbutler8096]

Higher end Naks don't need a felt buffer.

[@UberPilot]

Great job. Just picked up an F660 for 150US. Hopefully I'll get it running soon. Such a cool looking deck.

[@TheFilwud]

Just giving my F770 a bit of TLC, belts replaced, got a new tyre for the idler and that will be job done. Bought the deck in 1989 and with these bits replaced it should be good until I come over all dead! Tape of choice? TDK SA or SAX, sound fantastic, even after thirty years they still sound good. Apart from the quality of the recording I always preferred these to Chrome, chrome is harder, more abrasive and wears heads out faster than cobalt treated ferric. I never tried ferro-chrome so don't know how good they were, but if I remember correctly they were supposed to be less good than chrome or metal.

[@2046_Messages]

Very helpful for me, thanks sir!

[@anadialog]

+Pipen Depu thank YOU!

[@davidcross701]

By the late 90s Audio cassette technology was very good precise sound along with Dolby Technology. On a good system or cassette type, recording on cassettes sounds good as CDs. With portable players the cassette was handy than records. That's why the cassette will come back in the 2020s. Thank God I still have my old cassettes, all types of bias and time, 60 to 120!!! Last time I had a boombox was 2002. My portable cassette player, or "Walkman' as ALL were known as, I bought back in in 1998, it's an Aiwa TX401, still works! I just bought a new one on Ebay, Sharp WQ-T354! Got also my cassette cassette looking MP3 player for my car cassette deck I found in one of my boxes at my parents closet!!! And I have Teac duel cassette recorder rack. All set!

[@davidcross701]

Tapes came out in 1962. By 1972 They had progress in Technology and were on the markets to buy with pre recorded music!

[@anadialog]

Congratulations for your amazing comeback!!!

[@mastershaw3094]

thanx for exploration, i've been recording ( experimenting) my music on tascam digital 24 track, but just purchased yamaha 4 track cassette recorder, and didn't know and wondered about the difference in cassettes

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

16:32 Oh boy i'd LOOOVE to get one of these TDK MA 90 tapes sometimes. Only had the SA-X 90 Chrome equivalent of it. Nice to see they used the same case housing with just a different label print.

[@abeleballestri612]

It was a very instruktive and practical lesson of how to distinguish good Qualität cassettes and how to Record on them. Thanks very much for or excellent practical Piece of advice you have given us.

[@anadialog]

Thank you Abele!

[@vietNguyen.]

I have the whole cassettes of my dad. They are from 80s and 90s ... They are so cool ! I love cassettes... its a great feeling to have it and keep it But I noticed that every cassette is different from the sound ... Few of them are in good audio quality and other in low quality... can someone help me ?

[@berndp3426]

Metal cassettes also have set up the revolution of computer backup tape market ever since. And were actually greatly improved straight for a really high quantity of data which can be stored onto data cartridges of many different formats (DDS/DAT/DLT etc.) while the audio market already phased out for metal tapes. All still existing data tape media today are using metal substrates of highest purity and smallest particles on a very high remanence and coercivity. ( on required bias levels which an audio recorder could no longer handle)

[@anadialog]

Indeed!

[@kylehazachode]

I love my Tascam 112 and Pioneer CT-F4242. I love the rackmountability of the Tascam and the lights and analog VU meters of the Pioneer.

[@anadialog]

Indeed!!

[@izziOnBass]

Your are playing a metal cassette on a F770! you have just simply have the best sound!

[@bobjerome5390]

hi i do love your video's keep the good work up

[@command8783]

Great video, you should try to make a follow up going more in depth, like HX pro, dbx, how to properly calibrate manually and tape biases.

[@anadialog]

Thanks Command8 for your appreciation and suggestion. I will try to do that in the future!

[@freund333]

In the video i uploaded recently i show you how i do it and how people say you should do it. You should record pinknoise in different bias settings and then record it to your computer with audacity and than compare those recordings side by side with the original.

[@4130aykut]

yes, manuel calibration would be great. Imean thats a real issue to go to a technician all the time when youre changing the typology of the tape. We should learn to make that D.I.Y style at home;-)

[@jimmoulton9878]

Thanks for a great video, made me pull out a very good cassette I recorded from a good quality CD. It is the Allman Brothers in1971 , recording called "The Fillmore Concerts", I have a very good Onkyo single well cassette player, it has a single metal player, so no sloppy rubber cassette bands, which can cause all sorts of wow and flutter. The tape is a Fuji type 2 cassette. I loved these tapes, they were very stable, and warm sounding. This sounds plain awesome. I have about 6 or 7 metal tapes, put my best recordings on them.

[@anadialog]

Cool! Thanks for sharing that Jim! Love the Allman Brothers...

[@charlesludwig9173]

I'm still using my 30 year old Sony TC-K950ES, now recording onto Maxell UR Type1 tape; and, I've gotta tell ya, these sound great. I can not distinguish the tape from vinyl.

[@anadialog]

I agree!

[@Badassvidsz]

Today i bought this Maxell UR type 1 normal didn't use it yet ......so you are very pleased i see that's good :-)

[@charlesludwig9173]

Badassvidsz I was surprised that the UR seems to exceed performance of UD XL lol. Buy 90 minute, not 60 for taping vinyl.

[@Badassvidsz]

I'm mostly bying for more than 30 years now 90 min tapes or sometimes i was bying 45 min if i wanted to record an LP only .........you do know most LPs lasts no more than 45 minutes though

[@charlesludwig9173]

That's why I get 90 minute tape @ 45 minutes per side since many of my jazz albums run way over 30 minutes per side. At any rate, I'm very pleased with the UR's, sounding indistinguishable from LP.

[@dinukcooray4592]

I lost my love for cassettes when we got CDs and again I'm going for cassettes almost after two decades. I got a good deal for a Yamaha KX-580SE and a Yamaha K-1D. I don't want to buy both units and very difficult to select a one. What would you prefer from those decks?

[@anadialog]

Simpky the one with better specs if you can't audition them. In decks it's more important than today's stuff.

[@GustoTheGamer]

I still have my Sony Tape-deck from 2001. It's great!

[@berndp3426]

thumbsup. Still have mine as well. TC-K71, one -K81 (bought later as vintage already for pretty cheap and only had to replace one single transistor in the touch control logic circuit to get it back into a working state) and one old collected grundig CF5100 with HIGH-COM (still needs some rework).

[@GustoTheGamer]

Bernd P yes its a great deck👌

[@halitmarmaris]

Thank you 🎵

[@Mck0948]

Many Nakamichi decks have spares still available and B&W in Worthing (England) can repair and service these to ‘as new’ condition. Strongly recommended!

[@KingBlonde]

take a shot everytime this guy says "typology"

[@TheNorliss]

A great idea.... if you fancy dying of alcohol poisoning.

[@KoolAidBuzz]

@kingblonde If we had we would have been drunk enough to miss him say bass as in the fish to describe low frequencies at 11:11. I think we're good here.

[@anadialog]

I am mainly Italian so I make some mistakes and mispronounce some words. Sorry about that.

[@aikamsinghsandhu2834]

@@anadialog no worries!

[@bletheringfool]

@@anadialog I was wondering where you were from!

[@woodywood222]

youz full inn formation ! Tanks ! ;)

[@johncoimbraveras8320]

Thanks a Ton!!!

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU John!

[@canigetanyofyoucuntsadrink8043]

I have a pioneer Ct-f950 I love it with metal tapes it has VERY high quality recording playback. I also listen to digital and vinyl and I can't tell a difference.

[@cameronkrause4712]

i had the ct-f 650- the tapes it made were very good-pioneer made great decks

[@DavidSmith-eg5le]

Hopefully they'll come back strong enough that they will actually start making new blank tapes and new cassette players and recorders

[@anadialog]

🤞

[@robguitarwizard]

Maxell UR type 1 are still being made. And a few companies are making custom runs. Teac/Tascam still making decks but expensive.

[@robguitarwizard]

Back in late 80s and early 90s I'd buy a box of 10 Maxell Chrome tapes for $30-40. Today I buy one of those, from the same time, for the same amount!

[@krikorhadidian897]

Hello my friend at ANA(DIA)LOG. I just watched your Video about Cassettes. I have a lot of virgin not opened quality cassettes. Sony 90 min. ceramic, TDK aluminum framed 60min., and some type II and metal. You were talking about the Normal cassette tape that is not good in the TREBLE and even BASS. You are right. But I solved this problem and I am having very good recording on my cassette recorder which is not a high-end machine. But how I am recording? I have very good high quality recording on my TEAC X-3 Reel to Reel. I am recording on my cassette, from my TEAC, onto my JVC cassette recorder using my TEAC's HEADPHONE jack. And I have a great recording. Thank You.

[@anadialog]

Careful, the headphone jack has a special amp for headphones and you are missing out on the real capabilities of your deck that way!

[@armarra]

A considered and clear rendition of the tape phenomenon... mostly known to those who went through the era but new to those who didn't. I've just purchased two machines in the last 6 months. a twin deck which has dolby s and a cassette changer ct-m6r that has convenience. I am trying to combine the best of both these by putting the audio from the cassette changer through the audio processing of the dolby S unit. I know that twin decks have a poor reputation however I am more circumspect when it comes to playing cassettes. I look for the best blend of convenience and clarity. So the fact that an auto reverse might affect the azimuth isn't a consideration to me if the result is a more convenient listening experience. I've heard that 3 heads are better because the head gap is correct for both the recording head and the playback head but it also introduces the possibility of misalignment between record and playback azimuth. I've found out that there are 3 head cassette players with auto reverse(Akai) which have the record and playback head gaps on the same head ! This removes the possibility of azimuth mismatch between record and play. I've always gone with the 2 heads because most have auto reverse and 3 heads mostly dont. An interesting point about head gaps is that while the manufacturing capability of tiny head gaps have been increased over the years, the recording head gap plays a much smaller part in the quality of the recording than the playback head gap does in the playback. A salient point is that this means old recordings will sound even better now with newer head gaps as the playback experience has become ever more enhanced through better heads/gaps. Dolby S is something I'd always look for in a new tape deck. its backwards compatible with dolby B. I like the auto demag of your aiwa and I'm actually surprised that this feature wasn't put into more models. I have a pen demagnitizer which will have to do for now.

[@anadialog]

Hi armarra, thank you for your considerations. Very interesting! I have been intoxicated by this passion and now the Aiwa is on sale on eBay and a reached out for a Nakamichi Dragon and a NAD 6300. Excellent machines!

[@armarra]

yes these have auto azimut adjust I understand. I'm willing to make the trade off between performance in audio quality and performance in usability because if these are carefully selected then a better listening experience arises. Does the NAK have remote control I wonder ?

[@alexandrumarzenco6998]

I own a Sony TC-V7 deck, it has type 3, autodetects it as well 😊. I don't own a type 3 cassette, but I'd love to test one Autoreverse can't be that much of a problem, and I'm not including my TC-V7. Some nice decks have 1 or 2 4 track heads (because why the hell wouldn't that be standard) (1 if there's no separate PB and REC head, and 2 if they are separate. The azimuth isn't a problem anymore in this case since the heads font flip. În my deck there is a 2 track head that flips, it's OK, I do own the equipment to calibrate the azimuth, but for the average Joe that could become a problem in time. As for the dual deck, I agree, that is to preferably be avoided, but in my humble opinion, any decent brand deck is okay. Have the Dolby NR, C is a good one. S is overkill for most of the people, have a single deck or a cassette changer, there are a few good ones that have the cassette changers, and hunt for Autoreverse that has 4 track heads. And as a message if you're not audiophile, most of the decks will sound okay to you if you never heard something better. I did but I am still happy with my deck even if it's a mid-low range one. Test before concluding and don't take an audiophile's word for it :) I would've spent much more on my reel to reel if I listened to the audiophile's out there, but mine (Sony TC-377) is a heck of a great reel to reel at a fraction of the price of an audiophile approved one

[@michaelmorales1516]

Pre Fostexs 4 track recording my first recording was at and with Emerald Sound Recording on Basic Cassette tape from Modules with an sound engineer I worked around .at his house I played this recording " Out From the dark side Into Gods Kingdom of Light" and also all the first interest in cassette tape itself I would look at the lines and found the stripes on the ribbon contains the track running on the head right? I like the older BSF tapes and experimented with Fostex recording but in the 70' s. Reel to reel tape...what a reverb nightmare for me and had a great time playing cassettes I still have some the engineer chart on back of these were what for illiterate mike ? Then now I'm watching you on KZbin.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for sharing your experience Michael!

[@doe9de995]

If your buying these old tapes your doing it for the nostalgia the higher quality tapes don't have has much hiss to them which is a big part of that not to mention that with the right equipment you can make type 1 cassettes sound just as good as type 2 if not very close

[@anadialog]

Of course.. check my other tape vids, you will see that I am right there, and beyond: kzbin.info/aero/PLDKsdsTBptr477KwjoZyMlCc8Yvjplijw

[@alexandrumarzenco6998]

What you are trying to explain is signal modulation 😇 since you can't record low frequency signals because.. Reasons, you need a high frequency (aka Bias) to modulate the audio signal, it's basically FM Radio technology, only with a much lower carrier frequency. If you replaced the head with an antenna and put a radio tuned to the bias frequency near it, you'd hear the music. Also the graphic representation is inaccurate, the bias doesn't add with the audio signal, it's amplitude (vertical size) stays at its initial value, it only gets attenuated in sync with the audio. Only decks with a modulation stage with built in amplifier actually adds the signals together. Same technique is used in any kind of magnetic recording. Playback is like tuning into the station; it amplifies the signal from the head and passes it through a low pass filter, removing the carrier and forwarding only the audio. As I said, FM Radio technology. The bias is only there while recording and storing the audio. It's absent in the input and playback stages

[@deanzelensky9037]

Auto demagntization is not going to be found in other decks so I wouldn't mention that as a must have. The rest was well presented for newbies to the medium.

[@anadialog]

Yes, I agree Dean. Made a mistake there! Very rare feature indeed.

[@johncoimbraveras8320]

One question please, I have a home studio and would like to have a reel to reel sound on my productions, could I have that sound with a good tape deck like the yours Aiwa f770 and metal tapes or I need to have an (expensive) reel to reel like Revox, Studer etc? Thanks so much, yours publications are amazing to me.

[@anadialog]

Hi John, thanks again! Well, 2 track 1/4" Reel-to-Reel tape is always going to be the best of the best in terms of analog sound recording and playback. BUT you need a high quality machine, perfectly serviced and calibrated for the tape you intend to use. I believe you saw my R2R videos. If not, start with this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53caoiYr9hon7s Nevertheless, if you invest in a high level cassette deck (not a F770, that is not enough) like a quality Nakamichi, Aiwa, Technics, Dual, Tandberg, Pioneer etc. with Metal of good Chrome cassettes you could reach a very high standard. In other words, if you have some money invest in a R2R. If not, try to look for a good pro deck. Remember that prices are going higher and higher each month (unfortunately) so in the end a good serviced cassette deck may cost you as a good Revox...I still suggest to hunt for a Telefunken M15. The prices are lower than Studer, Nagra, Akai, Otari etc. and the sound is even better! Here is my vid on my M15: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3vTZn55m711b80

[@commanderwilliamtriker7449]

Thank you for the awesome video again! One question, why is it that Metal type cassettes are hard to record over the music, in other words, you can still hear the previous recording. I never found out why that is?

[@anadialog]

Because it has an extremely high magnetization and retains sometimes its first or prior recording

[@BlackieNuff]

Those Maxell UR Normal Bias tapes are AMAZING. I grew up using tapes as a kid/teen, so I have spent a lot of time (and money )on them and feel I've come to know the good from the bad, in regards to brand, bias type, durations, etc. I must say, Maxell did something amazing to make those UR tapes sound so good for a Normal bias. Great output, nice sound, and they even have a sturdy construction with their all-clear shells and transparent components allowing the entire reel of tape to be visible. My only complaint of those UR tapes is the limited capacities. I have seen different durations from different brands, which created conflict for a guy like me who wanted to keep his tapes consistent - use the same brand and the same bias, while finding the best-fit length of tape for whatever program I was mixing. UR is pretty good, you got you standard 60 and 90 minutes, and I think they may even have made 100 minute lengths, but they also were the first brand to finally match Sony's HF tapes (a normal bias that wasn't very good for fidelity output) of a 120 minute length. I used the Sony HFs for years only because of the 120 minute capacity. Then Maxell comes along, with a nice Normal tape, 120 mins, and it SOUNDED GREAT. And the clear/transparent design made it look sleek as well, which I really liked because I could make my own index labels and insert them INSIDE the shell, so they could be seen but also protected. Oh, if only they could have also made 80 minute (which I've only ever seen from TDK in chrome bias), some 110 minute, and even some of those random "CD-friendly" lengths that Sony's "CD-it" (chrome only) line put out ; 54, 74, and 94 minutes. Oh, and perhaps resurrect some of the shorter lengths form the 70s, like the 15 and 30 minutes, for those early albums and EPs that rarely exceeded 30 mins, and 45 minutes for the "average" run of a full-length album of the times. It'd be fantastic if ONE brand (Maxell) produced ONE bias (UR Normal Type I) that could cover all those lengths : C-10, C-15, C-30, C-45, C-50, C-54, C-60, C-74, C-80, C-90, C-94, C-100, C-110, C-120.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for sharing your experience...I am not a big fan of the UR but I do see the convenience...

[@Christian-fu8vx]

Don't forget the TDK D 120 tape, it sounds similar good to the maxell UR tapes.

[@BlackieNuff]

@@Christian-fu8vx I loved the TDK D series, but I never had a 120 min from them. The highest II could get on a TDK D was 90 min. Before the Maxell UR tapes came along ,the only 120 min lengths I could find were the Sony HF Type I, which were okay but were not great of playback output, sounded a little dull.

[@CaptainEmptyhead]

type 1 (normal) tapes are still made in the USA, France, Netherlands, UK and Maxell still makes them.

[@anadialog]

Nope! There are old pancakes. Now Recording the Masters (Mulann industries) are bsck in production. Maxell are probably old pancakes as well. Recently The US National Company as just started again, up untill now they where using old tape...

[@CaptainEmptyhead]

@@anadialog the Maxell UR - these are made in Indonesia by a company called Panggung.. In the Netherlands you can buy new tapes with tape from Recording the Masters. www.debandjesfabriek.nl/ Saehan (korea) is making new tape too. shmedia.en.ec21.com/Audio--730425_730462.html And NAC kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKvapptZ6uAd6c

[@JuEdWa]

This is very good video! And this my question: I was bought about 5 years ago MARRANTZ CP-430 and MARRANTZ CP-230 C-Cassette decks. And I use almost always chrome and metal tapes also with DBX Noise reduction. But are those MARANTZ decks good enought because MARANTZ CP-430 and CP-230 doesn't include all those features what you shown on your own AIWA F770 cassette deck, like DOLBY S, Automatic demag system and Auto Calibration?

[@anadialog]

Those are excellent recorders. I have the CP430. If you want more quality you should get a pro deck of the 80's, with three heads. If it has calibration, manual or automatic, it would be better, but not fundamental. For example I made a review on a Dual deck which si simply amazing but no calibration: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGbdgmuJjserfLM

[@konstantinoskonst.6778]

@@anadialog What do you think of the Nakamichi BX 300E?

[@anadialog]

Excellent starting point and not only!

[@alainterieur794]

I've just discovered your channel and I'm loving it! Your videos are very informative and interesting. I found myself going back to my cassette collection, checking their specs and I'm surprised by the amount of good tapes I have. It must be because I like specialized type of music (classical, experimental, neo-classical, jazz, electronic). In any case, thank you for doing this channel and keep up the good work!

[@anadialog]

Pierre! Thank you so much for your nice comment! That is what keeps me going!

[@tapemaster8252]

I've said this on other cassette videos, get an a dsp or equalizer or a DSP equalizer (they are different) a cassette deck with Cobalt amorphous heads (these decks were manufactured at the end of the era),all of this will give you today's sound , at least CD quality, lossless quality is much much better, but for archiving purposes you will not be disappointed.

[@anadialog]

OG thank you for your experience and suggestion! Sounds reasonable.

[@SpartaRemixFan1]

I have a Philips Dual Logic Stereo Casette Deck FC567. What is your opinion on that model? I bought it for €15 on a flea market

[@4130aykut]

Hi, how did you get the N4520 on the Wall.As far as i can see it is sitting on a wooden plate, but that Machine is almost about 27kg. Which Screws did you use to make em hold that Monster?;-)

[@anadialog]

Actually that was a hard task! Its a special hi-fi shelf with a decoupling system (the woden plattrt stands on 3 spikes) and below I screwed the metal bar to the wall with 4 huge and long screws. I wanted to put my Studer there...but I just wasn't brave enough...

[@4130aykut]

@@anadialog Come on, the studer is lighter than the Philips isnt it?

[@anadialog]

Not really!, its 31kg!!

[@4130aykut]

uuaaahh, what the hell...why so heavy?

[@anadialog]

Its a pro deck man! ;-)

[@1luarluar1]

interesting video! and very well explained....I have all my music that I composed on cassettes....I will digitize them to make them immortal, that is the great advantage of the digital age....on the other side digital killed the story...now you listen single tracks, picking up just the best part, the part you love...but a story need also boring parts, but very important as well....to tell a real story you need time, wonderful parts but also boring and ugly parts....and digital killed this important part.....

[@anadialog]

Raul after what you have written, you must see this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXS1YWWFoZVoZsU Remember that each medium is tied to its gear. This means that a format is 'immortal' as long as it can be reproduced!

[@EddieJazzFan]

A double capstan system is probably the most important feature for tape azimuth and the best sound, IMHO.

[@pala23mj]

I just purchased a Marantz 5030B. Any thoughts on its quality?? Its fully restored and serviced.... its in almost perfect condition... I am getting it next week.

[@zephyr332]

I love your videos, and I'm now watching this in July 2020. I just really want a great tape deck and good quality tapes to record my vinyl records onto. Any suggestions, my fellow music lovers?? Interestingly, I'm seeing one single TEAC reel blank tape on Ebay for about $140!!! And it's just type 2 position, so it will probably lack in bass reproduction.

[@anadialog]

Welcome aboard! Soon I'll make a dedicated video on the topic!

[@zephyr332]

@@anadialog Sounds good.

[@Mainosser]

cool film about tape

[@kennynvake4hve584]

My favorite tape to record on is a Maxell UDII 90 extended range, low distortion tape...

[@EddieJazzFan]

Normal bias tapes have bad treble response (compared to chrome type 2 tapes) when played in low to mid end decks, but with a good quality machine, (Dragon, Revox,, etc.) they can sound just as good as type 2 tape. I even prefer them for certain genres of music.

[@patrickbasista3462]

What is a good deck for ease of replacement and repair for belts? I have serviced a Walkman and a boombox and depending on what I was unknowingly getting myself into the process was arduous...

[@anadialog]

Well, a direct drive deck! No belts there! Actually, they do have belts but small, simple ones...the only beltfree deck, as far as I know, is the Nakamichi Dragon!

[@kenp1508]

before I start I must say I am a big cassette tape lover ever since, I began listening to music. The truth and reality is I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news and it's not my intention to burst your bubble, but records, CD's Cassette Tapes, Reel to Reel Tapes, 8 Tapes, mini disk. All these old medias especially Cassette Tapes will never come back, into the main stream. they are all gone forever. They may not be quite dead, but the main problem is streaming. Streaming is a more practical way to consume audio and visuals not media. Though I do enjoy your channel, so please keep making. I still consume music on cassettes, so i do find your channel and yes I own three Nakamishi tape decks along with TEAC, Kenwood, Sony, Technics tape players and if I see any more top decks, iwould try to acquire them. I'm just trying to keep it real.

[@anadialog]

They said the same thing of vinyl ;-)

[@jasbo7288]

I love my pioneer cts-830s cassette deck.. Record to maxwell or tdk chrome or metal tapes with dolby s and it records sound rich & full in detail.. Sounds awesome!!!

[@anadialog]

Yeah!! I bet!!

[@keswarnathragbar8225]

I 've got a SHARP SG 222 BLACK FACE STEREO from 1986.And it works wonderfully .Cassette,turntable and receiver.Plays all types of cassettes and sound great.200watts rms

[@sglucatony]

I have a F660 and the speed of the tape shakes at the end of the cassette, it ads a lot of distortion for some reason. I think it's a belt problem but I'm not sure knowing that I changed them recently. Do you have any idea how to solve that?

[@carminedambrosio7]

Try to see if there are dirt on the lower left capstan/pinch roller , or take a look at this post : www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=48611

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Digital has ruined the industry. Analog is freedom. You can record anything even Spotify. A good deck and a metal tape is the best! I love cassettes in the car. I think BASF had the patent for CrO2 so Sony, TDK, Maxell and others used doped cobalt instead of paying the license!

[@anadialog]

Interesting!

[@laszu7137]

What do you mean by that?

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I'm pointing to the fact that you can record any source with a cassette deck. Digital systems online have to be purchased. Then you have synching headaches with iTunes. Poor quality with mp3. It's just a pain. cassettes sound better than mp3 on good equipment.

[@laszu7137]

You can record digitally anything you want. And the recording will be same as the source. I never tried recording mp3 source with cassete. But it doesn't really sound like a high-quality idea. Also I would highly doubt cassetes sounding better than mp3 that is encoded at 320 kb/s. :D

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Get a 3 Head cassette deck, a high end metal cassette and record your CD to it. I'm not on about digital recording, that's another story, what I'm saying 'digital' has killed the industry.

[@deanwolfechannel]

5 yr old video...are cassettes still being used in 2022.? I’m getting back into them in the last year.

[@anadialog]

Hell yeah! I did a bunch of other videos on the topic. Here is the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLDKsdsTBptr477KwjoZyMlCc8Yvjplijw

[@aadam-kz5my]

Hi, I am considering purchasing the Pioneer CF-T1000, CF-T1250 or CF-T950. Do you have any input to share on these decks?

[@hifismiffy]

I owned a 1250 for a number of years and it was stunning. The tape calibration system was manual but not hard to set up for any tape. The fl meters were amazing. I replaced this deck with an Aiwa ADF990 after the Pioneer started to chew up cassettes.

[@michaelmorales1516]

No! 15 days since this video I have yet to contact Maxell. Corporation.but thanks again

[@Badassvidsz]

Nice video dude agreed on everything you said :-) My quetion about my deck which is the Aiwa AD-F850 What's your opinion about it ? { If you ever met it of course ? }

[@anadialog]

Hi Badassvidsz, no I haven't but I checked on line. Looks like a very very good machine! Dual capstans, three heads, DC servo motor and it has a fantastic signal to noise ratio...80db! Keep it tight!

[@Badassvidsz]

Thx dude :-) it's more than 20 years i have it and since a couple of days ago i've taken it for belts replacement it's it's 1st service ;-)

[@TheMagicStar80]

There are a few manufacturers of analog cassette tapes left around the world but the good thing is that they are still exist and supposedly analog tapes and R2R tapes are back and there are a few R2R manufacturers that would like to make a comeback if there are enough sales to make. I still listen to cassette tapes and still record on them as it is fun for me to do so and also listen to however i must admit that time is very crucial for me and as i am aging with all the things i need to handle in life recording takes lots of time and by the time i do it i already know all the tracks on that particular tape so listening to it again will have to wait for a while to leave enough time to forget mostly the order and the tracks recorded on it ;)

[@anadialog]

He he...true! Recording the Masters started to produce also HQ type 1 cassettes at a low price...

[@ReyVillalobos]

which you think has a warmer sound for recording on 4 track Maxell or TDK?

[@anadialog]

Metal is the best of the best. If you are serious about music and recording professionally, type IV is the way, very expensive but very good and it will last decades and decades if well stored!

[@jn3750]

I am spoiled, after 6 month-experience with reel to reel tape recording - far better that the stuff discussed in this video.

[@anadialog]

True, but not too far! In any case I have covered reel to reel at length. Start here (4track) if you haven't seen my vids: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5-4mXqgmMR4qJo And proceed here (2 track): kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53caoiYr9hon7s And finally here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHfQe6GPoq2CmaM

[@dudleyrathborne9849]

Hi folks . I only had 3 pre-recorded tapes . Just the past 5 years the binder dried up and the tape shed the oxide . Garbage .But of the 350 cassettes that i do have are Maxell ,TDK , Sony , BASF and Memorex in all varieties of oxide types . The tapes date from 1998 to 2010 . While I recorded all of these tapes ,and continue to play them . My point is that these brand name tapes are not shedding their oxides . It seems that the binders are much more stable . That's my two cents worth . But since 1998 I've worn out 4 decks and i am in need of more decks . Any suggestions ?

[@anadialog]

Right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGSlp2p7is2Gr5o For dried binders: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paecl6WEr9alnrc

[@johnlomasney7632]

love tape

[@zolliesautoclinic01]

what the hell is that high pitched noise in the background? its incredibly annoying...

[@jimflys2]

It's tape hiss.

[@q0w1e2r3t4y5]

haven't noticed it until i read your comment. now i can't unhear it. thanks alot. :D

[@quantum.9883]

I think its his son/daughter

[@kaatisu84]

It’s the first thing I noticed and I had to stop watching, sorry

[@artsimannisto5659]

@@jimflys2It was nakashit-mishi hissing at the background. Aiwa is a nakakiller.Go watch price comparison,and see the light. I have that same ADF-770, and what a GEM. Looking for at 990- to find..from somewhere....

[@reco9632]

I Just found technics rs az 6 in good condition. İs it good for professional recording becouse signal response of the deck is 20 hz to 23 khz?

[@anadialog]

It's a later model but still pretty good. If the price is decent it's a good choice

[@reco9632]

@@anadialog thanks

[@jhonwask]

I still use my cassettes and 8 tracks. They sound great.

[@anadialog]

Bravo!

[@michaelmorales1516]

Thanks much I'm contacting MAXELL Corporation for this MX-S 60. Wear out the heads ? Checking I have this kit blue tape no ribbon came with a small blue plastic bottle with cleaner I take and apply it to the pads run forward. And reverse. But need something cause in running out looking at the ingredients .Amen. Great video man and thumbs up ok Audio ...s

[@anadialog]

Thanks!!

[@shehabeldin2008]

Hi, i like your review. I have a nakamichi cassette deck2 in an excellent condition. My opinion is that i enjoy it more than digital media. My ears grab frequencies never been noticed throu digital recordings i.e cd.

[@anadialog]

I agree! The overall engagement is just superior IMHO

[@q0w1e2r3t4y5]

I subbed at the word *analog*.

[@q0w1e2r3t4y5]

How to tell if a tape deck has auto calibration? What are the buttons usually called? I don't know if mine has it or not: Technics RS-BX747

[@wtvdam]

On this deck it’s the ATC button(s): Auto Tape Calibration. Same for several other Technics decks in the RS-BX… range.

[@maxmustardman298]

do you know any other tapedecks that have a auto demag system ? Other than the F770 or F660 ?

[@anadialog]

Several Aiwa models have that and also a few other decks, bit I agree, they are very rare.

[@maxmustardman298]

@@anadialog and you don't happen to know the other brands ? After a bit of research I also found the F620 and 640 models seem to have the adms function, but they are as well quite rare.

[@grasssnake7190]

Can you suggest a good blank audio cassette tape tape to buy, I've always mainly used TDK, so other than TDK...what other brand?

[@anadialog]

Maxell, Sony and TDK are the best IMO

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@@anadialog what about these red case Maxell UR90 with the guy sitting on the couch, seem to see a lot of those for sale. How are those, any good ??

[@anadialog]

Sure! I find the RTM FOX to be better but even those are good.

[@RB-xm3ed]

TDK D’s are really good if using type I but it’s matter of opinion. They are able to be pushed a little bit louder and can sound sometimes as good as type II but it depends on the deck, bias and if using NR. I have good luck with them but I am using Dolby S on mine. Best to just try different ones and experiment with what you think sounds good.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@@RB-xm3ed trying to find some Type II's but these greedy ebay people wont let any go for less than $7 each. I got a bunch of Maxell UR90 Type I's for $1.50 each but man these people are greedy.

[@duster974]

I think i did'nt understand what was the issue with the "Awesome Mix" cassette, can someone explain me pls ? (sorry for the poor english)

[@anadialog]

Hi duster974! No issue...I just skipped the fact that this precise soundtrack on cassette is one of the major reasons why cassette culture is back!

[@duster974]

Oh thanks for the quick respond ! I see now :) Big fan of your work btw, i just discoverd your channel and i literally spent all my night yesterday watching all your videos ahah

[@anadialog]

Thank you!!!

[@Williamadlam1]

are they mate? and where can you get them? William c adlam in leek Staffordshire County UK

[@bonno666]

Excellent video, i just do not agree entirely on your claim that all double decks where bad. I used an Akai HX-A451W from 2012 until 2015 and even used n.o.s. TDK D120 cassettes to tape 1 hour radio shows and that sounded excellent. It was sold by Akai in 1987. I played these cassettes recorded from 2012 until 2015 recently and they still sound the same. Some might say it's not hifi, but it really sounds good, even with Ferro tape. I did not use dolby NR. These TDK D120 cassettes where concidered inferiour, but the last ones made where really good. I still have maybe 250 pieces of those. TDK D cassettes. This Akai deck HX-A451W where apparently very good for TDK D cassettes.

[@anadialog]

+bonno666, congrats for your experience and thank you for your comment. Yes, I agree with you, not all doubledecks are bad, but you do need to know what to look for becase a lot of them were very bad! Good to know about the Akai TDK combination!

[@kravchuk007]

Anadialog , do you use noise reduction units in general ? What is your opinion on DBX nr. ? It looks like this is Best of all

[@anadialog]

If correctly adopted it should be amazing...no, I do not have direct experience since I rarely record. I am just afraid of compression besides the fact that if you use dolby or dbx then you MUST always use them to decode the signal...

[@kravchuk007]

@@anadialog Thank you , for replay, I bought two units ,dying to see, results , dbx 224 x ds and dbx 224 older version, did not receive them yet () and technical condition is mystery ) Maybe will need to service them first

[@kravchuk007]

@@anadialog Since I Nakamichi man ) come across 680ZX model , 1979-80 , kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4O1oX-Da8qZoqs it does not have Dolby C, than my friend recommended me to buy separate unit Nakamichi High Com or Dolby B-C unit ,than came across that fellow kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp7Le6SLh7mdr7s Wow 40 db ! Dolby C only 20 ,S - 25 , High Com 25 as well ) Need a Try )

[@anadialog]

Coop! With what are you going to use them?

[@anadialog]

No bad at all!

[@Nicnackity]

How easy has it been for you to get your cassette player and reel to reel fixed should you have a problem? That is what is keeping me from getting back into this. Thanks, Tony.

[@anadialog]

Hi tony, I perfectly understan your hesitancy. It is not simple but I must say that if you look a little you will find a lot of goid technicians...also a lot if them off the grid, working at home. A good place to start is to find a forum and post a thread. That usually solves all problems. Just make sure you are nit buying something too esoteric or rare that nobody knows anymore how to repair or that has components hard to find.

[@Nicnackity]

ana[dia]log thank you for quick response. Love your channel. Your passion is addictive.

[@anadialog]

What a compliment! Thanks!!!

[@Nicnackity]

ana[dia]log would you be able to recommend a cassette deck that would be easy to find parts for under 300 dollars. I had a Nakamici and liked it except for styling but sound is most important. I would guess TEAC and Aiwa probably most popular?

[@anadialog]

How about a Pioneer CT-S740S, or a Teac C3, or an Aiwa Ad-F770, or just go Naks...they are very well serviced...but don't worry. The true problem is usually the rubber belts...

[@KingBlonde]

PS taking away the whole debate of what sounds better, physical mediums like tape are just exciting and fun to collect. I listen to records, I listen to high quality wavs/ flacs, I listen to spotify and I listen to tapes. It's all good fun. I do enjoy natural tape distortion and limiting (and so do many other audio engineers, even digital releases use these methods of saturation) but I don't think it makes it objectively better than Digital from a pure "quality" standpoint. But there is a sonic magic to it.

[@anadialog]

True...I would add, too bad producers and engineeres rape digital media instead of using this tool with intelligence! Hence, for now, digital looses big time, and vinyl was brought back to life thanks to this nonsense...

[@marcelschwartz6198]

Further test results from the music brand label SM L.T.D. B220 Leb. For this, a reverence recording was made by an independent Thon studio using a DAT (Digital Audio Tape) (D) (D) (D) WAW 44.1 16 byte, noise value of vu -100 db. between track 1 and track2, through track12, and a stampe CD WAW 44.1 16 bytes worth of vu -100 db. between track 1 and track2, until track12 used by Deldec as a set point all titles were with (D) (D) (D) Say super transparency and synthetic trebles and bass what noise value and dynamics are concerned. It was up to the music label SM L.T.D. B220 Leb. Whether one manufactures the LP analogue or digitally on CD basis CD ''74 / 80' 'CD-ROM audio 74/80 min. WAW 44.1 16 byte). The tests showed that you can delete the medium analogue LP (Vinyl-LP) and can replace it with a digital medium, so by a DLC-LP on CD basis CD ''74 / 80' 'CD-ROM audio 74/80 min. WAW 44.1 16 bytes). Therefore, the CD became a better playback medium than the analog LP. Classified. The CD-based DLC-LP has a Ladin track 10 sec. Data track (30 to 47 min. Audio), Ladout track 10 sec., Like the analogue LP. Ladin track, data track, (Audio track1 to track12 A + B side) Ladout track). With the DLC-LP on CD basis within the data track (30 to 47 min. Audio) there is no track split, (from track1 to track12) the tracks; from track1 to track 12 are without marking (wallet split) all other specifications of the DLC-LP on CD-based sound a CD WAW 44.1 16 bytes so that the digital medium in the CD player / DVD player / BD player playable is. (Setup of a CD-based DLC-LP CD ''74 / 80''is: [Ladin track 10 sec / data track, 30 to 47 min. Audio / Ladout track 10 sec.]) Further test results MD (below) follow Sony) DCC (Philips / DCC Emi-Electrola): Literally, Sony Music and Emi-Electrola have fallen out with each digital media: Stampe-MD (Sony Music) 44.1 16 Byte Sony Music overrides vu +1 db. and stumbling bass (limping bass as data would be missing) in comparison with a CD Sony music WAW 44.1 16 bytes, the same artist was the MD (Sony music) 44.1 16 bytes rather bad the recording were rather poppy. (Demo took place at Sony L.D.T. Switzerland) used Demo Stampe-MD Sony Music (interpreter Maikel Jackson). (DCC Philips) DCC Emi-Electrola 44.1 16-byte output with highest level vu -1 Db / - + 0Db Noise value of vu -40 Db. between track 1 and track2, to track12 noise value too high for a digital medium that is not in an acceptable range. The individual frequencies controlled to the last point (massively compressed) for a DCC very bad! Emi-Electrola is better at proofing the recording of CDs. Test place independent music house, used demo DCC Emi-Electrola (interpreter Roger Whittaker) If one compares the recording of (DCC Philips) DCC Polygram one makes a clear difference regarding the quality, super transparency, noise value and dynamics. With DCC Polygram there is in comparison (analog medium ALC-MC) (digital medium DCC / CD / DAT) super transparency in terms of noise value and dynamics. No differences the DCC sounds like an analog ALC-MC with a noise value of vu -100 db between track 1 and track2, up track12 side A + B and also shows the quality, super transparency and synthetic treble and bass what noise value and the Dynamics of: / CD / DAT on! Despite data reduction factor 4 or factor 5 (data compression factor 4 or factor5) due to less memory space. DCC Polygram Performer Johan Sebastian Bach) This example shows clearly who made the house and who did not do what the music quality on the new media MD (Sony) / DCC (Philips). PS. Compare yourself and you'll see who offers good quality or poor quality in terms of media, be it analog or digital (MC / DCC / CD / DAT). Google Übersetzer (enlisch)Google translator (english)

[@el_camino_real]

HI:) Do you know if i can use IV type metal in my tascam 424 mkii?

[@anadialog]

I am afraid not. Only type II.

[@johnmarchington3146]

Would it perhaps be fair to say that Type IV pre-recorded cassettes - should they become available in quantity - might provide the finest possible audio playback when played back on suitable decks of the highest quality?. (I know there are $450.00 2-track 15 ips reel-to-reel tapes on 10.5" reels that have become available and they may well be finer still). When you discussed what to look for when buying a cassette deck, one of the first things I'd want to know would be the condition of the heads - and I'd expect an honest answer from the seller!! If the heads are badly worn it might no longer be possible to obtain replacements.

[@anadialog]

Yes, I wish they would make them!

[@WarIsOver-ifyouwantit]

I wish you could explain on which types of type 1 or type 2 or type 4 cassettes one should buy or avoid. there seem to be different names for each.

[@anadialog]

Good topic for a future video. I've taken note. Thanks.

[@garygillespie]

I just purchased a Nakamichi CR-4, and it's being serviced so I should have it soon. I plan on converting my cassettes to digital, and wanted to know if anyone knows any processes to optimize the quality. I remember reading a while ago if you record the beginning of the tape, before the audio starts. You can reverse eq the sound, and that removes all the sound from the tape, so the only thing renaming would be the audio recorded to the tape. Does something like that seem possible, and what are other peoples re-mastering techniques?

[@anadialog]

Hi Gary, unfortunately I cannot support this horrendous digitalization project you have. No point in doing that, except if you have, say, the voice of your little daughter or a series of voice recordings or music demos you produced in the past you want to preserve, then I would understand ... ;-)

[@YamFZR93]

I use Audacity, it has a lot of great options to help optimize and archive your recordings. I'm not sure what you're asking otherwise, the sentences seem incomplete or don't make sense to me. Perhaps English is not your native language, either way, Audacity should help.

[@jonniesmpc]

With all that information on the different types in mind, which type of tape would you recommend for daily recording? Any specific names would be appreciated a lot!