The Analog Tape Thread

[Neil McCauley]

I make do with one of these:



The Nagra model IV-S, fitted with 'full-width' two track heads.

Very, very beautiful!

[Beechwoods]

Seeing as we're talking open reel machines now, here's a couple more pictures from me - not all my collection, just those I have pictures of easily to hand





Thermionic... OMG. You are a very lucky man having those machines!

Barry... I love that picture of the Nagra. Real industrial art.

[Barry]

Barry... I love that picture of the Nagra. Real industrial art.

Well spotted Nick. I chose it because it is such a good example of CGI.

However if you think I have cheated, here is a photo of my machine:



Regards

[Beechwoods]

I've never seen yours close up before! It's got a differently styled lid to mine! Early serial number too

Here's a bit of a poorly prepared picture of mine... the lid was just placed on, with the capstan release lever disengaged

[Barry]

I've never seen your close up before! It's got a differently styled lid to mine! Early serial number too

Later samples had a 'press to open' catch on the lid, as well as different headphone controls situated on the left-hand side of the front panel.

I detailed these differences along with my experiences of the Nagra IV-S for Neil's 'Adventures in Hi Fidelity Audio':

http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com...-tape-machine/ .

Despite the early serial number, the heads on mine are new.

[Beechwoods]

You did indeed Barry, it's just interesting to spot the differences anyway, the Pilot and Speed indicators, the screws around the Modulometer, the headphone level control, the tape guides...

[Thermionic]

A few more machines which I once used but can't bring myself to get rid:



1971 Phillips Pro12




Akai GX77




A pair of Uhers (lower one BBC modified)




Ferrograph Logic 7

The one machine I still use quite a bit is the Nagra T-Audio, I use this with the Dolby (A) 361's to record Radio 3 concerts from a Yamaha CT7000. I find that despite the new high bit rate internet feeds they are using, the old fashioned way (even at 7.5 I.P.S) seems to sound a bit 'better'. But I would say that wouldn't I?

I have always liked tape, and there is something about lacing a machine up which is a bit like playing an LP but better. Trouble is that I mostly now use Ipod and computer for most of my listening, which really does make tape look like something from a bygone and lost age.

Oh, and very nice Nagra IV's by the way, I am jealous! I played with some IV's and the instrumentation version for a few weeks once and it was interesting to ponder the differing approaches of Mr Kudelski and Mr Quellett.

Sorry for the couple of large images, it's been a while since I played with image loading.

[Beechwoods]

My Uher 4000 RM was BBC modified too, but I unmodified it with the help of original parts which are still thankfully available. The modification on yours is very well done. They just cut the speed control knob shaft off on mine, in addition to the power switch mod they liked to do.

[Marco]

A few more machines which I once used but can't bring myself to get rid:



1971 Phillips Pro12




Akai GX77




A pair of Uhers (lower one BBC modified)

Beautiful machines, mate!

Could you do me a favour though please and add your real first name and proper location to your profile? This is required by all members - cheers!

Marco.

[joey]

Heres mine, Havnt got any of my Reel to Reel yet.....

Nad 6000