THE BEST SOUNDING FORMAT (part I): 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape & Recorders

[@TheTruth-dm8wd]

Great video. As I entered my 40's, I started to revisit the music formats I enjoyed in the past. Within the last 2 years got the vinyl setup, cassette tape and looking into reel to reel. I really enjoy the interactive experience with those formats that are not available with digital formats. Thanks again for the information!

[@anadialog]

Thank you Luis!!

[@dudleyrathborne9849]

Love your walk down memory lane . In 1978 I bought a TEAC - 2300SD . In 1979 I bought a TEAC - 3340 -S . They served me well until 2013 when the motor bearings dried up and seized . In between those years I had worn out the gaps on a few channels .So all 4 heads were replaced . The Memorex , Basf , TDK , Sony ,Maxell and Scotch 3M tapes where the ones I used and still have . When you buy the best tapes the binder never wears out . I can't say the same for the 456 Grand Masters of Ampex . Those binders turned to glue and properly buggered everything up . I had invested heavily due to the claims made by Ampex Corporation . In the end I lost my shirt in that fiasco . I now use Teac cassette decks . Not the same band for the buck , but pretty fine sound for a 68 year old . Yours truly .......Dudley Rathborne

[@lazycalm41]

I still have my 1974 Akai 4000DS and it still works perfectly even in 2020. The sound quality is outstanding! and the reliability speaks for itself. Did Akai imagine it would last well over 40 years in 1974? Built like a tank and to a standard not a price!

[@BogoEN]

Literally got my 4000ds mkii working up to 100% yesterday, and am super happy with it. I realized working on the insides that the simplicity of its construction makes it a machine that could potentially last a VERY long time (especially if it has a savvy owner). Cheers!

[@lazycalm41]

@@BogoEN I think the lack of rubber belts and robustness speaks for itself!

[@uncled39]

How is it in 2022?

[@lazycalm41]

@@uncled39 Still working fine!

[@axidhaus]

I was born in 74 thats 48 years

[@rusticagenerica]

Paper never died. Vinyl is coming back. REEL 2 REEL WILL BE BACK !!!! Calligraphy is back. Woodworking is back. Screw the fake new trends that only are designed with planned obscolescence in mind !!!

[@kawmic7]

Well said!

[@israelelias1574]

Paper never died, Vinyl never died, r2r tapes never died......

[@The4MusketeersYT]

@@israelelias1574 i would argue that rtr has gotten a little quite in the 90s and 2000s but they are making a comeback

[@mcpoulet13]

you are a Bodhisattva of retro sound Blue Sky, I'd love to find out tips and tricks! =]

[@rusticagenerica]

@@mcpoulet13 :-DD

[@realjaxon]

I was gifted a 1966 Teac A-1500 Reel to Reel a few decades ago. It was gathering dust in my garage until recently. I'm cleaning it up, and I'm planning to use it again.

[@bobzwol]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together! I was an avid reel-to-reel collector in the 70's.I have plenty of Ampex & Columbia tapes at 7 1/2. I still have 2 TEAC & 1 Dokorder machines which I haven't touched in years. It's time for eBay. Thanks again for putting this together!

[@anadialog]

Thank you Bob! Give us the links when you do!

[@mukeshparmar8081]

Its a great joy and suprise to so many reel to reel tapes to gather, never seen such a collection in my life , must thanks to the people who has done this

[@anadialog]

Thanks Mukesh!

[@nomorebushz]

I have a Technics 2-Track, AND an Otari MX-5050, AND a TEAC A3340S. I’m an Oboist/Guitarist. Dad was a professional Pianist. Tape! What a big warm beautiful sound!!!!

[@djmeztisoul]

I recognize you. I listened to almost all of the audio clips of your, or rather, father's collection on discogs. Great sound! I am eager to purchase reels from you. Best

[@nomorebushz]

Nine Ball Oh man, thanks, I was hoping that someone would appreciate some of my Audio Clips!

[@fredmccarroll3476]

I have a Pioneer RT-1020L machine that works beautifully! Back in the mid70s I owned a Pioneer RT-1050 two track. I miss that machine.

[@manzanaresantonio]

I own a Tandberg TD-20A SE, A Revox B-77 Mark II a Pioneer RT-707 and my Pioneer RT-1020L and trust me you don't lose any significant sound quality with your Pioneer. Pioneers are built like a tank and they sound great!

[@fsmmike]

Cool I came across one of these units; what is the value of these units on the market? Also have a Pioneer 770 rack mount model; where can I find the current value of that unit? Let me know.

[@ScottGrammer]

I have both a Pioneer RT-707 and an RT-1050. Both needed a lot of love to bring them back to full performance, but they're pretty amazing. I went as far as to replace the regulated power supply in the 1050 to eliminate an "engineered-in" ground loop issue that caused a faint 120 Hz hum. You couldn't hear the hum until I replaced a number of the original transistors with new low-noise devices. After that, the hum was audible above the now very faint hiss from the electronics. The 707 is now calibrated for RTM LPR-35 tape, which is absolutely amazing at low tape speeds. www.redbankvintageaudio.com

[@ScottGrammer]

@@fsmmike Just search for it on eBay, and look for closed/sold items.

[@swinde]

I have a Revox A-77 that still works beautifully, purchased in 1974.

[@jari2018]

I wished I had one when I was in my 20' s - I bought the B 795 revox turntable ,the taperecorders weren't so much affordble for me back then , less now - I just appreciated good sound sound even now .

[@nomorebushz]

I had 2 of those. Portable. Beautiful they were.

[@jmfloyd23]

I owned a Dolby MkIV miss that machine😕

[@captainric2364]

I own a Revox A77 Mk3 4 track suitcase model. It's absolutely fantastic👍

[@TB303]

It always makes me smile when you say typology. Love it 💗

[@anadialog]

Its my darn Italian surfacing! I corrected that now...only 'type'! ;-)

[@TB303]

aww :(

[@anadialog]

😂

[@TB303]

SAME 😋

[@anadialog]

No, no! My mistake...its my Italian kicking in...the correct word is type! Thanks anyways!

[@2574mcu]

I've always used a reel to reel. My first recorder I received as a gift, I was 9 years old. I am 57 now and I'm still using them. I have 2 Pioneer decks A RT909 and a RT707. I have a Tascam 32 for 2 track and 15 inches per second speed. You can't beat the sound quality of the 15 ips speed.

[@anadialog]

Wow! Congratulations for the consistency of your passion for tape! And thanks for sharing your experience Mike!

[@suncookrocks]

I have an AKAI GX-230D reel to reel deck that I bought on Ebay several years ago. I absolutely love it. It is in near mint condition and I've managed to collect about 150 tapes so far. I use it in conjunction with a BBE Sonic Maximizer and the sound quality is fantastic!

[@larryshaver3568]

I agree , reel to reel is much more like a live performance than nearly every other format

[@AceTechHD]

Larry Shaver Vinyl on a good direct drive table comes close!

[@TheHmm43]

I understand the attraction to analog recordings, (and recording) but I don't understand the attraction to "live performances"

[@killmore75]

@@AceTechHD drive belt is better the direct

[@AceTechHD]

@@killmore75 Not sure where you received that information, but it's not entirely true.

[@killmore75]

@@AceTechHD belt drive has less vibration : )

[@ziggiesmith7663]

Take a shot when he says “typology” 🥃

[@anadialog]

😂

[@davidlogansr8007]

I bombed 5 minutes in! How's that for drinking typology!

[@TB303]

which typology of alcohol are you consuming?

[@soundscape3065]

@@TB303 Gin is my favorite typology of booze.

[@donaldmason4959]

Typology???????

[@bruceallen6492]

When I was a kid a friend of mine introduced me to Reel to Reel. His brother was in Vietnam and had brought home a couple of machines from Japan. He still has them and they have been treated very well. I don't remember brands or capabilities.

[@anadialog]

Cool!

[@langston1aladdin]

Probably TEAC. Was big over there.

[@jeremytravis360]

I used to be the buyer and general manager of a store in central London called Teletape. We specialised it tape recorders and tapes. We used to import prerecorded reel to reel tapes from America and we also sold the machines to play them. Over time prerecorded reel to reel tapes fell out of favour with the introduction of high end cassette recorders like Nakamichi. A lot of people would buy the vinyl records and make cassette tapes from the records and settle for that.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for sharing your expetience Jeremy! Cool!

[@jeremytravis360]

Life is not made better by the constant new formats being offered to consumers. I have just watched a video about a another new format of CD called MQA-CD. This requires people to go out and by their music collection again and buy a decoder to decode the MQA-CDs. This is not SACD but something new released in 2018. It's enough to drive consumers crazy.

[@anadialog]

Indeed! Check this way around MQA I recently did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ7ViJireq2mjLs

[@TaylorBlack0]

I recently got a TEAC A-2300SX for next to nothing. It's in almost perfect condition! It came with a NOS sealed reel, BASF LP35. I swear, unwrapping the cellophane on a 40+ year old tape is surreal.

[@anadialog]

How cool is that!?

[@TheSoundrookie]

It's worth mentioning that the continued development of cassette decks was imperative, but even at it's peak the format still never became as good as reel to reel.

[@carlosoruna7174]

Umm nakamichi tt700 and 1000 later the dragon. Tt 1000 was bigger than a reel to reel lol. Not as high but deep..

[@LosFicosMusic]

MAN KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK TAPE GURU!

[@juano402]

Cavolo, ma sei Italiano! Hai tutta la mia stima, sempre più raro trovare gente appassionata e che faccia questi generi di video, così ben spiegati. Corro a vedere la seconda parte.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

I am also a fan of tape....I currently have 2 Pioneer RT-1020s, a Pioneer RT-707, and a TEAC X-1000R (w/dbx). Also a couple of high-end cassette decks, a Pioneer CT-F1250, and a TEAC R888-X. Love `em all ! :-) The best-quality pre-recorded R2R tape in my collection is "Vivaldi`s Four Seasons", with Lorin Mazel directing the Orchestra National de France, Sound quality is incredible. Thanks for sharing your videos !

[@anadialog]

Wow, great collection!! Congrats!!

[@djbigleg3228]

my fav is old analogue 45,s but i did hear a reel to reel as a kid & my memory was it sounded much better than tape cassette.but a very very long time ago but me im getting into recording so i have an old tape 8 track.but put it this way everything was recorded using tape fuji tape has stood the test of time & sounds as good as the day it was recorded.also i was recently just given a box of about 100 old tapes by my mums friend.some rare ones for sure all of them are the faster tapes so i might get a machine & listen also the machine look,s great fine post peace...

[@johnwerner4925]

Here's a different reel to reel story...I was a 12-year old audio nerd. I had a Wollensak 4-track in my own modest, but decent system. I was wanting so bad to get a pre-recorded reel to reel tape of any rock music possible.so I went with my sister to Birmingham, Alabama because she had to go to her optometrist for her contacts. This was summer of '71. She was looking for some place called Godwin Radio that was supposedly stocking some pre-recorded reel to reel titles. Some girl ran a red light turning in front of us (she was to only turn when it was green and clear) and me an my sister ran into the front corner of her. It crushed the front end of my sister's Kharman Ghia (orange no less) which was less than two years old. Thank goodness we were safe but the other driver had no insurance which was not unusual back in those days. So to this day, and I'm 60 now, I've never bought a pre-recorded reel to reel tape yet I still have a reel to reel macine.

[@anadialog]

Nooo! What a sad story!

[@CleberHarrisonGuitar]

Incredible information! What a lesson! Thank you 🤟

[@daves8429]

I am lucky to have a working Akai GX-747 purchased in Germany early 80's. I am having it restored by Muse Audio Service located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I cannot wait to get it back from these talented folks at Muse. The 747 is an awesome tape player/recorder, I am using a DBX noise reduction unit with it and a DBX 1BX as well. I kick my self for not getting the DBX 3BX when I had the chance. Reel to Reel is the way to go...

[@trains365]

I for one would love to see more time spent on the Technics RS - 1500 through 1800 series, their qualities and what it was about them, that made them so darn good and sought after. Thanks!

[@stewartbeckett5642]

I'm surprised to hear Technics did a reel to reel but I know now, I shall look these up.

[@anadialog]

Indeed and they are very good besides being beautiful!

[@colebizwell5407]

I just got my first reel to reel, a Technics RS-714US! Haven't been able to find much on it.

[@kronossonork6994]

Sony, Technics, Akai and Teac were considered the best, but the Holy Grail was Revox.

[@jmfloyd23]

I have 12 machines in my stable. Yes... I love tape!

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

As an audio / recording engineer with 50+ years' experience, I will only say that were it not for the hiss, wow, and flutter, analogue tape - and the associated audio chain - would certainly be the best sounding of all. The 'sampling rate' is infinitesimal (no nyquist!) and the natural warmth is something few ears now would appreciate. However, these analogue devices were far from "pure" especially the tube ones which added harmonic distortion (of the pleasant 2nd order) and intermodulation distortion. Wonderfully pleasing to the ear, but not accurate. From the moment the sound waves from the particular instrument or voice in the studio impacted the microphone diaphragm (or ribbon), the additions began. Thru the mic and its preamp, to the console input, its preamps, line amps, to the tape machine and it's circuitry, then on the the mag tape, back off the tape through the tape machine back to the console, through the console and back to the mixdown tape machine again. Then to mastering - and before finally being committed to a lacquer groove (where it once again becomes a physical representation of the original soundwaves) a trip through more electronics yet again. Yes, analogue sounded wonderful, but it was anything but true and accurate. Were digital to have sampling rates up in the megacycles, we'd have a better approximation of real analogue sound and without the added distortion. I for one, do not miss the hiss, flutter, and wow....and I sure as shit do not miss doing full record/repro alignments on a Dolby-equipped 24 track tape machine.

[@anadialog]

The key word is engaging, not accurate. It is an excercise in search of perfection but faithful to real music. Analog, with all its distortion is more faithful and engaging than digital. Obviously there are excellent digital recordings but it is sadly rare.

[@johnr6168]

Chuckirkpatrick I could hardly agree with you more. Analogue at it's best can sound very good. But, I feel that people confuse "a sound they like" with "a sound that is accurate". In addition to the points you mention, another weakness with tape is phase distortion across the frequency spectrum which softens transients. Dolby processing does a similar thing. This is one of the reasons for the softening of transients which in turns helps to create a sound percieved as warmer. I have a real problem with people saying that digital techniques take the warmth out of the sound. It's more a case that analogue mediums remove some of the finer detail to leave a sound that can seem warmer.

[@Lasse3]

Nice!!! Wow i love this channel ✌ Soon you'll have me hooked on this type of equipment 😅

[@JosephParsekoff-q2l]

u are real good thank you J.P.

[@ProSimex84]

I haven't met anything that sounds as good as my Teac 3340s

[@anadialog]

Good for you! Glad tape is still keeping up these days! That is indeed a good 4 track machine!

[@OGSAFUNKATEER1901]

I own master reels of unreleased songs from a legendary Detroit boogie funk artist from the 80s. One of his 12-inch singles sells for over 700 USD every time it hits eBay. Truly one of my greatest finds.

[@anadialog]

How cool!

[@OGSAFUNKATEER1901]

@@anadialog can you recommend any reel-to-reel machine that will play at 15 ips and 30 ips? There is a kick-ass pioneer up for sale on eBay. I messaged the seller about the same question but he didn't reply.

[@carlosoruna7174]

Ahh the 70s. My bud was running crowns. 2 of each dc60, dc150 , dc300. On jbl components. Including 15 inch woofers. Recorded vynil on a a77 at 15ips.. tt was a thorens with an sme arm and shure v15 , stanton 681eee and a few others. . Source was vynil masters.

[@SiloSoundStudios]

I love tape. I still do more tape than most humans. I got into the consumer 4 tracks several years ago. They CAN sound amazing, but they rarely do. The tapes were usually bin looped and very little care was taken in production. The B side program material leaking througb in quiet spots is really a killer for me. No matter how well your machine is setup, its gonna happen. They were usually made with low levels to keep bleed and other problems minimized. That means a higher noise floor. That being said, I have videos of bunches of them over on my channel. I finally gave up uploading them all, because YT strikes them. I transferred my collection to DSD and havent looked back.

[@michaeleller7514]

Hi, thank you for the great series, I am just starting to try reel to reel thanks to your videos!

[@anadialog]

Glad to hear that!

[@hakonsoreide]

You need to make a t-shirt that just says "Typology"

[@Abruzzo333]

Lots of great decks out there. Tandberg makes some great ones.

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

It is why I liked computer type of a reel to reel, you need just to put a tape on and the rest will be done by the mechanism itself. It is a very convenient.

[@teddlear970]

I have a Roberts 778X. It's a Great machine. Has the 8 Track in the side and works Great. I have the 15ips capstan drive also.

[@user-dy2zy8rd2t]

I have an Ampex AG-350 2 track Studio machine,a Revox B77, an Otari MX5050II, a Pioneer 1020 and 909,and an AKAI GX747Dbx. So I am well endowed with good equipment.I have all kinds of tapes in 2 and 4 track,recorded anywhere from 3-3/4 ips to 15.Although my Akai excels at the slowest speed in both record and playback,there is a distinct audible difference between 3-3/4 and 7-1/2 ips..Also between 2 and 4 track.,even when both are at 7-1/2.The 15 ips 2-track tapes reign supreme on the Ampex,the sound is so open and airy.Tape,particularly the open reel format is,over the long run,the more durable medium-my now 60+ year- old RCA Red Seal 2 track tapes STILL sound fantastic!

[@anadialog]

Congrats for your fabulous collection!

[@user-dy2zy8rd2t]

@@anadialog Thank you! I have taken the position of using the format of choice depending on the type of use and the rarity of the format.For example,I play my vinyls that are either not rare,thrift shop finds,or are already worn somewhat from days before my good equipment.But for my pristine,and/or rare albums I want to preserve,I use my Ampex or other machines to make tapes for everyday use,or to listen to my other tapes.And it's fun to have a variety of sources anyway.I was even thinking of putting an old Teac A-4000 (reel deck with playback-only preamps) in my van!

[@anadialog]

@@user-dy2zy8rd2t in your van?! Just like Mercury Living Presence! Check this video I made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHXdfYSjisqer5o

[@thehunterofdeath2180]

Nice I never new about the different speed on those tape I know they sound good but I never bought one cus is expensive n hard to find those tape on the music I like that dope bro fresh 👍😎

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

You sure love the word "typology". Very educative video btw.

[@nomorebushz]

If I may, I'd like to make an important observation concerning magnetic tape. First, all decks are slightly different when it comes to play, rewind, and fast forward tension. The decks were older, and so are the reels. So, because of tension differences between decks, and playing a reel that hasn't been played on YOUR deck, I suggest playing at correct play speed in both directions BEFORE you use the fast forward or rewind functions. That is one sure way to break a tape, or stretch the tape, both undesirable! How was the tape stored in the last 40-70 years? A garage in Michigan? An attic in Louisiana? Some tape manufacturers were better than others in thickness, oxide particles etc. I recently got a batch of records that included a professional 1/4" 10" reel. The tape was like ...sticky tape! As if it was soaked in glue. I unscrewed the reel and the tape was as solid as a rock. I threw out the solidified tape and gained a Scotch 10" empty reel :-)

[@Albee213]

Reel to reel is awesome but its not convenient at all. Its a fun toy but after a few times of feeding tape most will loose interest. Plus then there is the lack of supplies that make it even less useful. It also changes the sound of what you record onto it. Each tape formulation will have its own sound and that's not a good thing if you are trying to preserve something to sound as close as possible to the original. This does not matter for studio recording instruments, that would be part of its sound. Making copys each time it will sound different. I have experimented with tape and it was by no means a hi-end unit but the results were good. Recording records or CDs to tape changes the sound in a noticeable way, not bad but not good at the same time. I think the best use for these back in the day would be for recording new records the first time they are played and then you could use it for dumping to cassettes and so on. It buy no means is better than CD or other digital formats. If you learn how tape records information it is not that all different from digital sampling. As the tape moves it captures frequencies, let say you want to capture up to 25khz on 1 inch of tape. It then will have 25 thousands slices of audio spread out over 1 inch of tape. Doesn't sound to different that digital capturing 44,100 samples per second now does it. Now I am not hating on tape. Its fun, it sounds good. But just want to be realistic about its capabilities and usefulness. By all means play with it and have fun, that's they best part of any format.

[@anadialog]

Yes, it is difficult to handle and take care of...but what an immense joy for my ears!

[@JerzyRugby]

That's a nice machine! I really like your detailed instructions.

[@anadialog]

Thanks!

[@paulsmith1981]

1970s technology, no new recordings since then. eye wateringly expensive media. This format is nuts.

[@alecl.8511]

Could you imagine if they made metal tapes for these

[@anadialog]

Exactly...I wrote the same thing in a past comment...cassette techmology has developed so much, if only this happened also to R2R bringing also down the absurd costs...

[@tekoppentekoppen761]

3D printed.

[@EdSullivan101]

Metal tape is great for extremely slow speed recording. Completely unnecessary in the professional world, and would only make it MORE expensive.

[@anadialog]

Not true, infact they used metal formulations for video8, which is extremely fast, why?, because it's small. Reel to reel tape would simply be amazing but much much too expensive considering the amount of tape for a standard 1/4' 2 track tape, or worse a mutitrack 2 inch for recording sessions!

[@rods6405]

@@EdSullivan101 No metal tape was used the broadcast digital Video tape recorders made by Panasonic Sony And JVC. Plus is now used by IBM and HP dat recorders

[@johnwerner4925]

I do think prior to HD music (i.e. anything digital at higher than CD resolution) reel to reel tape was the best format for a consumer to get as close to the original master 2-channel mix down tape known as a master. The master used for dubbing is usually a 2nd generation master from the studio's original and safety masters which are first generation. These 2nd generation masters where often sent to the various houses that made LP. assorted cassette/cartridge type tapes, and finally reel to reel. These were very high resolution masters by far and large because of the fact everything that would reach the public spawns from these and the final product can only be quality if the dubbing masters are such - so don't get hung-up on these being 2nd generation masters. Now here's where the reel to reel pre-recorded tapes for the consumer begins as the dubbing master will be loaded on a high-speed replication system. This whole process is designed to make many copies as inexpensively as possible. To do this the machinery is very good indeed as to get the proper tape saturation at higher than real time actual playing speed. Some degradation is a given but besides that one problem, that of wow and flutter, is almost entirely eliminated on high speed dubbing. Basically even with this duplication process a fine reel to reel consumer tape can be made. Here's where the consumer actually never got the best tape possible. Early on in the marketing of reel to reel for the mass market it was decided to go to 4-tracks. First using staggered heads (not worth exploring particularly here) and the to in-line heads. This was done for economics because a four track tape as opposed to the superior two-track could give double the recording time by simply flipping the reel and playing both sides. Simple physics play into the fact that narrower tracks could not be saturated as greatly which affected the fidelity a good bit. Still tape, as long as it moves across the heads fast enough, can still sound wonderful with the 4-track system. This was is where the quality took it's final hit as record companies switched from the early speed of 7.5 inches per second to 3 3/4 ips. While these may have sounded pretty good they didn't approach the quality that reel to reel was capable of. As an avid home recorder of the seventies I felt I could make a better sounding tape dubbing from albums than I could buy. Let it be known I loved reel to reel and owned two different machines during my teenage years. I do think, however, many potential buyers might have never pulled the trigger and bought a reel to reel tape. Albums grew exponentially in popularity which many wonder if the generally high cost of entry into the reel to reel world was worth it. After all reel to reel machines were quite complicated as seen by the general public. The unique combination of tons of mechanical linkages and inner electronics were expensive and required maintenance. Not so much with a record player. The final decline was when the compact cassette took off. It wasn't outwardly complicated at all and it was portable. Two things reel to reel could never be. Players and recorders were relatively inexpensive compared to the big reel to reel decks. So, most folks never heard reel to reel at it's best. My pick for the best sound is 2-track on 10.5 reels running at no less than 7.5 inches per second and even better at 15 inches per second. Either of these speeds could resolve the full-range of a human's hearing and could sound great without any additional noise reduction. Right now many recordings are being re-released in HD digital formats. I'd wager you could make the best reel to reel recording of, let's say Led Zeppelin II, by using a good D/A to make an analog reel to reel copy of this album on a well preserved and maintained 2-track reel to reel deck at 15 inches per second. It would almost have to be better than the original reel to reel tape of this album which was a 4-track high speed duplicated tape running at 7.5 inches per second. The only question is why would anyone do this? Well, if you're like me and loved the format you may want to do it simply as an experiment to see how good analog (i.e warm sounding) reel to reel could actually can be. Other than that reel to reel is a dead medium for consumers for many reasons not the least of which only one new machine is currently being made (the audio manufacturers quit making any new reel to reels as a whole around 1984) and that new machine will cost you between $15K and $25K depending on the options you choose. This new machine is the Ballfinger reel to reel and it's a zinger by all accounts. There is also the United Audio Group who totally re-manufacture old very high-spec decks and there prices aren't much less than the Ballfinger. I have enjoyed my time in audio for many years and a chunk of that was messing with reel to reel decks...but, that time has passed and I'm totally enjoying HD streaming music now so, like most folks the reel to reel format will remain a piece of history.

[@anadialog]

I believe you did not check also my 2 track videos on reel to reel. Apart from that, I do not agree with you. I love and use CDs and high res at its maximum potential but when I go back to vinyl and tape, even of the same recordings, which I have also demostrated in several video tests I made, a food analog sound is just more engaging and close to a live event. I do understand though the convenience of digital. The filters, the compression, and the overall glare of digital music just leaves me cold in most cases.

[@weldondearing3821]

Man your killing me, I want to buy some.

[@anadialog]

🤣🤣

[@anonymex22]

Regarding my little experiences i can say that it's the magnetics tape which is really fabulous over the devices type. ATR claims about 80Milp/s at 15 ips. That's way beyond our 5MilBit/s at 192/24Bit or even 10MilBit/s at 384Khz/24Bit. (Not interpolated) Even the new cassettes are about 10-12MilParticle/s at 1/78IPS. So 4 tracks are easily between 20-40MilParticle/s at 3.75/7.5IPS And 2 tracks wide dynamics and 80/160MilParticle at 15/30IPS Even the 8 tracks cartridge is good because 3.75IPS and dolby B (better than cassette with latest gears or recorded directly from a eigth tracks reel to reel of course well biased) The issue with these devices is that in quite all of them, there is only one bias settings (only some of them like the PR-99 have these settings per speed and easily available) which is set regarding the fastest speed. They seems to thought that the bias adjust feature was not necessary, or something like else. But in fact it is. I plan to modify my decks to add them a bias adujt potentiometer (For quite all of them it's easy, just replace the tape type selector by a potentiometer well connected where you have to to get +/- 20% of reference bias) like in cassette recorder but not by tape type, but by tape speed (Tape type would directly included, and it' allow old tape and new tape recording if needed) in order to get the best of them at all speed and i'm sure i can get the 1/78 speed of 4 tracks player get as good as cassette... (I now undestand why they heavily used the 1/78 speed for FBI recording, the machine must had been adujted regarding the bias) After that it's a question of means. Today the best affortable magnetics quality for consumer is the cassette. Next is the 8 tracks but no more support... And 4 tracks, too expensive in terms of devices and support. The last is 2 track only for proffesionnal/Vinyle production people also very expensive. Also the need of such quality for consummer is today questionnable because there are used to hear AAC/MP3 whose are 44/48Khz with a very poor datarate like 0.32MilBIT/s (Best MP3) And studio makers works at 5MilBIT/s but quite not all, a lots are about 2.5MilBIT/s... So their isn't any interest putting 2.5MilBIT/s on a 160MilParticle/s Tape well biased!!! That's only good for full analog chain!!!, or master tapes and again it's questionnable regarding the source (Dapft punk on a 15 IPS master tape, i hope they are in full analog because with the best of the best motu you don't go better than 5MilBIT/s even if they claim about 25MilBIT/s interpolated input/output datarate, and cubase pro audio engine cut at 50Khz analog bandwidth, so well biased a 7.5IPS was enought, but if you have the money!!!). For the consummers it's a vinyl copy on tape, or 10-20MilBIT/S sources (more coslty i think than a vinyl) There is even labels like Data-disc whose are pushing 1.2MilBIT/S into some vinyls!!! (CD), and even with my informations didn't changes it 's production way!!! I can confirm the more Mil (Particle or BIT)/s have the source the best it will sound on the tape. See my cassette mixtape, sources are about 10MilBIT/s (of course not the original ones posted on youtube) (Not finished, need a new demagnetizer) Of course it's stay the natural aliasing of poor datarate sources into analog format!! In summary yes, analog sound is the best HIFI format, but with a cost and you need the sources!!! NB: Approximate calculated values for the MilParticle from references (ATR and DSD format) NB2: Please don't hesitate to tick me when i do a huge mistake, i'm a human, as imperfect as the word means.

[@MikeSiemens88]

My dad had a Studer Revox 2 track reel to reel. ;) Unfortunately it finally gave up the ghost. I have a 4 track machine but obviously won't be able to play his extensive 2 track library.

[@garethonthetube]

It will be able to play the tapes. Give it a try.

[@cliffperkins2339]

I have 2 TEAC 80-8's that I bought for my coffeehouse. I was going to get at least one of them working properly and even bought some spare parts. I am just too old to mess with it. They are 8 channels which is what I wanted for live music recordings. I have so many other decks to deal with.

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Great video! I am looking forward to seeing the next videos in the series. I have a TEAC A-1500-W reel to reel in beautiful shape. I have been running FLAC files through a Cambridge Audio upsampling DAC, and recording onto high bias tapes. I have been getting some great sounding recordings! I like 7 1/2 IPS also. Thank You much for the video!

[@anadialog]

Thank you for your enthusiasm. Interesting your FLAC-to-tape solution. People usually do something similar on cassette tapes....good job!

[@Tysman909]

I agree I'm getting a akai gx 210D. I still enjoy LP

[@Fader2003]

i had a Voice Of Music Circa 1953 reel-to-reel i loved it

[@jikenj]

Lots of good information thanks a lot. last year I got ahold of a Tascam 32 2 Channel I think it just needs a belt and some lubrication should be good to go thanks again.

[@krikorhadidian897]

My Dear friend at ANA/DIA/LOG. Even I had watched your Video earlier, but since I have no one to turn and ask a question, I took the opportunity to ask you. I have three Amplifiers. Two in my bedroom, SONY Amplifier/Receiver, and KENWOOD (maybe 1970 )only amplifier no receiver. I hooked my two KEF Q series(4ohm) speaker to the KENWOOD, and sounds fantastic; clear crisp, balanced sound. Great bass, great treble. In one word, full body sound. When I hooked my speakers to the ONKYO AMP/RECEIVER, and also to my SONY AMP/RECEIVER both have 4 to 8ohms, the sound on both is "cloudy" it is not like the KENWOOD. You think the SONY and the ONKYO has receivers that is why? . Please let me know about this because I am waiting to buy the new ONKYO A-9110 amplifier. I know you are busy, but no rush. I forgot to mention above. I also have ONKYO Receiver/Amplifier. Thank You, your friend, Krikor.

[@anadialog]

Hi Krikor, judging by what you wrote, to me it seems that the Kenwood is just better. A receiver is usually a lower quality piece of gear than a pure amp but you never know...

[@jark9705]

nice recorder you have!

[@sandeeppuliyanazhath]

Very informative video!!

[@rafaelroalezama8131]

Open to reel the best format.

[@marekslefarski5693]

Hello, you doing really great job!!! Excellent knowledge base for people who don’t know to much, but love music and want to get better and better. What you suggest about first real to real tape deck. I won’t to start but don’t know with what.

[@anadialog]

Thanks Marek! Well, if we are talking 4 track and don't want to spend too much, an Akai or Tascam could be a good idea. At a higher level a Revox, Technics or Otari...

[@mrtim6]

Excellent and informative video, thanks for your efforts. Keep up the great work 👍

[@gregwawryk1898]

Get a 7 inch deck if you want to try out or learn more about reel to reel. You can find some not bad decks for cheap. You may find that reel to reel is not your cup of tea. Most of all is to have fun with this format. 🙂 Cheers Greg

[@reeltapes268]

Enjoyed your video. I recently uncovered an analog studio "barn find" of sorts in a real estate transaction. Abandoned studio with stacks of tapes and reel to reels as well as instruments. I shot a video yesterday in the dark with a flashlight. No power in there yet. If it's something of interest to you, it might be worth a look. I hope to uncover some of the mysteries about it.

[@mcpoulet13]

is this place still around? Ping me I'm super curious!

[@tavito949]

i love reel to reel tape deck I have a PIONER RT 707 AUTO RIVERSE in very good consition & 100 recorder 1800 music tapes

[@anadialog]

What a collection!!

[@dalemettee1147]

I was so impressed with the Techniics RS 1500 US that I got two of them. Paid $950.00 for the first one, six months later, got the second one for $1000.00. Used to record material on one and then doing post production used the second machine. Both were half track models. Also had a 1/4 track for final copies. A 8 track and a cassette were used too. The top end of these fine machines is what grabbed me. Well above the 20K limit of human hearing. Yhe only thing better than these marvels was CD's. Their spec's were and still impressive. Flat 20 to 20K +- - 1hz. S/N below 90 db.

[@nanographics21]

Great

[@alvarocoutinho3103]

Jesus, it’s FIVE YEARS since you published this video! I’m not sure if you are going to see this question… What do you think of the Fostex E-2? 2 track, 15ips, 10.5” reel. In case you see it, thanks a lot for your comment! Keep up the good work!

[@anadialog]

Of course, I try to read all the comments. The Fostex is a great machine, there are better models obviously but this is more than decent, just make sure it is serviced otherwise better invest on other stuff.

[@alvarocoutinho3103]

Thanks a lot!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@churchaudiolife]

love my reel to reel, just a cheap old Sony, but I made some videos with it too.

[@Badassvidsz]

The best format

[@EdSullivan101]

is 15 ips 2-track.

[@anadialog]

He said format, I.e. tape, not speed or number of tracks. If interested I also made videos on those: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53caoiYr9hon7s

[@KandiKlover]

It's a good archival format too. For historical thingies and important audio :3

[@sglucatony]

If you get an akai gx you don't have to worry about heads being worn out cause they don't on these models

[@anadialog]

Hi SgLuca Tony, yes, you are correct, because they are made with glass, just as my Philips N4520 you see in the video.

[@sajiktm]

Thank you for your introduction .... i am an audio engineer .... actually the digital music destroyed the quality and culture of analog music , because the new generation don't know about the quality and the old analog quality machines and music

[@rods6405]

No audio engineers who compressed the shit out of high dynamic range audio multi and 2 track masters whether they were analog or digital masters are to blame. Start with Bob Ludwig who advertised that if you "master with him your song will sound louder on the radio and in the home" then the race to the bottom with audio quality began check out many Foo Fighters albums that were destroyed by the digital compressor and the audio engineer mixing and mastering the music. This all happened back at the birth of CD. I have cd's in my collection that are effectively 27db louder than the most dynamic CD. The "Superjesus Rock Music" album being the loudest most compressed and "Boz Scaggs Silk Degrees" album ( which I purchased for 3 dollars HaHa) being the least compressed and most dynamic but still it hits the 0dB peak. A poor tradesman always blames his tools. old analog machines were great yes but the Digital ones just gave you back what you put into them so Shit In = Shit Out. Search ebay for this "MFSL CD" that is Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Cds and just purchase one. You can also blame bad workflow in mastering as another cause.

[@AliKozy]

Hi you seem like someone best to ask this question. I would like to buy a Reel to Reel for sampling my music back into my DAW when working with music to give it some tape love. Would I be ok with something like an Akai 4000D for example using 7.5ips or would you say something like a Otari Mx5050 2 track would be much better? Like is there a huge difference in what I'll be using it for. Running vocals, drums and various stems to gain some tape love and experimentation? Maybe you haven't used these machines in this way. Thank you in advance and great video.

[@anadialog]

The Otari is in another league. I would make that investment. I also did two dedicated videos on 2 track machines and their aspects. Start here if you haven't seen them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53caoiYr9hon7s&feature=share9

[@Liutaurasify]

I have AKAI GX650D and I love it!

[@anadialog]

Keep it tight!

[@carljung9230]

uses for reel-2-reel: copying borrowed up's, making analog mix tapes, recording live performances. the only way a reel-2-reel makes sense now, is if the music companies start mass producing albums in that format. and they might just do that (if they aren't already) given the money audiophiles would gladly pay for them. what would be a good price for a newly produced album on r-2-r, $25, $35? maybe even $50 for a very desirable album. Of course, the big money and volume would be if the music companies made tapes on demand :)

[@jim_wicks]

I would be interested in knowing how often you clean your tape path and heads? For instance, do you follow the same cleaning procedure with your reel to reel tapes that you do with your vinyl records? In my own experience the tapes we buy on eBay are quite old. I find playing these tapes leaves more of an oxide trail than compared to playing brand new tapes. I am cleaning my reel to reel deck more often than I ever used to just to keep from having a build up of gunge on the tape path and heads - which as you know, if left uncleaned over time will create a buildup of dirt that will affect sound reproduction.

[@anadialog]

Very true! It depends on how much I listen. In any case I do it regularly.

[@jim_wicks]

@@anadialog I'm sure you are aware that the used tapes we buy of popular pop and rock bands are 30-40-50 years old. The lubricant they put on the tapes to keep them supple has lost its usefulness, in many cases. So. As much as we love the bands, these tapes we have no idea how the tapes we buy were stored. Too much humidity, heat, and so on damages the suppleness of the tape to such a degree that we basically threading garbage through our reel to reel machines.Each play requires that we clean the heads and tape path because of the oxide material that comes off the tape. Just sayin'

[@kevinfetner7983]

I think the people that spend $15,000+ on TT's and styli would argue that vehemently with you. A fair analog shootout would be some of these reissue 180 gram+ records played back on those high-end TT's versus the best tapes you could muster on a prosumer deck of your choice (same music).....both played back through the same system, at the same sound levels, using a A/B/X Double-blind listening test. Otherwise, this is just he said, she said conjecture.

[@GUZZI2013]

Hi, thank you for this video. Very informative. I have got a question concerning the equalization. Is this feature only important for recording? Or also for playing prerecorded tapes? If so, why is it also important for prerecorded tapes? Best regards

[@anadialog]

Both! Why? Because according to the area of production prerecorded tapes may have been recorded in NAB or CCIR (IEC) so in order to play them back correctly you need a machine with one or the other or, better, both! The vast majority of tapes you see on eBay done by Ampex at 3 3/4 or 7.5ips are all in NAB. If you don’t apply the correct eq you are going to modify the sound and it will sound worse.

[@lewtoncole]

My first reel to reel was a Tanberg in 1967. By the way we called that a take up reel not a pick up reel.

[@anadialog]

Thanks, yes, I am mainly Italian so I make some mistakes. Sorry about that.

[@joed7185]

I recorded songs in a DAW on my computer. I now want to get the song from my computer to be recorded onto a reel-to-reel and then send the reel-to-reel version of the song back onto my computer. How would I do that?

[@anadialog]

Well, if you arr doing this almost as a high quality plug-in to add analog saturation maybe it isn't worth the effort. In any case, you need a high quality D/A converter ro the the signal to a calibrated reel to reel machine (che my vids on r2r). You then would connect the outputs to a high quality A/D converted with good sampling rate and bit depth and off to your computer for recording...

[@joed7185]

@@anadialog ok will do thank you!

[@yanni5848]

What Model do you suggested for a High End Freak but a simple audiophile Music Lover? Merry Christmas. Jan

[@anadialog]

Well, I would invest in a Technics Rs1500, an Otari 5050 Mklll or an Akai Gx like a 635...

[@mcpoulet13]

Thank you so much for posting this - I was hearing about this format and I'm learning so much. Do you have any tips on where to find 7 1/2 inch pre-recorded for a good price as well as blank quality tapes? I'm considering getting an Otari MX5050 (not sure on the model yet but likely the BQ ii2 model..) I am open to any suggestions on machine too, but I really like that the Otari seems so serviceable and parts are readily available.

[@anadialog]

I mainly got mine on ebay even though prices now are going high. For recording you can get NOS or recorded tapes for cheap. New tapes are from ATR magnetics or Recording the Masters. Otari is a great machine in production until a few years ago.

[@mcpoulet13]

@@anadialog thanks for that. To get NOS cheap, do you look to Ebay to do that?

[@tthedon2471]

@@anadialog it is hard to find pre-recorded tapes or than classical. any ideas? i want to go back to reel. buying a deck is easy, but not finding originally recorded tapes nop. help please

[@israelfwm]

I'm sorry my ignorance or fool question, I'm from Brazil, but what is exactly the meaning of 4 tracks? Are you talking about what? Thank you a lot!

[@anadialog]

No problem! This channel is for everyone! 4 tracks is exactly like the cassette. The recorded records 2 tracks (stereo signal, left and right) of audio in one direction and 2 tracks of audio in the other direction (that is why you must flip the reel after each side).

[@sunilkhusial]

If i want the best quality recording , do i need then dbx or dolby , or is recording without these better.

[@anadialog]

Good question! Well, Dolby and DBX will give you dramatically better signal to noise ratio and that is a good thing. In my opinion it is not paramount. The best recordings in history do not have it! Plus you need good quality equipment to encode the recording in those formats...

[@thermionic1234567]

I have a half track Revox B77. What were they smoking when they came up with the four track? These units are and can be unnecessarily-complicated - especially with auto reverse.

[@Dave64track]

Just come across your channel great tutorial and explanation how the different systems work looking forward to watching more as I catch up with your channel. I could do with a bit of advice I bought a Akai GX4000D with quite a few tapes it sounds great and records fantastic not problems. I just have one issue which i could do with some help please it's with one of the breaks it goes fast forward and stops perfect no slack tape. It rewinds and stops perfect no slack tape. But when I play a tape and stop it sometimes it leaves some slack tape just after the pinch roller is this one of the breaks and if so which break do you think requires adjustment will it be the tape up spool or the supply spool as its hard to tell when watching it. Thanks in advance keep up the good stuff i have lots to learn about this great hobby.

[@anadialog]

Hi David, thanks for yoir commwbt. This is a very technical question and unfortunately I don't know. You need a tech for stuff like that. It seems strange though that during FF RW you do not experiencebthe same problem...tje best (and cheapest) thing is to open a thread on Tapeheads...they will surely help!

[@SpiralMind6869]

What are your thoughts on TEAC 3340s as an entry unit. If I get started in real to real I want the ability to us 10” reals and 4 track. That way if I move up to better units my tape investment goes with me. I can’t afford a refurbish unit, is it worth my time getting what appears to be a good unit on eBay. Or should I wait until I can get a refurbished one when I can afford it. I see Technics units but the price is unbelievable. Thanks. Hope you and your family are well.

[@anadialog]

Great piece! Not the best s/n ration but ok. Try getting this or even a better model that is broken but looking good, then YOU send it to a lab. It will cost much much less that way! The risk is that the machine has a serious problem but its rare.

[@SpiralMind6869]

Thanks for the information. I think I’ll wait for a while and get a refurbished unit when I can afford it. Rather then jumping in on unit that is questionable. Also looked harder at the specs and as you pointed out there is a a difference between the teac and other decks.

[@mixtapesforever1765]

good video

[@adamstoby96]

sony tc-399 for $2.50 a single missing knob and all of the worm screws are missing head is good motor and mechanical rock solid casing is nearly flawless i cant think of a better way of spending this amount

[@anadialog]

😱

[@sammcrae8892]

That beats mine. I had a Sony Deck I found in a little garage sale for $10, but it was in very nice shape, and worked perfectly. After five years of joy, I came back to my house after a Christmas trip to Texas, to find my front door gone, and my house burned, along with the Sony Reel to Reel, a fine vintage Pioneer Receiver and turntable, and everything else that went with it all.

[@TomokoAbe_]

I love my reel-to-reel player. It's very upsetting they are no longer sold except "vintage"

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

NOT true ! You CAN buy a brand-new one, such as this beauty from United Home Audio www.unitedhomeproducts.com/, but only if your wallet can take a BIG hit. Another choice would be a refurbished unit from Jcorder….still not exactly cheap, but drop-dead beautiful !

[@israelfwm]

How about vinyl? Vynil or Cassette tape, wich is the best?

[@anadialog]

Big question! If we take a high quality type II or type IV cassette and recorded on a professional deck, cassette may win over vinyl IMO.

[@christianlandaetatorres15560]

If you excuse my opinion 3 3/4 i.p.s. tapes are not worth at all. It's certainly a beautiful and attractive format I used to worked with during my Fm radio work days 1983-1996. Greetings from Chile.

[@sakhiahmadjan4598]

Top quality of recording

[@patrickjohnson5658]

Instead of having to move the tape past a stationary head at a high rate of speed to get good quality sound, why didn't they go down the road of VCR's where they moved the tape slowly past a spinning tape head mounted on the head drum?

[@anadialog]

True! I did 2 videos on this. Well, because that mechanism is very bulky, expensive and delicate. Think of the portable DAT recorders....

[@rods6405]

They did its called a Dat Machine I have a Sony one sitting next to me. I use it as a DA connected to my computerssss its meters also have a peak margin feature thats is still useful

[@pablitovespacito]

Where do you buy theese original tapes? I have a Phlips N4506 totally restored.

[@anadialog]

Hi Pablo, ebay is practically the only place. Check also your local/ national used items websitea. There you coukd make some deals. On ebay you have to write "reel to reel tape" + the speed. Congrats for your machine! Love my Philips N4520.

[@haroldfarthington7492]

Excuse me sir, what would be the best portable reel to reel recorder to get? Good for music

[@anadialog]

The best portable recorder is surely the Nagra IV-S. I used to have one but I sold it in the end to get my Telefunken...

[@haroldfarthington7492]

ANA[DIA]LOG thank you it looks very nice; and suitable to my future ambitions.

[@bonusnudges]

Nagra is definitely the best , but they’re super mega expensive . The next one down is a Uher report monitor 4400 , they’re still expensive , a cheaper machine is an Akai x-v , they are a really good versatile machine and a personal favourite of mine

[@chetkittleson4156]

Back in the day, Uher and Nagra were the best. See the movie Diva for the Nagra involvement. Thunderball shows the Uher 4000, a good machine for its dual function knobs

[@scienceforyoung]

Nice, really helpful. I have from my dad a Sony Tapecorder TC-530 and some 7 1/2 cassettes of Andy Williams but we don’t have the power cord to give it a try again, hope to find one compatible. This device is from what year? Do you know? What artists can i found in this format? In ebay they are just a few, more soundtracks of movies than rock bands or other artists. Thks

[@anadialog]

Thanks Luis. The machine, I saw online, was produce 1967. To be honest the specs are non very good, but who cares. When its something that your father used, it becomes the best recorded in the world! Are you kidding? On Ebay they're dozens of thousands of tapes. Even rock bands! Search with different key words...reel, tape, 7.5ips, 4 track, 7 1/2 etc....there should also be a specific section on Ebay...need to look in detail for it...

[@jari2018]

Anyone thats interested how Revox 77 recordings on vinyl could search for early classic ( folk or other ) BIS vinyls - I think the first 50 or 100? in the catalog was analogy recorded and made into vinyl .You should look out for the label where its say BIS under there is like LP-4 (a77 recording)LP-155(a77)or LP-285 which seems to be"digital and digital metal mastering (DMM) .

[@mikeos1]

can you talk a bit about bias and equalisation? how do you decide the settings?

[@anadialog]

Will do in a future video dedicated to recording!

[@mikeos1]

Thanks. I've got a Teac Dolby R2R and I'm usually at a loss when deciding the recording controls.