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Messages - jdcolombo

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1
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: which machine to get
« on: February 11, 2008, 08:54:13 AM »
I think that you can probably just use adapter cables that convert the balanced output to unbalanced RCA out.  The output levels will be much higher than for "standard" consumer equipment, but that's what a volume control is for.

I have a Revox PR99 connected to my home stereo via adapter cables and it works fine.  Just do a search for XLR to RCA cables and you'll find several sources for these.

John C.

2
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Studer 810s for sale
« on: December 09, 2007, 08:49:32 PM »
I meant to ask...when you swap out repro/record amp cards, do you need to re-bias the machine?  I think I've heard that you don't, but I haven't heard anything definite...thanks!

You almost certainly will need to recalibrate the machine if you install new repro or record amps.  There's no telling what the setting for bias, rec eq., etc. are for new cards.  When I replaced a repro amp on mine, I had to go through a complete playback calibration using a calibration tape.  So I'm afraid the answer here is "yes".

John C.

3
General Discussion / Re: Tape Recorder Demag.........
« on: December 05, 2007, 06:53:41 PM »
Hi Bob.

You do all the heads at once.  The key to demagnetizing is to plug in the demagnetizer at least 3 feet away from your tape deck, then bring it SLOWLY toward the deck and head stack.  By SLOWLY, I mean SLOWLY - take 5 seconds to bring the demag from where you plugged it in to the head stack.  Pretend you are defusing a bomb and any quick move will blow you to bits.  Once you get it to the head stack, move it around each head and the tape guides.  Again, make all moves deliberate and slow.  Then move the demag away at least 3' - again, take at least 5 seconds to do this.  Unplug the demag only when you are at least 3' away.

John C.

4
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Studer 810s for sale
« on: December 03, 2007, 05:59:15 PM »
Thanks for answering my silly question....I've got another one....If I want to convert my PR99's to IEC, do I need to replace 2 recording amp cards and 2 repro amp cards, or is there only one card for recoding amplification and one card for repro amplification....

I see something like this on ebay:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Studer-ReVox-PR99-B77-record-PCB-HS-IEC-1-177-233_W0QQitemZ230096718366QQihZ013QQcategoryZ67812QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
but I'm not sure if I need 2 of them...best and thanks for any advice...Hopkins

There are NO silly questions.  There is just one card for record and one for play: the Repro amp and the Record amp. The IEC Record Amp is 177.233.81; the IEC Repro amp is 177.877.81 (these are Mk1/Mk2 #'s; Mk3's are different).  Each of the cards has high-speed (15 ips) and low-speed (7.5 ips) sections.

John C.

5
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Studer 810s for sale
« on: November 29, 2007, 07:05:49 AM »
Ditto here...I working on converting all my machines to IEC and it'd be great to get the info on the PR99.  Also, what kind of cable do I need to access the monitor jack on the top of the PR99?

You need a 5-pin DIN to RCA cable (don't worry about the fact that the DIN jack on the PR99 or B77 has more than 5 holes; only 3 pins are active and all you need is a standard 5-pin plug).  You can buy them on E-bay, but they are also available at on-line cable stores (try Monoprice).  I made my own with a DIN plug from Parts Express and two 6' lengths of cable with RCA connectors.  If you roll your own, the common wire (black) from each RCA cable gets soldered to pin 5 of the DIN plug (ground).  Pins 2 and 3 are "hot"; I think pin 2 is channel 1 and pin 3 is channel 2.

As for the IEC conversion, the "single resistor" method only works on the original repro amp (the one with no op-amps in the circuit).  The original was used on the B77 and PR99 Mk1.  The Mk2 and Mk3 used op-amps in the repro board and can't so easily be modified.  But you can sometimes find IEC repro amps for sale on e-bay, particularly on the European or Canada E-bay versions.  Also, I was told (though I haven't tried this) that the old Mk1 repro amp will work fine in a Mark2 or Mark3 chassis.

John C.

John C.

6
Tape Project Albums - general / Re: The Reference Recording sources.
« on: November 16, 2007, 06:54:19 AM »

Another reason why I ask because the current ?a girl with banjo? repertoire of the Tape Project might have some room for improvement toward to real music?.

Rgs, The cat


I don't understand that last sentence.  If you look at The Tape Project's album listing, there is everything I'd call "real music" - the last three releases are classic jazz collectors items that people have bar fights over; there is the Albeniz, Horenstein-Hindemith violin concertos.  I'm not sure what you are looking for, but calling the scheduled releases all "a girl with a banjo" is patently silly.

John C.

7
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 BII
« on: October 26, 2007, 08:54:12 PM »
Hi Bob.

If it makes you feel any better, none of the commercial 10.5" metal reels I have are competely "true" - they all "shimmy" some, some more than others.  I have some plastic 10.5" reels that are much better.  On a couple, I have loosened the screws holding the flanges, re-aligned the flanges with the hub, and re-tightened, and the reels are better.  However, the lack of "trueness" doesn't affect the tape pack when the tape is played (that is, I get a nice, even tape pack, even if the reel flanges are a bit out of true).  Fast winding does cause a bit of vibration because of the lack of true on the reels, but it doesn't seem to affect any important parameter when the tape is played.

John C.

8
General Discussion / Re: Testing Instruments
« on: October 13, 2007, 05:31:59 PM »
Hi Bob.

A scope is a terrific piece of test equipment, and can do many, many things.  For audio use, you don't need anything terribly fancy, since you'd probably never measure anything beyond 30kHz in the audio domain.  The MHz scopes are more for radio use - hams, for example, need a scope that will run out to 100 MHz to test their transmitting/receiving equipment in the high radio bands.  You will need at least two channels so that you can do an XY pattern for measuring head azimuth.  In addition, you'll probably want a sine wave generator to set recording levels, checking record EQ, bias and so forth.  Finally, a spring scale to check brake tension (the kind sold for grade school science classes are ideal, since they generally measure in both Newtons and grams; avoid the fish scales).

BUT - if you have a computer with a good sound card, you can get software to act as both a sine wave generator and as an audio-frequency 'scope.  Software is likely MUCH cheaper than a real scope, and for aligning a tape machine, the software is probably good enough.  I use my iMac for these functions with ToneGen (sine wave generator) and SignalScope software.  I've set the azimuth on my heads with Signal Scope, which also will read voltages and db to a set reference.  I'm sure similar software is available for the PC side, although the nice thing about the Mac is that the software guys know exactly what hardware is being used and what the specs are on it.  Can't get the computer to be a spring scale, though <grin>.

John C.

9
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MTR-10? PR-99 different versions
« on: October 08, 2007, 09:28:25 PM »
The ReVox PR-99 Mark I has all discrete electronics, as opposed to the later Mark II and Mark III which was chock full of junk op-amps. I do adore the nicer tape tensioning arm on the takeup side of the Mark II and III decks as well as the lovely LED auto locator. I think you will find the Mark I to be nicer sounding than the later versions.

Actually, the record amp and the line output amp of the Mark II use discrete components. They are the same part number as the Mark I.  For playback, however, I go through the monitor output, which bypasses the line output amp completely, and the monitor amp is all discrete on the Mark II - again, same part number as the Mark I.  The repro amp of the Mark II and the oscillator board are the same as the Mark III, and do have several op-amps.  I believe one can substitute the repro amp from a Mark I if one wants - the pinouts and supply voltages appear to be identical.  I'm still searching for one to try out.  But the way to go on the repro amp is simply to use Doc's outboard Bottlehead (or a Manley would be nice, if it didn't cost more than my entire stereo system!).

John C.

10
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MTR-10?
« on: October 08, 2007, 03:20:25 PM »
John C,
Might I ask how things are coming along with the Studer Revox PR99? Tell me please John, do you have the MK 1, 2 or 3? I have been looking at a MK 2 because of some updates from the 1 and its digital readout.

Does this machine have an easy means of switching beteen NAB and IEC? I wold also be interested in whether you've already purchased another deck? Thanks much John. I really appreciate you're sharing with me.

Bob W.

Hi Bob.  I purchased a PR99 Mk.II.  It does NOT have an "easy" way to switch between IEC and NAB eq, although it isn't that hard: the PR99 has cards that fit into a main bus for all the major electronics (e.g., repro amp, line output amp, input amp, record amp, sync amp, etc.).  Changing to IEC eq requires taking off the back cover, taking out the NAB repro amp card and popping in an IEC card, which takes about 10 minutes.  Eventually, I'll probably use this deck with the external Bottlehead Seduction tape head amp, but right now I'm still getting it in tip top mechanical and electrical shape.

I did buy a second deck, a Tascam BR20 (the successor to the Model 32).  It DOES have switchable eq. and will be the deck I'll use for the Tape Project tapes initially.  The one I got appears almost new - the heads didn't even have a shiny spot across the gap.  I checked out the electronics and mechanics, and it seems to be virtually perfect in all respects.

Both machines have the digital readout (an "autolocator" is what it seems to be called); the BR20 has the advantage of being able to store 3 different memory locations in addition to return-to-zero.  I've done some test recordings on both, and I think that I like the sound of the PR99 a hair better than the BR20, but Doc's external repro amp will likely put both of them to shame.

John C.

11
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Studer 810?
« on: October 08, 2007, 03:07:29 PM »
Hi Bob.

Yes, you are absolutely right.  I took a pass on the Otari MTR-10 that was for sale in Detroit for that very reason - how would I ever get the thing serviced if it needed it?  It's 200 pounds and the size of half a refrigerator.  Maybe if I lived in a big city where I could find a reputable tech, it would be different, but in fact I'd have to end up being the technician on something this big.  On the other hand, working on them is kind of fun; you need a few tools, but there is software available that turns my Mac into a full-fledged oscilloscope and audio voltmeter/analyzer, so with that and a copy of the service manual, a lot is doable on one's own.  Maybe one day I'll decide to heck with it and go for an ATR-100, size notwithstanding, but not today <grin>.

John

 

12
Here's what I've learned in looking for a machine for The Tape Project (I was looking for a 2-track machine, capable of 15 ips).

The Technics RS1500 (2 track with 4-track play head) will do 3.75, 7.5 and 15 ips, has an isolated loop transport system with particularly excellent tape handling.  The record/play electronics are nothing to write home about - about the quality of a good Japanese receiver of the time.  Don't know about replacement parts availability - they haven't been made in some time, although Doc (one of the principals of The Tape Project) has arranged for a new 2-track play head and would have far more info on repair issues.  Prices on E-bay for a good one will be between $500-1000, with the more mint machines going for the higher prices.

Tascam (professional version of Teac) produced several "pro" series 2-track 1/4" machines.  The 32, 32-2B and BR20 are all two speed (7.5/15), with excellent build quality.  The electronics seem to be somewhat more highly regarded than the Technics, and a big plus is that parts are still readily available (and reasonably priced).  Excellent condition examples of the 32 and BR20 can be had for under $500 on e-bay.  I own a BR20, and it is very gentle on tape, and seems to sound pretty darn good, though I haven't done any live recording with it.

Otari MX5050 - a standard workhorse of many radio stations and small studios.  You will see a lot of them on e-bay, but most are pretty beat-up from hard use.  Most under $500, but may need several hundred dollars in reconditioning to work well.  Like the Technics, the MX5050B, B2-HD, BII-2 were generally 2-track machines with an extra 4-track play head.  The later MX5050 BIII didn't have the extra head.  Parts still available for the BII and newer models; don't know about the originals.  Speed is 7.5/15, but I think it can be reset to 3.75/7.5 by changing an internal switch.  It seems that the Otari electronics are more highly regarded than the Technics or Tascam, but we're still talking Japanese solid state.  If you have the gumption, you can often find examples of Otari's 2-track 1/4" mastering decks (MTR-10, MTR-12) for under $500.  These saw widespread recording studio use, and are considered fine-sounding, but you'll generally have to find one nearby for pickup, since they weigh 200 pounds and are about the size of a dishwasher on wheels.  There are a couple for sale on e-bay right now (one in Portland, one in Detroit).  The MTR series has all 3 speeds, and you can get a quarter-track head added to the head block if you really need it.  Replacement heads are available, but I don't know the cost - often, the existing heads can be relapped for $200-300.

Revox B77/PR99.  The B77 (and the "pro" version of that machine, the PR99) are well regarded.  While they are well-built, parts are scarce and expensive (I was recently told that replacement heads for my PR99 go for $350 each; replacement heads for my Tascam BR20 are $60 each!).  They came in numerous versions, but all are two-speed only (either 3.75/7.5 or 7.5/15).  Most of the B77's you see on e-bay are quarter-track units; the PR99's are generally 2-track.  Good examples are upwards of $500; a really nice PR99 can be $800 or more.  You are more likely to find an excellent-condition B77, since these were sold to audiophiles, but the combo of an audiophile-owned half-track high-speed unit is rare.  The high speed, half-track models of both the B77 and PR99 seem to have seen most use in radio stations and recording studios.  Opinion seems to be that the Revox electronics sound a bit "warmer" than equivalent Japanese models.

Akai, Sony, Pioneer, Teac, Tandberg, etc. also made decent R2R machines, but except for Teac, new replacement parts generally don't exist.  Other than Teac, most of these companies got out of the R2R market at least 15 years ago.  Most of these machines you will see will be 3.75/7.5 speed, quarter-track.  Nevertheless, some (Pioneer RT909, Teac X2000) are highly sought-after and excellent examples command premium prices.

If you want to go whole-hog, you can get a used Studer 807 or 810 mastering machine, or an ATR-series.  But these go for several thousand dollars in good shape, and parts - well, if you have to ask, you can't afford it.  I love my BMW, but when it needs repairs, I wish it were a Honda <grin>.

I'm sure others on this forum have much more info that I do - most of them have had R2R machines a lot longer than I have!

John Colombo

 

13
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MTR-10?
« on: October 05, 2007, 07:01:36 PM »
OOPS - sorry, I completely missed the earlier MTR-10 thread.  Thanks for pointing it out.  I couldn't tell from the ad I saw how big this really is - I think my wife would kill me if I went that route.  Better stick with something smaller!

John C.


14
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Otari MTR-10?
« on: October 05, 2007, 05:19:22 AM »
OK.  I really don't need another tape deck right now.  Really.  But . . .

An Otari MTR-10 is for sale in Detroit, pick-up only, in what appears to be excellent condition for what appears to be a reasonable price.  I'm close enough to Detroit that I'm tempted.  I've occasionally read that the MTR series is a terrific mastering machine, not in the same league as the ATR's (which I just can't afford), but nevertheless quite good.  So . . . anyone have the scoop on the MTR series?

John C.


15
Tape Project Albums - general / Re: Pandora's Box?
« on: October 04, 2007, 11:33:45 AM »

I'm gonna let the director of tape production handle this one...I for one wouldn't want an album on anything less than the most robust, print-through resistant tape I could get for the money.


Actually, no need to follow up.  You're right - one would be crazy not to use the absolute best tape available. 

John C.

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