Tape numbers / types ?

[Audio Al]

Hi R2R ers

Anyone have the low down on R2R tape types ? Does it equate 2 old film
25ASA
50 ASA etc
Would be interesting 2 know what its all about :)

[Barry]

Apart from tape length (in feet), I think the tape numbers, or designations, are chosen by the various manufacturers.

[topoxforddoc]

Al,
As Barry said, I think that tape numbers in the description are just manufacturer numbers. there's no convention like camera film.

[337alant]

Al
As others have said lots of tape manufactrers have their own ref numbers that are not common accoss different brands so its not easy, its allways best to look at manufacturers web sites for each tapes individual spec
MRL have loads of good links to ref information on their web site
http://www.mrltapes.com/
There is also this guide on Tapeheads.net where they group tape types together in a table
http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=20650

Alan

[Audio Al]

Well thats strange I thought the tapes had different metal content in the mix before it was applied 2 the tape backing , and this was why a specific tape needed setting up for different R2R machines :scratch:

[Ali Tait]

I'm no expert, but a machine will need setting up for a particular brand and model of tape if you want the best possible results, as each tape is slightly dfferent as regards bias settings etc.

[Lodgesound]

Pick a tape and settle on it from a personal standpoint.

Then get your machine calibrated or calibrate your machine to that type of tape.

This is what studios used to do and even massive corporations like the BBC (who actually had tape made for them to a specific standard).

Most tape sounds uniformly excellent IF your machine is set up to handle it.