The Analog Tape Thread

[WOStantonCS100]

...if there isn't one already

Just wondering if anyone else partakes of this pleasure in a home environment. If so, how about highlighting your favorite gear and/or media. Tape porn :eyebrows: and the discussion of such, welcome.

[Thing Fish]

I have a second system in the back room consisting of a beautiful 1970s Pioneer SX950 firing into a pair if musical fidelity MC2's. One of the source is an SVHS player that I just use for sound. Though not really hifi the reproduction is surprisingly good. I mainly just use it during parties. If I had the money I would love a Revox B77. Oh hum...

[Beechwoods]

Here are a few of my cassette-based sources. I use a Nakamichi CR7 as my main cassette deck at the moment, but don't have any decent pictures to hand.

My Nakamichi ZX7, with a Uher 4000RM reel to reel on top...

http://homepage.mac.com/beechwoods/beechwoods_room/beechwoods_2008-09-28_10_s.jpg

My Sony EL7 Elcaset... what a thing of beauty this is :)

http://homepage.mac.com/beechwoods/beechwoods_room2/IMG_1131_s.jpg

A rather unusual NEAL Ferrograph 302, given to me by AnthonyTD on the forum. Apparently, Naim toyed with a cassette deck based upon this machine, but the launch of CD killed the idea.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/beechwoods_den/beechwoodsden_201004_08.jpg

A Technics M85, and a Studer A710... The M85 isn't working properly, it's a long term project of mine to get it sorted. Fettled, they are very nice machines indeed.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/beechwoods/gallery/IMG_2385_s.jpg

[Beobloke]

Here's my Technics RS-9900...

[Wakefield Turntables]

Many things of great beauty. My tape porn comes in the guise of a Nak CR3E, nothing special :( I'd love a CR7 or a Dragon, funds dont permit at this minute as I'm going through the process of upgrading the 1210 and all the interconnects I use. ;)

[WOStantonCS100]

:popcorn: ...someone dim the lights, please... :cool:

[tommy6206]

Got a Tascam 34 and a couple Akai 4000DS's for rtr and a Nad and couple technics for cassettes

[Thermionic]

Tape Porn

How about these?

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/TA1.jpg

Nagra T-Audio (in small reel configuration), Dolby 361's

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/SU81.jpg

Stellavox SU8

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/SNN1-1.jpg

Nagra SNN

[Neil McCauley]

I use:


Tascam 32-2b
Teac 7300RX
Nakamichi 680ZX (two-speed)
Sony DTC 55Es and ...
Sony Pro Walkman.


Also various digital recorders inc a Fostex.

[Barry]

I make do with one of these:

http://likecool.com/Gear/MediaPlayer/Nagra%20IV-S%20Professional%20Tape%20Recorder/Nagra-IV-S-Professional-Tape-Recorder.jpg

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

[Neil McCauley]

I make do with one of these:

http://likecool.com/Gear/MediaPlayer/Nagra%20IV-S%20Professional%20Tape%20Recorder/Nagra-IV-S-Professional-Tape-Recorder.jpg

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 :)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/beechwoods_den/file-1.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/beechwoods_den/beechwoodsden_201004_04.jpg

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:

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/021.jpg

Regards

[Beechwoods]

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

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

http://homepage.mac.com/beechwoods/beechwoods_room/beechwoods_2008-09-28_09_s.jpg

[Barry]

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

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/22/07/2011/the-nagra-iv-s-two-track-magic-in-a-portable-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:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/PRO121.jpg

1971 Phillips Pro12


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/GX771.jpg

Akai GX77


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/Uhers1.jpg

A pair of Uhers (lower one BBC modified)


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/Logic71.jpg

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:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/PRO121.jpg

1971 Phillips Pro12


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/GX771.jpg

Akai GX77


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/Uhers1.jpg

A pair of Uhers (lower one BBC modified)


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/Logic71.jpg


Beautiful machines, mate! :stalks: :stalks:

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! :cool:

Marco.

[joey]

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

Nad 6000

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii204/joestanton4/11017e69.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii204/joestanton4/e79694bb.jpg

[Thermionic]

Another bit of analogue art?

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/VPR5/VPR-5.jpg

I suppose one of the most remarkable reel-to-reel analogue tape recorders ever made was the Ampex / Nagra VPR-5. This in fact was a C Format broadcast video recorder, a sort of television version of the tiny Nagra SNN.

This example is an early (prototype?) version circa 1984 that was used and modified by the BBC. It is shown here in the 20 Minute reel configuration (which can easily be changed to 1 Hour reels) with the wired remote control - on a period bit of G Plan!. It has 4 audio channels, 4 motors, 16 heads, built-in insert and assembly editing, timecode and a very advanced battery and tape management system.

Built to ‘aerospace standards’ for lightness and with most of the electronics surface mount, it was regarded by many as a work of art.

[Reid Malenfant]

Built to ‘aerospace standards’ for lightness and with most of the electronics surface mount, it was regarded by many as a work of art.
I'd still regard it as such! All Nagra stuff is a joy to behold, that thing is stunning though :drool:

[Rare Bird]

Gis that 'Logic 7' Gino :eyebrows: o i'll have that 'Series 7' reel you have on that Philips aswell :cool:

Analogue tape is near enough my primary source.

[WOStantonCS100]

:stalks: Eye-popping stuff, gents. I'm off for a few days; so, I think I'll run a couple new reels and break the seal on a few cassettes. :)

[WOStantonCS100]

Revox PR99Mk1 Will it ever go back together?

Before

Everything's nice and tidy back here.

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/IMG_8886.jpg

I removed the right (stationary) tape guide for replacement. What once was circular became oblong. It was turned a few times by the previous owner(s); so, it was time to replace it.

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/IMG_8887.jpg

I decided to turn the tension arms while I was at it.

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/IMG_8888.jpg

The left tension arm is actually attached to the back of the top, front faceplate.

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/IMG_8889.jpg

After

She lives! :)

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/IMG_8892.jpg

[Lodgesound]

Lovely VPR 5 there Gino.....did you know that there were only 25 of them brought into this country? The new cost on one was around £75000 in 1986!!

I have one myself that still works and is still so well lined up that I use it to make C Format test tapes.

Like your VPR 80 in the background BTW....I have 2 entire Ampex field service kits full of new devices from these - would you be interested?

[Thermionic]

Nice machine Biff, the PR99 is a good straight forward recorder - provided you can get and un-knackered one with the pots and meters. I miss mine rather.

Hi Lodgesound, wondered if you would notice the VPR-5, pleased you have one as well.

Yes, I also know something about these machines, and a while ago did some web pages about them. Mine is in unknown condition as the internal back-up battery went flat, but it still seems to be working pretty well. I have the field playback adapter and can get colour pictures of a sort, though have never bothered to hook it up to a proper TBC.

I was for a while a bit of a collector of serious video kit (hence the VPR-80), and I have the odd 3 tube E.N.G. camera lurking. I once hoped to take the Nagra and an HL79d out and about, but never got around to it.

Thanks for the thought about the service kits, but I have a pretty complete set of spare VPR-80 electronics. Now if you had a service kit for the VPR-5, that would be another matter!

[Lodgesound]

I do actually - the full toolkit with all the alignment jigs and scanner puller, spring balances etc.........

Found it a while ago now and have never seen one since.

[Neil McCauley]

FYI re vintage R2R

http://bit.ly/oPKxIM

Regards

Howard

[Lodgesound]

Most interesting read there Howard. Regarding the N4520 - I had one of these and it was only ever quarter track - was the model you had switchable in some way?

[Rare Bird]

'N4522' is the half track version innit?

[Lodgesound]

Hi Andre....

I was'nt aware that Philips ever made a half track version of the N4520...

[DSJR]

I lose track (apologies :)) of model numbers, but I remember Philips having a neat 2 and/or 4 track machine in the late 70's around the time the Revox B77 came out. It performed well as I remember, spoilt by the supposedly cheap plastic chassis the trims were bonded to (the B77 was so solid in comparison...). maybe I have the wrong generation - I also remember a stylish looking beast Philps made with 10.5" spools and a row of flashy sliders - 4450 I think it was..



P.S. Elegant or not, I can't gorgive our dem Tandberg TD20A for all but shredding one of our demo tapes with loads of edits in. This tape had been shuttled back and forth on Ferrograph Logic 7's, B77's and a wonderful to watch Technics 1500, but the first wind on the 20A and an edit split and left yards of tape all over the floor!

[Beechwoods]

The TD20A does snatch at tape - you have to be careful, but it does sound good.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I stumbled on this old piece of film - RCA Victor promoting a tape format that I've never heard of before.
Just brilliant!

lCYX2eooEVo

[Rare Bird]

Just poped in to post a couple pickkies. you know when you can't help yourself. :)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/LIVING-SIN/Series7.jpg

The above is one of three Ferrograph standard 'Series 7' machines i own, this particular one is just about finished ready for another 40 years service, it's only requires the missing on/off knob but thankfully i have a mint one coming in the post anytime now :) it's an Half track version, i've recently fitted brand new Idler Wheels & Pinch Roller amongst other things..8.25'' reels are a fine compromise imho..

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/LIVING-SIN/Logic7.jpg

The above is in pieces at the moment this is one of two Ferrograph 'Logic 7' machines i have, this is also an Half Track high speed version, it's not working at the mo, i think it has a relay issue which i'll sort next year.. but ive fitted a new head block, Idler Wheels & Pinch Roll already..

I do also have a Ferrograph 'Super Seven' boxed away i can't get to at the mo for a picture but will do at a later date..

Hopefully next year our living room will look a little less like a Ferrograph graveyard :eyebrows:. :eyebrows:

...................................

If anyone ever sees a Vortexion 'CBL/7T' for sale please let me know

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/LIVING-SIN/CBL7T.jpg

[DSJR]

Andr'e mate, ALWAYS a pleasure to read your posts here and I really do love old Ferrographs from this era and as you know, was especially fond of the Logic 7.

Hope you have a great Christmas and NEVER say "never" where AOS is concerned :respect:

[AAshton]

Excellent a Nagra and other stuff thread :)

Here's one of my Nagra's that hasn't already been pictured

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q157/PoppyPig/Misc/NAGRA-E800.jpg

I also have an EMI TR51A but that is out of reach at the moment so no picture.

Andrew

[WOStantonCS100]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/LIVING-SIN/Series7.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/LIVING-SIN/Logic7.jpg

Gorgeous gear. What's in the top right of the first photo, next to the Series 7? Is that outboard Ferrograph gear, perhaps separate amps?? I don't see meters. :scratch:

[Roy S]

Just poped in to post a couple pickkies. you know when you can't help yourself. :)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/LIVING-SIN/Series7.jpg

The above is one of three Ferrograph standard 'Series 7' machines i own, this particular one is just about finished ready for another 40 years service, it's only requires the missing on/off knob but thankfully i have a mint one coming in the post anytime now :) it's an Half track version, i've recently fitted brand new Idler Wheels & Pinch Roller amongst other things..8.25'' reels are a fine compromise imho..



Gorgeous bit of kit, must liberate my reel to reel from Mum's, it's one of these -
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/AkaiGX625.jpg

[WOStantonCS100]

I stumbled on this old piece of film - RCA Victor promoting a tape format that I've never heard of before.
Just brilliant!

:lol: Those old promos crack me up.

Meanwhile, back at the lodge, RMGI and ATR still churn out newly manufactured reel to reel tape.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Gorgeous bit of kit, must liberate my reel to reel from Mum's, it's one of these -

Snap!

..................nearly.

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4247/dscf17370.jpg

[Rare Bird]

Gorgeous gear. What's in the top right of the first photo, next to the Series 7? Is that outboard Ferrograph gear, perhaps separate amps?? I don't see meters. :scratch:

Hi Biff

They are Mk.I & II Ferrograph 'F307' amplifiers.

[vencel]

Hello,

Anyone could tell me what could be the price of a properly working Studer A807?
I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks and regards,

[musicmanrob]

Hello and and hope I am in the right place to post this. I am new here and welcome all comments. I also appreciate each of you for sharing your tape experience with me. I became a lover of Reel to Reel machines and related music when I returned from Germany in 2007. I have had a number of tape decks purchased from Ebay. I finally learned I had to be more than careful as several of the tape decks did not arrive as represented by the seller. Now I have a Tascam 32-2B and Tascam 42B. The 42B is my favorite to the extent I has is specially modified to play directly from the playback heads through a tube tape head pre-amp. I have acquired 15 plus tapes. Equalizations are IEC or NAB and all tapes run at 15ips. I will try to figure out how to put photos of my system here as soon as possible. Thanks again for your patience.

bob:)

[Audio Al]

Hi Bob and welcome to the forum

All Reel to Reel topics now go in here http://theartofsound.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?94-The-Show-Reel

Cheers :)