I should also point out that tape heads and guides need to be periodically deguassed because they can pick up a residual magnetic field that will slowly erase the high frequencies on the tape. To do that you need a tape head demagnetizer.
The dangerous world of Reel-to-Reel Tape
It feels like I re-entered the world of tape knowing full well of all the downsides, yet I did it anyway. I spent much of my youth glued to my dad's decks, making recordings. As cassette and digital came of age, I always appreciated the sound of tape.
Whether this adventure is worth it is a subjective exercise. For folks who plop down $500-$1k on cables or those who swap gear often, tape is really not that expensive, relatively speaking. Titles are limited though.
The sound quality and experience is quite something. Before jumping back into R2R, I had 4 versions of Muddy Waters' Folksinger. Hearing Chad Kasem's firm's work on it in 15ips it's just something else. Body, size, and presence are just different than very good vinyl and digital. And this is with the stock reproduce board from a Revox PR99 MKIII. I can only imagine what's going to happen when I rebuild that card, put in a modern one, or run directly from the head out to a preamp.
Maybe I'll see some of you in R2R Rehab, where I'll try to get sober from tape.
Showing 3 responses by atmasphere
@oldschool1948 This is the shedding to which I was referring in my prior post. Tapes that have this problem, if not too severe, can be baked in an oven at low temperature to chase out the moisture that is causing the shedding. About 175 degrees works; you need at least 2 hours. Its better if you remove the tape from the reel (this have what is known as a 'pancake') so the moisture can leave easier. But I've baked tapes without doing that and its worked fine. We keep a toaster oven in the studio for this purpose. |
@kraftwerkturbo That depends on storage. They need to be stored in a low humidity environment to prevent shedding of the oxide on which the recording exists. It that is done the tape will last decades with ease. For this reason its better to store tapes in an attic rather than a basement! Its also a good idea to store the tape in a plastic bag in its box, along with a packet of Silica Gel. |