Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: 2012 All Analog Album

« on: March 18, 2012, 01:32:29 AM »

Genre is always a difficult question to answer, partially because of subjectivity, and partially, because what we do doesn't fit easily into any one genre. For this album, the plan is to record something resembling... low-key british influenced rock with more american melodic sensibilities.

Sweet, I gather then something like Phil Collins, or Bryan Ferry?   Btw.  I am a fan of British influenced rock.

 I hesitate to use the word "ambient" because that always suggests something unfocused, and we do everything with the utmost intention and attention to structure and detail. That said, I think the tonalities of the instruments will be featured, and the emotion contained therein will play a role in the compositions. We'll also see what changes once we hit "record."

Oh, ambient is fine.   I like ambient music.

To clarify, we will be recording to 1/2" tape (8 track), and mixing down to (and ultimately releasing the album on) 1/4" two track at 15ips (though we may do an additional 7 1/2ips quarter track release if it is warranted).

More to come...

...and of course I assume that you would be using either RMGI or ATR tapes, not NOS tapes with possible/probably SSS.

2

General Discussion / Re: New Reel-Tronix takeup reels

« on: March 14, 2012, 03:12:01 AM »

Are these CNC machined from thicker material to guarantee these stiff reels to be balanced? Meaning FF & RW without wobble?

At $300 plus, they better be.   Of course, one could ask, but there is really no objective way of finding out they are or not, but just for the unique eye candy factor, I'd be willing to buy one for the trial, and if no issues, then another one.

3

General Discussion / Re: New Reel-Tronix takeup reels

« on: March 11, 2012, 03:59:12 AM »

Please notice these reels are machined, not stamped.   This means the reels are very rigid, strong, not as likely to be bent or damaged due to impact, can handle rough handling.

4

General Discussion / Re: 2012 All Analog Album

« on: February 27, 2012, 10:09:30 AM »

As noted in another thread the small independent record label I am affiliated with is anticipating the recording of an entirely analog album to be released (via reel to reel - among other formats) in the not too distant future. It was suggested a new thread documenting the process be created.

What genre of music?

We hope to maximize any good qualities possible from the 1/2" format.

What speed? and 1/4 or 1/2?



 

5

General Discussion / Re: I am new here

« on: February 11, 2012, 04:02:09 AM »

One word of advise, don't say anything, "I've heard from so and so........."  Instead say, "Has anyone had experience in .......... (what you've heard from so and so.........)?"

I've learned a ton from this site.   

6

General Discussion / Rachel Yamagata and 'Starlight'.........

« on: January 02, 2012, 06:38:53 PM »

Another lady I had never heard of, but I couldn't get it out of my head after while.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj3FCA6YFlo

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General Discussion / Marti Webb...............

« on: January 02, 2012, 07:29:25 AM »

I accidentally found this lady, had never heard of her before.

Truly luscious voice.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX26TuwxLCw

Not the best quality upload, but contains a song I adore, still one can glimpse the quality of her voice.   There are better uploads in youtube.

8

General Discussion / Re: Holiday Beatles bargain

« on: December 31, 2011, 11:29:42 PM »

If one only cares about the sonics, then one could get 2 track 7 1/2 ips version issued to FM stations for a bit less than $100.

Every now and then these 2 track 7 1/2 ips version goes on sale.   I've got my "You light up my life." by Debbie Boone, and "Hard to say I'm sorry" by Chicago that way, and paid for less than $10 and $30 respectively.

For Beatles, expect to pay a bit less than $100.

9

General Discussion / Re: Tube Manufacturing

« on: December 28, 2011, 01:52:11 PM »

Those Kron tubes are high priced and prized. Great video, thanks.

Better than telefunken tubes?

10

General Discussion / Re: Congrats Paul!

« on: December 27, 2011, 08:59:22 AM »

Btw. Is the 'Demo' version of MoFi better than regular MoFis?

What do you mean by 'Demo' version?

Sorry for the late reply, but I forgot where I had saved information, but while doing the 'house cleaning' today, I found the info.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/170702368458?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

11

General Discussion / Re: 'Liquid Bearing'.......

« on: December 10, 2011, 09:18:07 PM »

For thin oils, I use "Zoom Spout Turbine oil" and it seems to work very well. Thinner oils have a tendency to migrate to areas where you don't want it.

Yes, that's what worries me.   For the same reason, I am very careful with pinch rollers.   In fact, as soon as I clean the rollers, I dry them with hair dryers, but not too long, since I don't want to dry them out, either.

Btw. I do this in a 'clean' room, meaning, I use negative ion generator to drop as much dust in the air down and vacuum them.

12

General Discussion / 'Liquid Bearing'.......

« on: December 10, 2011, 01:13:49 AM »

Has anyone of you used this?    Is this a real deal or just a 'snake oil'?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/230526996268?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

13

General Discussion / Proco cables from USRECORDING............

« on: December 08, 2011, 08:44:49 AM »

Are they any 'good'?   For example, compared to monsters, bettercables, and nordost?

So far my experience as far as interconnects are concerned, monsters SUCK, bettercables are way
 better than Monsters for just a 'little extra' money, nordost is appreciably better than bettercables, but, bang for the buck factor is not there.

14

General Discussion / Re: Audio Visual Artifact Atlas

« on: December 05, 2011, 12:25:22 PM »

Many thanks to Mr. Koto

Another pet project of mine is enjoying TOTL ( a long time ago) vintage TV and VCR.

Aside the sentimental 'Back to the Future' nostalgia, I do have some practical reasons for it.

Some of my favorite movies, (usually some obscure European or Korean movies from 70's and 80's , or TV movies from US.) are only available in VHS, and some TOTL vintage TVs still have some obscure technology that is not available from today's TVs, but still offers some real world advantages.



Btw. Steve, are you originally from Japan or  from U.S.?

15

General Discussion / TME Plain White PH Neutral Reel Boxes..........

« on: November 22, 2011, 08:24:23 AM »

Are these really necessary?   So far I've acquired about 100 pre-recorded open reels, most of them in their original boxes.    Should I 'upgrade' to TME boxes, or original boxes are good enough?