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Author Topic: Availability and recos for half inch tape?  (Read 8782 times)

Offline DRCope

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Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« on: April 05, 2015, 08:30:35 AM »
I'm doing research on doing an all analog recording of solo cello, and while I could do it on my Otari 5050 with two mics, I'm tempted to go to a four track machine and collect two channels of close/direct sound and two channels of room sound to give me flexibility in post.

This raises the question, "As tape in general gets scarce, does on have to be nuts to go ½ inch?"

(Searching on ½ is disallowed, so I searched on one half and saw next to nothing. Apologies if this has been addressed and I've failed to find it.)
Moving from hifi show exhibitor to producing new, analog recordings of small classical, jazz, blues, folk/roots music.

The gear just got bigger and heavier. Who knew?!

Offline ironbut

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2015, 01:49:44 PM »
IMHO, unless you're experienced with recording, do your experiments and practice with the cheapest media you can.
I think you'll find that the room and microphone placement are far more critical than the gear you use to make the recording with.
If you're just beginning, I'd do my practicing recording digitally. That way you there's no real money being wasted on tape and you won't get bogged down with any machine issues.
If you already have your recording chops, why not try using a mixer before investing in another machine?
steve koto
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Offline High and Outside

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2015, 12:56:01 AM »
Notwithstanding what Steve said...

If you get to the point that you need half inch tape, don't worry, it's readily available.
Paul Stubblebine
Managing Director, The TapeProject

Offline c1ferrari

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2015, 07:59:47 PM »
I've been looking for 1/2" SM900...for awhile.
Hope to replenish my stock :-)
Sam Lucero
SPQCV
:-)

Offline ironbut

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2015, 11:48:02 AM »
Hey Sam,

If you're looking for RMGI SM900, read http://tapeproject.com/smf/index.php?topic=2895.0

I suggest you try ATR Magnetics 1/2".
steve koto
 Sony scd 777es(R. Kern mods)> Vpi Aires>Dynavector XX-2mkll>Bent mu>CAT ultimate>CJ premeir 140>Magnepan 1.6qr(Jensen xover)Headphone Eddie Current Zana Deux>AT ad2000,HD800 ,Metric Halo ULN-2 (battery powered),
 HE Audio Jades

Offline c1ferrari

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2015, 07:07:22 PM »
Hey Steve,

Thanks :-)  I had read and downloaded that file a little bit, ago.
Just received a box of 1/4" SM900...sticker on flange says -- RMGI...box says -- Pyral.
I have the A820-2CH decks biased for SM900 and ATR tape stock -- I didn't think there was any ATR stock around?

Sam
Sam Lucero
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Offline docb

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2015, 09:06:07 AM »
Eileen just spoke with Bette yesterday. ATR Magnetics has plenty of tape.
Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President for Life, Bottlehead Corp.
Managing Director - retired, The Tape Project

Offline c1ferrari

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Re: Availability and recos for half inch tape?
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2015, 12:07:57 PM »
Yes, thanks...I haven't visited the ATR w/s, recently.
Good to know quality tape stock remains available via ATR.
Sam Lucero
SPQCV
:-)