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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Ampex 456
« on: April 14, 2011, 04:04:53 AM »Hi Capstan (btw, we use our real names here on this forum, check out the "Forum Rules" for details),
Welcome to the forum. You can use just about any tape on any machine but to optimize the recording/playback performance, the machine should be adjusted for that tape formulation.
That said, I'm sure you've seen 456 tape for great prices on auction sites etc. Unfortunately, Ampex/Quantegy 456 is infamous for developing a problem known as Sticky Shed Syndrome (SS for short). SS renders the tape unusable for all practical purposes.
If the tape hasn't developed this problem, it will. If you'd like to read more about this issue, check out the posts located in the "Beginners Guide" located in a sticky above the General Forum.
I suggest that you use the that's in current production (RMGI or ATR Magnetics). You can purchase either from US Recording Media or eBay sources. Since there are only a couple of sources for "new" magnetic tape, I feel like we should support their efforts if possible otherwise we'll all be forced to buy tape from questionable sources (I'm sure that some of the folks who are selling doomed 456 know about SS but sell it just the same).
Ah Ok, thanks for the info