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What is Half track and quarter track?

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I used to own a 4 track Dokorder reel-to-reel machine back in the '70s & '80s. I had 4 meters that I could engage all at once, or choose which track I wanted to record on. I never did much with this feature because all I used the machine for was to record my LP's. What the heck is a quarter track and half track machine? Do they use the same width of tape that a two track or 4 track machine would use? Are half track and quarter track machines for consumer use or just for pro use? Were pre-recorded tapes two track?
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Showing 1 response by audioguyintn

audioguyintn
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1/4-track and 4-track ARE NOT THE SAME.

Veteran professional recording engineer of 40 years.

1/4 track is two tracks using one half the tape width for a pass in one direction.

4-track is 4 tracks using the full width of the tape for a pass in one direction

Most 4-track machines can play 1/4 track content, but will be playing both passes in one direction, so that the 3 & 4 tracks are being played "backwards"

1/4 does not equal 4, just as 1/3 does not equal 30%.  Sound similar, not same.

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