When looking to get into the world of analogue reel to reel recorders there are one or two questions that will come to mind. Are all recorders and players compatible? What different tape speeds are there? What tape sizes are there and what is the significance? And why are analogue recorders still so popular.
Reel to reel recorders come in a variety of recording formats, shapes and sizes. And although most of the major manufacturers no longer make these appliances there are many still available, maintenance is easy, parts are freely available and there are plenty of specialist repairers around.
Professional players are usually stereo half-track recorders for stereo recording, meaning that the left channel occupies half the tape width, and the right channel the other half. Whereas, players intended for domestic use, tended to be quarter track machines meaning they recorded two channels in one direction, each track occupying slightly less than a quarter of the total tape width, and two in the other when the tape was turned over.
As for compatibility, in normal circumstances, a half-track machine won't be able to play quarter-track tapes, and, similarly, quarter track machines won't accommodate half track tapes. However, if the machine is fitted with additional heads it can accommodate the alternative format. Some reel to reel models came with this facility as an option.
Speeds can range between 1.875 and 15 ips (inches per second) although on rare occasions 30ips has been known to be used, but only on the bigger multi tracks and half-inch mastering machines. Domestic machines would typically have two speeds of 3.75 and 7.5 ips, although the option of a slower speed (1.875 ips) was common on a lot of machines and some analogue players offered three speeds instead of two.
Professional machines use typical speeds of 7.5 and 15 ips.
Generally speaking 1/4inch mono or stereo appliances were the norm for domestic applications, while the professionals used quarter inch, half inch, one inch and two inch mono, stereo and multi-track tape machines and because of the quality of sound produced, still do.
There were many recorder manufacturers in the heyday of the analogue tape machines, such as Akai, Studer/Revox, Ampex, Pioneer, Teac and many others, but the cheaper cassette players came into being and many opted for this easier to use option. The advantages of a reel to reel tape recorder, however, is the quality of recorded sound and the ability and relative ease of editing your tapes
A good many of these machines have had a hard life, especially the machines that have been used professionally and, although parts are relatively available a cheap machine can become expensive . However, good quality machines are widely available and are still immensely popular amongst people who cherish the more harmonious and fuller sound of these players.
Related Articles
Bingohall, the Many Bingo Games and Casino Games at the Web’s Number One Online Bingo Website
By: James Murray | 27/01/2008 | Art and Entertainment
BingoHall is the place to be when it comes to online Bingo games! When you join, you will receive your free $5 bingo bucks, no deposit required and start having fun right away.
Vicsbingo, the Complete Entertaining Online Bingo Experience
By: James Murray | 30/01/2008 | Art and Entertainment
Welcome to Vics Bingo, please meet Goober...He is the official mascot of Vics Bingo and awaits you upon entering their website where you will be met with an explosion of colour and graphic imagery enough to brighten up any dull room.
How to Succeed on your Marketing Strategies
By: Tsuyoshi E. Suzuki | 01/02/2008 | Marketing
Researching the best Internet marketing strategies is a bit of a task. How to succeed and Stay on Task with Your Internet Marketing Promotion Strategies is a must for you. Among internet marketing strategies that most marketers are not using effectively is autoresponder marketing.
How to Download Free Podcasts
By: James Murray | 23/09/2007 | Internet
To find and download a free podcasts is really easy. Podcast directories are probably the best way to find free podcasts. Podcast directories have thousands of different podcasts listed.
Online Business Brain Dump - Create a Mailing List
By: Brent Riggs | 17/10/2007 | Marketing
Without a doubt, this is absolutely the most VITAL and NECESSARY tool for your business!
Health, Exercise for Sleeping Better in your Life and as a Power Source
By: James Murray | 29/10/2007 | Health
The amount of physical exercise that you exert during the day is one of the key ingredients to helping you get a good sleep at night. The more active your body is during the day, the more likely you are to relax at night and fall asleep faster.
Bad Tenants Make you Big Money
By: Michael Keen | 06/11/2007 | Marketing
Ever thought bad tenants were (ofcourse they are) , well the key to earning instead of losing from bad tenants is simple to sell all there stuff. It might sound a little mean at first but if done right you can gain everything they own literally. Liquidated damages - damages are said to be liquidated (also referred to as liquidated and ascertained damages) when the amount of damages recoverable in the event of a specified breach (eg late performance) is agreed at the date of the contract. In such circumstances a liquidated damages provision will be included in the contract. When damages are not predetermined/assessed in advance then the amount recoverable is said to be ‘at large’ (to be agreed or determined by a court or tribunal in the event of breach).
Online Bingos, Bingo Liner Site Review
By: James Murray | 16/11/2007 | Online Gambling
One of the best online bingos is Bingo Liner. Play bingo at Bingo Liner's 3-dimensional bingo halls. Looking for a website filled with fun and excitement?
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Agel products as good as they say? was ...
By: tiginat | 24-11-2007
Are the Agel products as good as they say?was there any research on how they effect our health and body?
Newspaper
By: dswagner | 21-11-2007
I want to publish an advertising magazine. How do I get good articles and also news to be published in my magazine?
Automated customer service
By: ManuelGarcia | 17-11-2007
Hi, I am looking for reliable articles that will give me some information about automated customer service. Can someone pls provide me with a website? Thanks Manuel
Is an iPod Shuffle - 1 GB a good prize for an ...
By: wickedtruth | 17-11-2007
Is an iPod Shuffle - 1 GB a good prize for an online contest/drawing? If not, do you have any other suggestions?
What's an ideal hosting company and plan for me?
By: dereo | 12-11-2007
I'm looking for a hosting plan that can handle 5 small business websites. Combined, they use around 50-100GB of bandwidth each month. 2 of them require SSL certificates and have small PHP ecommerce stores. All of the sites use PHP. I would not know how to and do not want to deal with any server administration. What's an ideal, reliable, and affordable hosting company and plan for me?
What is seo?
By: freepass99 | 12-11-2007
what is seo?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Music Articles
Tim Young Releases Third Album 'the Cost' on not Fade Away Records
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Album to be available through major digital retailers on September 9th
Kazaa Free Music Downloads - O Kazza
By: Ben Levanger | 20/08/2008
In this day and age, millions surf the internet in search of free music downloads. There are numerous websites that offer access to thousands of audio files. Hence, now music buffs can enhance their song collections by downloading music files from these sites.
Free Music Downloads For Itunes - Why You Should Avoid Them
By: Ben Levanger | 20/08/2008
iTunes is the worlds favorite personal jukebox from Apple Inc and is being widely used by Apple iPod owners for organizing all their music and videos in one place. iTunes is noted particularly for its ability to synchronize with Apples favorite music player iPod and iPhone, for transferring music.
Friends and Family Join Ray Brown Jr. on His New Release
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Ray Brown Jr.'s newest CD, "Friends and Family" is an all-star duets album with Ray joined by some of his well-known musician friends including Dionne Warwick, Dr. John and Sophie B. Hawkins
The Musical Box Tickets—reliving the Wonder of a Genesis Show
By: Andrew Good | 20/08/2008
A tribute band to out-tribute them all, The Musical Box salutes the innovation and celebrates the music of the band Genesis with a spectacular display of creativity.
Musical Starstreams Tapped for Nightly Airing on Wnua, Chicago, #3 National Media Market
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Long-running syndicated program of exotic electronica on radio, satellite and the internet, Musical Starstreams, commences nightly run in Chicago on WNUA
Nylon Magazine Music Tour Tickets—see Your Favorite Magazine’s Favorite Bands!
By: Andrew Good | 20/08/2008
Alway on the lookout for the hottest new bands? You've read the magazine, now check out the music tour with bands that are tearing through the usual noise at the Nylon Magazine Music Tour.
So What Ringtone - Pink - so What Ringtone
By: Daniel Sitar | 20/08/2008
So What is a song written by American pop singer Pink, Max Martin and Shellback for her forthcoming fifth studio album called "Funhouse", of which it will be the first single. The single has already reached #100 on the Billboard Pop 100, #63 on the Pop 100 Airplay Chart and is expected to debut on the Hot 100 Singles Chart next week. It was released digitally on American iTunes on August 19th, 2008 and has already reached #23 on the US iTunes Top Songs Chart.
More from john philips
What is the Best Dog Food for Your Dog
By: john philips | 27/06/2008 | Pets
The most beneficial food for dogs can be contended from one dog owner to another; arguably, each owner has his own thought as to what is best for his dog. Some opt to use a dry food and others prefer a wet food.
Why Natural Balance Dog Food is All Important for Your Dogs Health
By: john philips | 25/06/2008 | Pets
A natural balance dog food should be one that contains no chemicals. However, within the wide range of commercially produced food for dogs, these are few and far between as the majority of this type of dog food contains preservatives, flavorings and colorings of a chemical nature.
Are You Harming Your Dog - Measures You Must Observe to Assure Your Dogs Well Being
By: john philips | 24/06/2008 | Pets
By switching over to home cooked meals you will notice a significant difference in your dogs health. Time is of the essence, you need to make a change now and hopefully your dog can enjoy an extra long, healthy and happy life by your side and die peacefully from very old age.
How to Increase Your Internet Presence With Viral Marketing
By: john philips | 30/04/2008 | Internet Marketing
Would you like to experience the phenomenon that is viral marketing? This article explains the conception that is taking the Internet by storm.
The Reliability of Analogue Reel to Reel Tape Recorders in Modern Day Sound Recording
By: john philips | 10/12/2007 | Music
The advantages of reel to reel tape recording systems are generally the far better quality recordings and the fact that the tapes can be easily edited. However, because of economic reasons the cassette recorder is by far a more common analogue recording system than the more expensive, heavier and bulkier reel-to-reel recorders.
Cyprus - an Island of Dramatic Contrasts
By: john philips | 26/07/2007 | Travel
Cyprus is on of the most preferred retreats in the med due to it's long history and rich cultural heritage. Despite being a fully signed up member of the European Union, Cyprus has been able to retain strong control over the rates of tax it charges to those who retire to Cyprus. An island of golden beaches, brilliant weather, mountain forests, ancient castles and sun-bleached villages.
Acupuncture - the Art of Needles Explained
By: john philips | 17/06/2007 | Health
Having needles inserted into your skin is not considered or visualised with pleasure by most people. Many who have discovered alternatives with holistic healing and Chinese medicine on the other hand, consider this is the ideal treatment and many individuals often make repeated visits to their acupuncture clinic as a periodic tune up in order to stay healthy.
The Use of Science to Establish Chinese Medicine
By: john philips | 14/06/2007 | Health
Even though Chinese medicine has been applied as an efficient procedure for more than 5,000 years, Western scientific reasoning continues to discussion whether this is a logical approach to aid with healing. Nonetheless, most doctors of Western medicine would not find improbable claims that qigong preserves health by encouraging relaxation and movement, that acupuncture relieves stress by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters, or that Chinese herbal medicines may possibly hold influential biochemical agents.
Art and Entertainment 
