Mindhunter Tape Recorder Interview Kit - Recreated

A video in which I attempt to assemble all the components to recreate the title sequence from the Netflix show Mindhunter.
UPDATE: The TDK tape leader used in the show turned out to be CGI - hence why I couldn't find it in the real (reel) world. For anyone wanting to see the CGI work - vimeo.com/247002000#t=135s
Here is the original intro from the show
• MINDHUNTER (Season 1) ...
Thanks to the Tapeheads forums
www.tapeheads.net
Catalogues courtesy of www.hifiengine.com
Special thanks to Jason Moore (on Patreon) for the tip regarding The Professionals episode.
The music used in my recreation of the title sequence is 'Spirit Of the Dead' - by Aakash Ghandi and is from the youtube audio library - Download Link: kzbin.info_...
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---------Outro Music----------
Over Time - Vibe Tracks • Over Time - Vibe Track...
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ThatSFXGuy - • Six Million Dollar man...

[@kcpstudio]

Very nicely done, Techmoan. It's amazing to see how many people fell in love with that recorder. Working for David Fincher and having the opportunity to work with some very talented individuals was amazing. About 40% of the prop was recreated. We had acquired a couple machines. There was also one we found in a museum but did not get that one. In the end, I had 2 machines to work with. Some logos you noticed were not present anymore and that's because that was a part I machined... like the head roller cover. The original had some deep gouged marks. Since the recorder needed to look new from that time period, it was best to make a new one. I machined that part aluminum. There were other parts I needed recreate and machine. As. you know, these machines are rare and it was just easy to tear the recorder down to every nut and bolt and give it a complete restoration. The hardest part was the housing and lettering. Some of it I had to recreate while other parts was just a refinish. In the end, I decided to match the original finish using ceramic based gun coatings. It was a durable finish and the color match ended up being perfect. So, the entire housing and misc parts.. like the head/roller cover I totally refinished with this coating. The next challenge was the reels themselves. David wanted a .005" chamfer specifically on all edges of the reels. This was mainly because he was going to do plenty close ups and the details and the details had to be spot on. Again, I created a CAD model based on metal reels of that time period and machined them out of aluminum. I had to make custom fixtures to machine these parts because they are so thin. The center hubs a created a CAD model and 3D printed. I then wet polished the hubs down to 2000 grit. The hubs in the sequence were placed upside down. I did not intend or ask for my company initials to be visible.... that just happened by chance or intentional by the prop master or even possibly David was happy enough with my work that he did this for me. Either way, I was really excited to see that in the sequence. I think The Fincher Analyst is correct about the tape having a cg overlay done. There were many other details I recreated as well.... like the rubber seal between the clear cover and housing. That part I did a cad model, printed a master, pulled a mold, and cast the recreated seals in rubber. The clear cover is also custom made. I did modify the locking knob on the cover to a magnetic one so the actor would just have to pull up vs trying to fidget with trying to get it to release.... or worrying about it locking up and not release fluidly for the camera. Remember, the seen had to be very fluid. Anyway, I hope this gives you some insight as to how much effort David wanted put into that opening sequence. Another friend of mine, Maxx Burman did the corpse stills you see.

[@iri10]

Custom reels? Techmoan, you glorious madman.

[@w7777777s]

They are nice. His reel designs are quite fanciful.

[@CasualSpud]

2023.. Watching again after watching Adam Savages Tested.. Great story to add to your video

[@antoinep9733]

That was a lot of work, you just reached 11 on the 1 to 10 nerd scale! What a magnificent machine that Sony is, mouth watering construction.

[@nathaniliescu4597]

Mouth watering construction?? Oh lord, mate.....have a word with yourself.

[@pfzt]

@@nathaniliescu4597 No, he is absolutely right, the (mostly japanese) Hi-Fi and Video tech from the mid 70s to mid 80s was indeed mouth-watering. So many knobs to touch, twist and turn, push/pull, so many lights and needles to watch. Tech was sensual back then, unlike today where everything is in a boring soulless phone.

[@BigKelvPark]

Sorry we couldn't help you find the TDK leader tape but thanks for the plug. Regards, Kelv

[@EgoChip]

Perhaps the TDK leader was created specifically for the sequence, as a product placement advertising? That would explain why you couldn't find it.

[@richard7crowley]

That seems unlikely. It was easy to make that kind of leader back in the day when it was made in wide rolls and then slit into whatever width (which is why it has the repeated pattern). But TDK hasn't made reel-to-reel tape for many years and in fact sold off its magnetic media business several years ago. So it would be a rather odd "product placement" with no modern product to promote. In fact the whole reel-to-reel mag tape phenomenon had a near-death experience with the advent of digital recording and solid-state memory. Although there are a few boutique companies still making mag tape at premium prices.

[@CTyler84]

Product placement doesn't have to promote that actual product, but the brand name, you know.

[@w7777777s]

One more trivia, regarding adjusting speed in the original sequence. Of course you could pop the knob up and twiddle to your heart‘s content, but it won’t alter the recording speed. It’s locked out in record, only works in playback.

[@BigKelvPark]

Current production reel to reel tape cost roughly the same as it did in the 1980s if you take inflation into account.

[@vinnyvince23]

This is the reel quality content I subscribed for.

[@Bluith]

When can we expect a gritty neo-noire puppet special? That editing was top notch.

[@erikjohansson1814]

Bluith Hopefully sometime after 2050.

[@RMoribayashi]

At least not until he gets around to watching the series.

[@theforthdoctor7872]

It's great that Adam Savage has just did a techmoan style review of this very machine and gives you a shout-out

[@TimmyJoePCTech]

You always do such a friggin good job mr Moan, I watch every second of every video. You are one of the only ones :) Thanks for all your good work

[@vyladence]

"Mister Moan"

[@j.j.j4859]

I agree. The chromed dials, buttons and switches make for lovely tactile experience with lots of the older equipment. It's somehow never really the same with touch screens. Thanks for a terrific Vid and keep up the great work.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

This is insanity. The amount of work from the TV show staff to piece together a cool looking recorder with cusrom made parts and finishes and the perseverance in recreating it as faithfully as possible is mind-boggling. And those TDK leaders were CGI... wow!!!

[@EzeePosseTV]

*_"Flippin Heck"_*

[@danherman4081]

Here because of that man Savage. Also watched your similar recordings re the Mission Impossible gear and am equally impressed.

[@joeblankenship377]

Every button, switch, knob, and dial on that thing looks soooo satisfying to use. Even down to the rings holding the tapes in. I always liked how smoothly that screwed on in that opening title. And it's a really good show. I need to go back and finish watching the 2nd season, but it's a bummer that there won't be a 3rd.

[@miksstudio]

Here via Adam Savage's Tested channel, really enjoyed Mindhunter, and now apparently I like all the technical stuff on your channel. Awesome job.

[@drewyoung2102]

Adam has best movie recommendations.

[@jamesjross]

*TECHMOAN FANS CALL TO ARMS* THIS Video is a masterpiece of Techmoaning. KZbin wants creators to be "creative" and put the effort in. They want "ADVERTISER FRIENDLY" content. Techmoan is a GODSEND to them. His normal videos are excellent but he CLEARLY went above and beyond on this - but 100k Views for this is just crap. *THIS VIDEO DESERVES MORE* This is an amazing video and it took freaking months to film and the investment in old tech from JAPAN cost LOADS. so needless to say 100k is NOT cutting it. Mat is above begging for reposts and I can't see him posting it anywhere else but here and on his twitter. *So can everyone post this in at least 4 places it might be relevant to people please?* I have posted it on reddit, in the Mindhunter page, on a reel-to-reel page and on the youtube reddit. I'm also a member of an audio equipment forum for music producers, I posted it on its own thread and in some other releavant threads there. _A. can you find my reddit posts and up vote_ _B. can you find at least 4 places to post it_ If we don't support Mat when he clearly makes such an effort we're going to lose out on such good work in the future. its not right that an average video get 250K. WHY has this got just 100k - it MUST be the KZbin algorithm and its just NOT right for creators. SO can WE please post/share this wherever you think it relevant and if you see it on twitter/facebook/reddit then up vote, like, retweet whatever. Can we see if US the fans can make a difference PLEASE?? 100k is a JOKE for such good work. KZbin should really be ashamed of themselves right now.

[@Techmoan]

It definitely died quicker than I anticipated - but that's the way it goes sometimes. Unfortunately there's just no predicting which videos will land well.

[@thysonsacclaim]

@@Techmoan - That's terrible. I loved this video and have shared it.

[@ImmitH]

I absolutely love this level of nerdery. Thank you for the most pleasant 18 minutes of my day.

[@basherexx1536]

Now that's what I would call 'transforming the dedication to ones hobby into passion' 👌 well done Sir

[@killerbee2562]

Congrats on getting a shout out from Adam Savage!

[@redboxfile100]

Fabulous! I also watched Mindhunter and couldn't name the machine. As a teeenager growing up in the north of England I became obsessed with reel to reel machines and can name most from that period at a glance. After saving my paper round money and with some help from my parents I eventually became the proud owner of a second hand Veritone 16 (3 head, 8 1/4" reels) made in England. As rare as hens teeth, they probably made a couple of hundred! I am very impressed with your channel and for me this one topped the lot. Thank you!

[@AL_O0]

Of course it wasn't fake, it was... REEL

[@DibIrken]

Get out

[@mr.juicebox5484]

@@DibIrken 😆

[@MEGAMIGA]

I love how passionate you are about old technology! :D

[@Nurpus]

I did not expect this video to be so fascinating

[@MrVolksbeetle]

I just love the look of a nice reel to reel. Watching the mechanisms move about, you can almost see the music or sounds. I’m really glad my Dad had one when I was a kid. Nothing made me feel as awesome as getting to take a reel out of its case, mounting it to the machine and, threading through. So immensely satisfying.

[@danielturner4624]

I have to say, I love tech moan! He's a proper content creator who's real and produces entertainment that is actually really interesting and doesn't need to click bait all his videos to gain an audience. I'm tired of somewhat fraudulent "so called" you tubers who spout out all sorts of utter bloated crap to gain a quick buck! This chap has almost 650k of subs, which is very impressive and no doubt deserves it as he's truly earned it, but I feel he deserves so much more! keep up with this great channel Matt! can't wait until you hit the million subs mark! A proper content creator, doesn't produce crap, doesn't tolerate crap and calls out the crap when needed! true northerner!

[@THX-vx8vm]

Jolly good show. Love the Law & Order themed puppets.

[@boriss.861]

18/05/2023 Adam Savage has just got one and the ancillaries. He gives you a shout out for your enthusiasm on this machine.

[@MattNZ1975]

How great that Adam Savage (Mythbusters) just called out this video on his Tested KZbin channel.

[@davek12]

That mic probably still is actually a Sony mic. SuperScope was Sony's US importer in the late 60s and early 70s, and some very old Sony equipment in the US is more commonly found with SuperScope branding. Try finding the long skinny telescopic mic that Bob Barker used on The Price Is Right. It can be found in both variants.

[@ka8syv203]

FWIW, my EC-5 is branded as "SUPERSCOPE by Marantz", like the one in this video.

[@PixelPipes]

"And there was some suggestion that the tape machine might not be reel." How my brain interpreted that statement.

[@CJT80]

WOW talk about dedication to making an amazing video! Just FANTASTIC

[@misterdaz1018]

I only started watching Mindhunter a couple weeks ago and as I saw the titles for the first time I remembered seeing this video on your channel but never watching it. That has changed and of course, it did not disappoint.

[@freesaxon6835]

Techmaon...... My you are getting artistic ! The Sony is a period classic, a work of art

[@tf2engineer106]

Techmoan*

[@Kumimono]

Somewhat amused, that they went all the way to remove the Sony branding, but the TDK is still there. I guess TDK isn't a big media company making movies and such. An excellent video.

[@ChintanPandya01]

Jari Heiska I guess it was removed because it was a custom machine as you saw he said, made by KCP studios.

[@Kumimono]

Chintan Pandya Dunno, what I gathered, the machine itself is pretty much original, made from few perhaps non functioning machines, and the reels and microphone-stand combo are nonstandard. Not a reason to blot out company logos.

[@madkoifish532]

Its a rights issue, tdk might have allowed it where sony likely did not.

[@SpearM3064]

Jari Heiska My theory is that Netflix approached Sony to ask for permission to use their branding, but Sony refused. You might be surprised that a company would turn down free product placement, but it happens more often than you think. For example, in one episode of *The Sopranos* a can of RAID ant killer was used in a particularly violent fight scene. A spokesperson for SC Johnson said they were not approached about the use of their product, but would *not* have given approval if they had been asked. Another example: In *Slumdog Millionaire* Mercedes-Benz did not mind having a gangster driving their cars, but they *did* object to their products being shown in a slum. So the producers had to remove the logos from the cars digitally in post-production. In addition, Sony owns Sony Pictures, so they have their own in-house vehicle for product placement. For example, the James Bond film *Skyfall* (which was a Sony Pictures film) prominently featured a Sony Xperia T smartphone, and *Spectre* featured a Sony Xperia Z5. Furthermore, Sony is already one of the most widely-recognized brands, and as such, has little need for product placement to sell its products. Assuming my theory about Sony refusing to allow product placement is correct, all of these may have been contributing factors.

[@TheLastAnalogJunkie]

From what I've learned, you're perfectly fine using any sort of branding or real world iconography that exists as part of an object or location for television or motion pictures. The main reason I have seen that TV studios and movie productions do this is because they want to create a product placement economy where companies will pay to have those logos displayed. Basically, they call up companies like Sony and say, 'We're making a TV show that has your game system in the background, if you pay me X I'll prominently show off your PlayStation and Sony logos to my audience'. If Sony says 'no thanks' they just blur it out and go on their way to the next company. TDK likely paid a few bucks to Netflix for the name recognition, or themselves already have a branding agreement with Netflix. Something that wouldn't surprise me with all the 80's iconography used in Netflix' other shows like Stranger Things.

[@xwillnotbetelevisedx]

Videos like this is what makes your channel so great.

[@Vashbul]

As always, impeccable and precise manicure. It's this attention to detail that makes your videos rise above the pack.

[@AK-nb6hz]

Videos like this are exactly why I subscribe to your channel. You should be very proud of this one.. well done!

[@jaynewton6636]

Mat, this is your most brilliant video yet! So glad I'm subscribed and when income allows, I will sponsor on Patreon as well. Top man! Flippin' 'eck!!

[@casasecure2419]

Matt, your demonstrable skills here are your game changer. Absolutely amazing. Well done.

[@devonnewest7990]

Your vids just keep getting better & better. And Sir, on top of all you other talents here, you are quite the sleuth too! Immensely enjoyed this piece, thank you!

[@AdamsBrew78]

Cool that Adam Savage gave you a shout out on his latest video about the Sony TC-510-2

[@Andrew_Sparrow]

Real content starts here 17:38 ;)

[@tiberiud]

This is the quality content I subscribed for.

[@unpaintedcanvas]

*reel

[@WooferCooker]

Fetty wapp

[@Tactcat]

What an absolutely beautiful machine! Your dedication to analog beauty is commendable.

[@cambike]

This video made me watch the series "Mindhunter". Best series in a long while, thanks Techmoan

[@UkeofCarl]

This was emotional.

[@id104335409]

Do a series with dark interrogation scenes with the puppets! Something mysterious, so we can see if we can find the clues to solving the "murder"

[@rdkarlov]

Your kind of attention to detail of small bits is admirable, instructional and very entertaining! Inspirational even. Great stuff!

[@TheSuperGarfield]

I think this is one of the best video you've made yet. Thank you for that!

[@markpstapley]

Adam Savage (Mythbusters) gave a shout out about this....

[@carlito99taiwan]

Next you might consider doing the jukebox from Happy Days opening sequence. Keep it up, proud of you. Nice job

[@BaronVonSTFU]

Your passion for this stuff is enviable.

[@nationwidepenguin]

Amazing video. Superb piece of vintage equipment. Techmoan just gets better and better!

[@andinbriwel1092]

Awesome job on your recreation!! I think you’re wrong about your cinematography ability. Your shots look fantastic, right down to your wide open fast lens and nailing the focus in just the right points. Also your post processing is spot on with that brilliant color grade. Good work!

[@michaelmartin9022]

"I had to cheat and get the reels custom-made ...but then again, so did the show"

[@javagirlma]

Great job on the recreation! I just discovered your youtube channel about a month ago and have been rewatching all the old ones. Great show, great content, great host!

[@rimave07]

Wow, I love all the work you went trough to find out all of these details and actually succeded in finding them all. And your intro was just as good, in fact even beter, then the original.

[@badlarry172]

i need to press those buttons

[@GadgetAddict]

Brilliant. Well dome :)

[@thenewbgamer6416]

He has dome it well.

[@BertGrink]

The attention to detail is just amazing.

[@ThePlatypusReturns]

That really is a beautiful , and well built machine. What a wonderful piece of tech !

[@thsinger]

Perfect INTRO, just when you plug in the microphone there was a little moment that give me laugh. Everything was so perfect and then just a 3,5mm to 6mm adaptor.......

[@w7777777s]

ts.electronics Realize that the original show opening could have used any 1/4” plug they chose for that shot. The Superscope mic likely has a mini plug as it was an accessory for cassette recorders. So it’s a case of reality trumping dramatic license.

[@thsinger]

Retro Tech you are right

[@Tedd755]

6:58 "Using something like this feels [reel. To reel.]"

[@Ravenesque]

Came here to agree with this

[@termin8r23]

Hi Techmoan! I am impressed at your brilliant work of recreating the scene so beautifully and hunting down the parts. Wow! And yes, the scene is shot so cool & stylish in the original, but hey, these guys do this for a living. PS: Your videos are both calming somehow and super interesting! Cheers from Germany!

[@309Littlelion]

WOW! That was a spot on recreation of the Mindhunter intro. Good job!

[@ChrisDomnik]

As an American, I love Boddingtons Pub Ale!

[@ajdhjaoakdn2ndgoogleaccoun929]

I heard that if I'm early and mention cassete tapes, you'll heart me.

[@superliljohn91]

With the arrest of the Original Night Stalker I've been rewatching the series and wondering how much of it was a real machine. Cheers for doing this one!

[@TheMainCore]

Flippin heck. This was amazing. Your attention to detail is impressive!

[@Henchman1977]

"Mine does have one thing that it doesn't...... An actual serial killer narrating this video!"

[@JP_Stone]

There is something about old analog machinery. I have all this RGB and what not to show off a bunch of bare PCB in my PC but it would be much cooler if I had some reels in there turning like the ones you see at NASA in Apollo 13 and the like.

[@sobolanul96]

I know a guy who had a small open reel tape drive like the HP 88781. He somehow connected it to a modern pc and recorded mp3's on the tape. His gf had a hard time understanding why the reels move back and forth while the music didn't stop and played continuously,

[@lucidnonsense942]

sobolanul96 - Just record the music from the line out? Not sure what surprises you? It's analogue out. JP Stone - there is a bunch of data backup solutions that use reel to reel - not the most efficient, or fast, method; but you could do it... You could even bit bang the data off a serial port, and boot off a tape. It'd be painfully slow, something like TinyCore Linux wouldn't take the whole day. If you have a system that can't boot off a serial port, you could boot a SoC from the RtR via its serial boot, then have it show up as a USB device to the computer. It'd be one awesome Rube Goldberg monstrosity - but, definitely feasible.

[@nunocspinto]

Still right after the intro re-creation. For a guy that didn't know the series, I just have to say that it was preety accurate. Awesome subjects! Greetings from Portugal!

[@Rivenworld]

What a beautifully engineered machine, love the custom reels as well, awesome.

[@marsoz_]

"Knob Twiddling"

[@andymadden8183]

It's not meant to be suggestive. I don't see why people always seem to try to make every word suggestive in some way.

[@nthgth]

@@andymadden8183 you really think one has to _try_ with this one? "Knob twiddlers" sounds like a British insult 🤣

[@k001daddy]

I actually look forward to the puppets.

[@CJWarlock]

The lengths you went to do what's presented in this video... Jaw drop. Respect and thank you. :) Have a nice day.

[@Ne1s0n64]

Wow! You really went above and beyond for this one! As a fan of the show and your channel, this was a REEL treat!

[@DanielPierce]

Ahhh man they should of used a Nagra 4, it’s way more iconic than the Sony... Edit: This guy catches everything, I spoke too soon!

[@MarshalArnold]

Man they sure don't make them like they used to that thing looks like a tank!!

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Marshal Arnold But like any Sony, it has at least one hidden internal failure point and needs an odd custom consumable (the power pack).

[@notbugs]

Wow, i am truly amazed over how much work you must have put in to create this video. Loved every minute of it.

[@stko5174]

So. Much. Effort. Big ups! + This is the most Tech-Nerdy analysis of an intro i've seen so far.

[@neiloliver7950]

Mat, if you are able to source a battery pack but it does not work properly, please feel free to contact me and I can most likely replace the cells and fix any issues. 28 years in the uk portable battery industry

[@ploppyploppy6554]

I miss the old analogue days .

[@mcFreaki]

i wasn't around for much of it, but i don't, honestly. sure there's something magical about analogue, but i like having a band's entire discography just a few clicks away you know?

[@cee_yarr3177]

Hipster...

[@RussCottier]

Ploppy Ploppy but digital video streaming for narrowcast specialist interest shows is kinda cool. You've made me feel like playing with my 1/4" machines now

[@metallitech]

I don't. Machines like this had 100 mechanical faults waiting to happen.

[@JahnoKestt]

I miss it out of pure nostalgia. But I'm glad we moved away from it. Digital recording is simpler, cost effective and available to anyone.

[@mariusloubeeka5810]

0:33 - 1:55 What an opening sequence! Absolutely marvellous!

[@tehhamstah]

I've never watched mindhunter, but I went and found the intro online, and WOW you did a FANTASTIC job of recreating the scene!!

[@TPD]

you're up early

[@LostieTrekieTechie]

TPD TV timezones are a hell of a drug.

[@AClown]

9am is early!

[@tcpnetworks]

Flippin' Eck! You drank my Boddies!!!!

[@ominous-omnipresent-they]

Okay, the machine is beautiful, but damn, it takes a special passion to go that deep into it.

[@amb3cog]

Wow I had no plans on watching the whole thing, but couldn't stop watching it. Great video. Thank you.

[@jacekjagosz]

How using this reel to reel recorder feels? Real (reel)! I'll see myself out...

[@revolutronic]

how to catch se-reel killers yes i know the drill, i´ll see myself out

[@adeeponion9152]

Entirely worth the effort. Nice presentation!

[@cnerde]

This, the love for old Kit, and admiring it, *This is why I subscribed* Great video!!!

[@splo1nger909]

Read the manual, do not operate in caravans!

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Why start the tape way before the mike is plugged in, but set up for 'mic'...? Isn't that a waste...? Edit: Yeah, that's what I suspected...

[@thegrayshaws]

Thanks for going into all this detail.

[@KeritechElectronics]

What a beautiful tape recorder. I love the metal parts, the tape path, the general design and ergonomics. Thanks for getting me back on track with my old interest for reel-ro-reel tape machines :)

[@TheRetroFuture]

Would be cool to see the 13 Reasons Why setup!

[@kbhasi]

Is it me or did "vwestlife" do something similar? Oh wait, he might have not recreated the exact setup.

[@Enthimisi]

Lol it's a shitty setup

[@twocvbloke]

hehehe, "boddies"... :P

[@Fluteboy]

D'you wanna flake in that luv?

[@johnmccallum8512]

The Cream of Manchester

[@Darieee]

That machine is a work of art .. and the shots are incredible !

[@bobfalfa62]

This was awesome. What a hunt. Thank you for your videos.