Tape Project Forum

Tape Machines => Reel to Reel Tape Machines => Topic started by: docb on January 17, 2007, 01:22:41 PM

Title: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: docb on January 17, 2007, 01:22:41 PM
I am happily getting deluged with emails asking whether machine XYZ will work with Tape Project tapes. This is something we expected, and our desire is to build a database of compatible and incompatible but adaptable machines.

The basic requirements of a reel to reel machine for Tape Project tape playback are:


Some machines have all of this right out of the box. One example would be the high speed version of the Otari MX-5050BII. Another is the Technics RS1520. Others are adaptable - for example a low speed MX-5050BII can be reset internally for 7.5/15 ips, and it may be possible to activate the IEC EQ on NAB type RS1500s.

So what we would like to see posted to this thread is info that you have determined by looking at any  machines you have in your possession. A simple post naming the brand and model and listing whether it meets or does not meet each of the the above criteria is all that is necessary. Please be as specific as possible about the model number as there are a lot of variants of some classic machines like Revox, Technics, Otari, etc. when it come to tape speed, head complement, EQ settings, etc. Info from brochures, websites, etc., is welcome too, but please be very clear to state that it's from a second hand source rather than from a machine that's sitting in front of you. Believe it or not, some info on the Web is wrong...
Title: Otari MX-5050BII low speed
Post by: docb on January 17, 2007, 04:20:19 PM
I happen to have one of these sitting here, so I'll start the database:

Otari MX-5050BII low speed version ( 3.75 ips and 7.5 ips)

10.5" reel capable with Otari hub adapters

IEC EQ switch on rear panel, below power cord.

no 15 ips on this low speed version as delivered, but this is switchable internally.
Extracted from Otari tech bulletin TB-5050-001:

1) Remove the six screws attaching the rear panel to the tape deck
2) Remove the 4 Allen screws that hold the right side panel to the frame. Remove the panel.
3) The Speed Selection Switch is located on the control PCB assembly (labeled SW701)
4) Slide the switch from the L position to the H position. This will now allow switching on the front of the machine between 7.5ips and 15ips.
To fine tune the setup you can use a speed reference tape and measure the frequency of the output signal from the tape. There are three adjustment pots (L,H,M) on the Capstan Servo Control PCB. The H pot will adjust the 15 ips speed.

The MX-5050BII comes with both 1/2 track and quarter track playback heads, reputed to be the same heads as those used on the Technics RS1500 and some other machines. These are very soft heads so check carefully for head wear when evaluating a machine.
Title: Technics RS 1520
Post by: heideana on January 24, 2007, 05:51:36 PM
I've got a Technics RS-1520 that meets the Tape Project criteria.  It is a 2-track record/repro machine with quarter-track play back capability.  It plays at 3.75"/7.5"/15" ips and is 10.5" reel capable with either Technics or Teac NAB hub adaptors.  There is an IEC switch on front panel. 

The RS-1520 also has 3 eq and bias settings and a built in tone generator for fine-tuning bias.

Doc, you're just interested in machines that meet the criteria, correct?



Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: AZ_Gary on January 25, 2007, 12:31:44 AM
I have the MX-5050BII-2 mentioned above. I have switched it back to 7.5/15 IPS. I also have a Technics RS-1506 which would require an outboard IEC equalization unit (read Seduction). The 1506 has the requisite speed and 2 track playback capability. I'm still trying to decide which to use as I plan to go with the tube-based seduction in place of the built-in SS amps in either case.

My question is which of the 15 IPS IEC alignment tapes from MRL is the proper one to select for this project?

Title: Re: MRL tape
Post by: stellavox on January 25, 2007, 06:49:03 AM
AZ_Gary,

According to my info for a Reference Fluxitivity of 250 nWb/m, then it is the 15ips IEC tape #21J203.  Cost is up around $100 now.

They do have 3 other tapes depending on the ref flux. - from 200 to 355.  Doc/Paul - what tape will you be using?

If you're not going to be recording withthe deck, then the actual ref. flux. is not that critical - the azimuth and frequency response tones are what you really need.

Charles

Title: Studer 807 mkII
Post by: Cosmic on April 23, 2007, 01:34:11 PM
I have a Studer 807, mkII, and that is good to go. It is 1/4-inch, 2-track, with 7.5/15/30IPS and the NAB/IEC is switchable on the front of the machine using a menu button.

Claus.
Title: Re: MRL tape
Post by: High and Outside on April 23, 2007, 04:36:45 PM
According to my info for a Reference Fluxitivity of 250 nWb/m, then it is the 15ips IEC tape #21J203.  Cost is up around $100 now.

They do have 3 other tapes depending on the ref flux. - from 200 to 355.  Doc/Paul - what tape will you be using?

Charles,

We use the 21J203, as well as an older STL tape, also at 250 nWb/m.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: AZ_Gary on May 14, 2007, 11:55:31 AM
Didn't see this response as I was on vacation when it was posted. That is good news because it is what I bought.

Gary

Title: TEAC X-2000M
Post by: TommyTunes on July 20, 2007, 02:08:29 PM
Teac X-2000M 10 1/2, 15ips, 1/4" half track and IEC/NAB selectable on a back panel switch.
Title: Revox (Studer) PR-99
Post by: docb on September 10, 2007, 09:26:43 AM
People love these "fancy B-77s" for their Studeresque looks. But be very careful when choosing one, as there are a lot of variants!

Make sure it is a high speed (7.5ips and 15ips) version. There are slow speed variants (3.75ips and 7.5ips) and even logging recorders that run a 15/16ips!

Make sure it is stereo. There are mono ones out there. A stock stereo unit will have the proper 1/2 track stereo playback head and there will be two outputs on the back. By the way, the PR-99 has balanced XLR outputs, which is something to consider if your system is wired with RCA cables.

US machines tend to have NAB record/playback electronics. Euro machines tend to be IEC/CCIR. You can get a plug in card that will convert an NAB machine to IEC.

Some machines are playback only. This is not a limitation if you are just playing back Tape Project tapes, and might even be considered a safety feature...
Title: Tascam BR-20
Post by: jdcolombo on September 21, 2007, 07:42:25 PM
I'll add another.

Tascam BR-20.  7.5/15 ips, half-track, with switchable NAB/IEC eq.  This machine was manufactured by Tascam up until 2003 or 2004.  Has both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR input/output and a host of pro features, including digital autolocator.  I think it was built primarily for broadcast use (hence, the "BR" designation), and weighs a ton.  Excellent tape handling.

John C.
Title: Pioneer RT-1050
Post by: ppeterso2 on November 02, 2007, 06:25:12 PM
i have an 10.5 inch oldie that will work:  The old Pioneer RT-1050 in stock form (high speed 15/7.5, with the original 2 track head block (the original owner bought it with both plug-in head blocks--but the 2 track is stock)).  The deck has a front panel tape selector knobs that will play and record IEC at 15ips only).  The old 1974 manual says that this will give you a better S/N ratio...  If set in any other tape position or speed this is a NAB machine.
Title: Revox A77 HS
Post by: phytoport on November 18, 2007, 07:39:39 AM
I own a ReVox A-77 HS 2track having 15ips/front panel IEC switching.

Summarizing:

handles 10.5" reels
plays at 15 ips
has 1/4" half track (a.k.a. two track) playback head
has IEC (a.k.a. CCIR) playback equalization

Regards to all,
Eric
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: mnjaws on November 28, 2007, 12:03:09 PM
I have a Denon DH-510. 7 1/2 and 15 IPS speeds, 10" reel capacity, 1/4" two track record/playback, and I'm not sure about the IEC EQ. There are two EQ knobs on the front panel, but no where does it say IEC in the manual or on the machine. The manual states that the knobs are for adjusting the EQ on certain types of tape, and it lists the tapes and their respective settings. I'm not sure if this deck is a dinosaur or a diamond in the rough. If anyone knows more, I'd apreciate hearing what they have to say.
Title: useful link
Post by: docb on December 06, 2007, 02:16:38 PM
http://www.obsoletemedia.com/geeklog/index.php?topic=tdinfo (http://www.obsoletemedia.com/geeklog/index.php?topic=tdinfo)

Unfortunately no playback eq info in these charts, but a good place to check for necessary reel size, tape speed and playback head configuration.

ED: this link is dead.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: ceved on January 15, 2008, 07:36:24 PM
Otari MX 55N complies with all the stated criteria and includes in the high speed range settings7 1/2, 15, and 30 IPS.
It weighs a ton, or 80 lbs whichever is heavier.  As it can also accomodate 12" reels, it is slightly taller than some other models.


Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Busche on May 20, 2008, 06:26:22 AM
I have an Otari MX-5050BIII high speed version, purchased new a few years ago.  It was an "out-of-box" compatible machine with TTP tapes, but I had it modified/upgraded by ATR Services, Inc. of York, Pa. before it ever touched a TTP tape.

ATR by-passed the internal Otari playback electronics and used the rear panel mic xlr jacks to route an external Aria playback only electronics unit.  This unit is solid state, operating in Class A, and has an external "piggy-back" power supply.  In addition, an extended high frequency head was added.  No tape path transport modifications were deemed required.  The equipment comes standard with rack mount faceplates, but ATR will supply side panels and rubber feet as an alternative.

Operation is seamless and the sound is wonderful - markedly better than my VPI TNT-JMW 12/ARC/Benz Micro analog front end setup at about half the new product cost!  Now, lets add to that high end tape library!!

Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: steveidosound on August 11, 2008, 01:46:27 PM
Just got a
Pioneer RT-2022 (RTU-11/2T transport and 1 TAU-11 rec./play electronics module)
This is the 2 channel 2 track version of the modular Pioneer machine with the JT-2022T head block.
It can also be 4 channel with another TAU-11 and the JT-2044T head block. That version is called the RT-2044.
As with the RT-1050 mentioned above, it will do IEC at 15ips.

I have an Otari 5050 but not being a "B" it has no IEC EQ and it is also a 4 channel version with the wrong head block.

I also have various and sundry other older transports and tube recorders that fit the speed, reel size and track configuration parameters, but not the EQ.
These would include an Ampex 354 with the stereo electronics, an Ampex 351 with the 2 mono electronics packages, a  Crown unit, a rather unique, small American Concertone Mark VII  from around 1958, and an intriguing early Teac transport only called the TD-321 which appears to be their "clone" of an Ampex 350 series. The Concertone and Teac also have an additional switchable 4th 1/4 track play head. The Crown is 2 head but 2 track! The Teac (and the Crown I think) have electrical speed change plus belt speed change to give 15/7.5 or 7.5/3.75ips.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: useridchallenged on September 29, 2008, 03:45:30 PM
Just a note that any of the professional STUDER decks are compatible with the Tape Project.  My personal favorite is the STUDER A820:

http://www.TheAudioArchive.com/TAA_Tape_Studer_A820.htm (http://www.TheAudioArchive.com/TAA_Tape_Studer_A820.htm)

but any of the Master Recorders (including the A80 and A800) are great.  The A820 does weigh 200 lbs.  And FWIW, when my wife-to-be first laid eyes on the A820 after I moved one of them into my home office, she said "you didn't tell me it was beautiful!"  The compact STUDERs are also excellent Tape Project candidates, including the A810 and A812.  The sonics of the compact machines aren't up there with the Master Recorders.  The STUDERs are like Swiss watches - not exactly the machines you want to practice on for DIY repairs and mods.  Except perhaps the A80, which is ALL analog, including the switching controls - everything - not a CPU to be found anywhere.  Nonetheless, the mechanics and tape transport of the A80 are still non-trivial. The tape handling of these machines is legendary and they are built like tanks.  We run our A820 machines 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, year-round.  Aside from head maintenance, normal capstan wear and consumables like pinch rollers, these machines have all been trouble-free (they were all fully refurbished before put into service).

Eric
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: ironbut on September 29, 2008, 05:40:41 PM
Wow, nice site Eric. That must've taken some time. And fantastic page on the 820. One of these days I'll have the money and the space for an A80 or 812 but I appreciate having some nice pictures to drool over in the meantime.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: niklasthedolphin on October 01, 2008, 04:27:47 PM
Lyrec PTR-1 Frida

On this machine the IEC or CCIR setting is called ICIR.

These machines are impossible to operate without reading and understanding the manual.
Rec level and Eq are adjustable for each channel, for each speed for PB and for Rec and Bias is adjustable for each channel/for each speed.

Runs at three speeds: 3,75 ips; 7,5 ips; 15ips
But with fully adjustable pitch control it also runs up to 48 ips.
Display switchable between Real Time Counter and speed read out.
Shows also pitch speed. Precisely.

It has head wear protection in cue function.

Has a dump-tape option, cutting board and scissors.

Takes 11,8 inch/30 cm reels.

Real time counter w/two flags and goto, HX-Pro, ICIR(IEC)/NAB EQ, calibration in/out, fader start, editing board, remote controlled etc.
Remote control pin code in manual. You can build you own very advanced remote from that.

It is modular built with insert cards and is really a piece of engineering art.

Unfortunately the factory closed down in the spring this year.
Spares will be scarce from now on.

It was meant to take over from B67, A80, A810 or any other Studer, Nagra T, Stellavox SP9, 3M, Otari, Tascam, Sony APR or whatever but very limited production, no advertising or marketing didn't realy give it a chance international.
Specs are next to none.

The machine is portable.

Price tag from new at Dkr. 76.000,-
Today currency exchange ~ us$ 16.000,-
Very cheap as used ones on the eBay or where ever you can find them.

"dolph"
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: steveidosound on November 04, 2008, 11:43:34 AM

Ampex 354 with appropriate plug in IEC EQ modules.
 
 
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: mstcraig on November 04, 2008, 01:01:28 PM
Hey Eric, a couple of questions for you. 1) For the Studer A820, what is the unit's bias frequency? It is not stated in the specs provided on your website (that I can see). 2) I will assume finding and refurbishing one of these beasts to better than new with ATAE is very easily a 5 figure proposition, correct? Thanks.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: useridchallenged on November 15, 2008, 01:23:06 AM
Hi Craig - the cost to refurb a STUDER A820 is a function of the machine condition and what you want ATAE to do to the machine.  Machine condition has a signficant impact on reconditioning costs.  The more original and less abused the machine, the less it will take to get it buffed up and upgraded.  If you want a fully remanufactured A820 (custom power supply, industrial stand, custom electronics, tape transport improvements, etc.), indeed it is possible to spend well into five-figures.  However, if you want to get your A820 nicely refurbished and fully upgraded to the correct revisions, with all critical systems in excellent shape and everything adjusted to the nines, that might be done for just under five-figures (not including the cost of the A820 itself, of course).  One of my machines was a bit of a Frankenstein in terms of its software and hardware revisions (some MkI and MkII elements) and had seen plenty of use (at a major record label).  ATAE was able to modify and upgrade everything so that all the hardware and software revisions were complete, anything that was worn or out of spec replaced with OEM parts, and the machine was upgraded to effectively a full Mk II.  I now have A820 machines that I'm confident can be run 24/7 for years to come (essential in a production environment).

Eric
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: shawthing on December 09, 2008, 10:50:51 AM
Apologies if folks already know this, but:

Teac X1000M

This version of the X1000 series has a NAB/IEC EQ switch (for play and rec) on the inner chassis (you have to remove the outer casing), it plays at 7 1/2 and 15 and it plays 2 and 4 track. The 'M' suffix stands for mastering - the deck does not have reverse play, but does include dbx Type I noise reduction, 'EE'-type tape mode plus everything else the X1000 series has, including the ability to mount 10.5 inch reels...

Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: john on January 23, 2009, 03:50:51 PM
Revox C270, 7.5 + 15ips, iec/ccir. If you have a Nab version it can be converted by changing the left and right channel record cards.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: braver on February 09, 2009, 03:56:52 PM
I see that Teac X-2000M fits; can an -R be adapted though?  Apparently it's 4-track machine, a usual stereo one; does it have half-track-capable heads?

Cheers,
Alexy
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: rawbcca on February 09, 2009, 06:03:24 PM
I see that Teac X-2000M fits; can an -R be adapted though?  Apparently it's 4-track machine, a usual stereo one; does it have half-track-capable heads?

Cheers,
Alexy

The short answer is "NO"
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: astrotoy on February 09, 2009, 11:44:15 PM
My new (old) machine is an Ampex ATR-700. My machine is 15/7.5ips/2track, although it comes in a variety of different head and speed configurations. It has an IEC/NAB EQ switch in the back. It was built by Teac/Tascam for Ampex. I have read that is the same as a Teac 7030 or Tascam 25-2 with XLR inputs and outputs, instead of RCA.  I don't think this machine has been mentioned as a TP compatible machine.  Larry
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: John Stover on September 06, 2009, 10:25:35 AM
I've got an Ampex 351-2 that's been modified to switch between NAB and IEC playback curves.  The modification was not expensive and the deck now works great with Tape Project tapes.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: ironbut on September 06, 2009, 01:12:41 PM
Hey John, welcome to the forum.
I think there would be a few folks interested in more details regarding the modifications done to your 351. A great place to post information would be under the Tape Machines forum. Even if you had someone else do the mods for you, maybe you could post some info about where you had it done.
Thanks
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Fabio on April 01, 2010, 11:10:46 PM
Hi,

I would like to understand if the machine I bought is compatible with the Tape Project

I am a little bit confused, and don't know if it does make any difference where the Teac X2000-R (with DBX) has been bought, I mean European, USA market, etc..

Are they always NAB EQ?

I cannot verify with the original user manual which came with the machine, as I am in another country for work reasons.

Thank you!! 

Best Regards

Fabio
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: ironbut on April 02, 2010, 12:28:40 PM
Hi Fabio,
Maybe if you contact Teac you can find out about the eq issue.
The thing I'd be more concerned with is the head configuration. The Tape Project tapes are 1/2 track stereo. I'm assuming for the "R" (in x2000-R) that this is an auto reverse deck with 4 heads. If so, the two playback heads are 1/4 track and they won't play these tapes correctly. It could also be that it's a single (three head) 4 channel head in which case it would play the tapes but not as well as a 1/2 track head.
If you have any questions regarding these head formats, there's a couple of posts in the "Beginners Guide" that should help (located above the General forum in a sticky).
Title: Tascam 32
Post by: joeljoel1947 on July 16, 2010, 03:55:35 PM

I recently bought a Tascam 32 and as far as I can tell, I'm the first guy on the internet to discover it is both NAB and IEC compatible!  From everything I've read online it seems that Tascam set the 32 up in the USA for the NAB standard and in Europe/Japan for the IEC standard.  What I have not been able to find until last night anyhow is that the end user can "make the switch" themselves.

According to the user and to the service manual for my 32, you CAN convert the deck from NAB to IEC by switching some jumpers on the internal amp.

From page 39 in the manual of the 32:
Note:  If necessary, inter-switching between the NAB and IEC standards can be accomplished by simply removing and repatching the jumper wires on 5 points of the amplifier.  The details are explained as a note on the schematic of the amplifier section.

From schematic of amp section:
For NAB Standard: With the A, B, and C jumper connections being disregarded, jumper D is connected to the terminal side of C129 and jumper E to the terminal side of C128.

For IEC Standard:  With the A, B, and C jumpers in place, jumper D is connected to terminal side of C127 and jumper E to terminal side of C130.


Now, I have not tried this conversion myself, but it seems straight-forward.  This then makes the Tascam 32 a "tape project ready" machine as it is a half-track, 7.5/15ips/IEC compatible machine that can handle 10.5" reels out of "the box".  I hope this may help someone down the road because it took a bit of digging to find out!
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Listens2tubes on July 25, 2011, 05:46:33 PM

I recently bought a Tascam 32 and as far as I can tell, I'm the first guy on the internet to discover it is both NAB and IEC compatible!  From everything I've read online it seems that Tascam set the 32 up in the USA for the NAB standard and in Europe/Japan for the IEC standard.  What I have not been able to find until last night anyhow is that the end user can "make the switch" themselves.

According to the user and to the service manual for my 32, you CAN convert the deck from NAB to IEC by switching some jumpers on the internal amp.

From page 39 in the manual of the 32:
Note:  If necessary, inter-switching between the NAB and IEC standards can be accomplished by simply removing and repatching the jumper wires on 5 points of the amplifier.  The details are explained as a note on the schematic of the amplifier section.

From schematic of amp section:
For NAB Standard: With the A, B, and C jumper connections being disregarded, jumper D is connected to the terminal side of C129 and jumper E to the terminal side of C128.

For IEC Standard:  With the A, B, and C jumpers in place, jumper D is connected to terminal side of C127 and jumper E to terminal side of C130.


Now, I have not tried this conversion myself, but it seems straight-forward.  This then makes the Tascam 32 a "tape project ready" machine as it is a half-track, 7.5/15ips/IEC compatible machine that can handle 10.5" reels out of "the box".  I hope this may help someone down the road because it took a bit of digging to find out!

Perhaps you could add a switch for NAB to EIC on the fly.
Title: Re: Pioneer RT-1050
Post by: Red Grant on August 23, 2011, 02:24:37 PM
iThe deck has a front panel tape selector knobs that will play and record IEC at 15ips only).  The old 1974 manual says that this will give you a better S/N ratio... 

Does it?
Title: Re: Pioneer RT-1050
Post by: steveidosound on September 16, 2011, 11:22:56 AM
iThe deck has a front panel tape selector knobs that will play and record IEC at 15ips only).  The old 1974 manual says that this will give you a better S/N ratio...

Does it?

Yes,  it does. I have 2 as well as a couple of the Pioneer RT-2022 ( RTU-11/2T transport / TAU-11 "amplifier") which also does the same. IEC @ 15 ips. only.
 The later, in the 4 track / 4 channel head block configuration  (RTU-11QT) with a 2nd set of TAU-11 electronics (called an RT-2044 as a system) is similar to the Teac 3340, Otari MX5050 or Dokorder 1140 4 channel prosumer 4 track decks with sync capabilities as well as quadraphonic playback.
Some other versions of the Pioneer RT- series like the 1011L were quarter track, 2 channel, low speed pair ("L"), NAB eq only, 10.5" reel machines.
The 1050 and 2022 are the only Pioneer factory Tape Project tape compatible machines AFAIK.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Red Grant on September 18, 2011, 09:54:02 AM
Great.   Thank you.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: steveidosound on September 18, 2011, 07:06:19 PM
Great.   Thank you.
I see you also have the RT-2022. Where do they rank in your Tape Project machines?
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Red Grant on September 20, 2011, 12:09:29 AM

I see you also have the RT-2022. Where do they rank in your Tape Project machines?


My tapeproject machines?   They're the only TP machines I have for now.    So among the potential TP machines I have heard (Studer 800 series, Lyrec Frida, Technics, Otaris, Tascams, TOTL Tandbergs, Nagras, Stellavox) in terms of value, I rate RT-2022 the highest.   (Not anymore, people are discovering RT-2022, and bidding up the price so they're no longer killer value.)


In terms of pure sonics, they're not too shabby.   To my ears, they actually are a notch above the rest of Pioneer RTRs, which are okay, but not great to my ears anyway.

Btw. 2022 sounds quite a bit better than 2044.  2022 definitely sounds better than Otaris, in stock form, at least.    It's  a toss up between TOTL Studers, Tandbergs, Tascam, Technics, vs. 2022, sonically, but pressed, my ears prefer 2022.

 Now, I do have to confess Nagra T does sound better significantly than 2022, but how much does it cost compared to 2022?

Personally, I think Revox is quite overrated sonically.


Sonically, the best sounding RTR to my ears is Nagra T.

Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Red Grant on September 22, 2011, 09:00:02 AM
Another is the Technics RS1520. Others are adaptable - for example a low speed MX-5050BII can be reset internally for 7.5/15 ips, and it may be possible to activate the IEC EQ on NAB type RS1500s.


I'm puzzled by that 'may'.   Has it been done?  If so, then it can be done or not?    Sorry if this has been answered already.

Sometimes I see a good deal or two for 1500s, that's why I'm asking.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: genel on May 31, 2015, 05:51:08 PM
 I have a Technics RS-1500US.

The only fault it has is it is not IEC. I thought that IEC was for record only. I would like to modify my machine for IEC. Does someone point me to instructions on how to?



Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Black Witch on July 04, 2015, 11:09:09 AM
Hi.

Is the Studer A807 MKII compatible with the Tape Project tapes? I see the others like the A810, A820 but not the A807.... any reason why?
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: skywaveTDR on July 05, 2016, 07:23:52 AM
Let us not forget the Tascam 42 and 52 1/2 track decks that have a substantial better build than the light weight X2000M  and others. To a Technician who services these, he does not like to lift and turn them over but as far as performance goes they excel.  There is also the ATR60-2. If you need weight lifting, just move one of these around.
I have to for my work.
Title: Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project
Post by: Roscoe Primrose on November 08, 2019, 09:15:34 AM
Otari MX50.  7.5/15ips half track, NAB/IEC switch on the back...