Making a recording on reel-to-reel!
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2010
- That's how I make a recording on reel-to-reel tape. Since I have no money for getting brand new tapes, I have to use 60s and 70s tapes that usually need some extra preparation...
- Věda a technologie
dude you sound like the easyest man to be friends with
This video is a piece of YT-history.
It is an old video, which somehow has started to gather a lot of views in more recent years :)
Ahhh, a gem from CZcams’s golden years
CZcams was such a different place back then...
I've found one yesterday at the garbage. I'm going to safe it's life! It looks like the on/off switch is broken because that doesn't feel good, so for now it's not doing anything. Let's hope that's all the problems. You motivated me to repair it. You've shown it's worth it. Thanks!
10 years ago
Really enjoyed this video as some great tips in it. I have two reel to reel tape recorders and love recording 1960s music on them.
Works like a dream, cleaned up a heap of my old tapes as they were leaving a lot of oxide behind. Thank you for the information.
Very nice demonstration and tutorial one,too. I think you would be a good teacher in your future life. Congratulations for the video.
A lot of people could learn from these basics. Thanks for making the video.
I love seeing youngsters who are into my long time addiction as a 61 year old. Enjoy the Music my friend!
hippydippy - I'm in the same interested he is and I'm 13, I love old music and tapes and don't plan to stop :-)
Glad I found this channel! Fantastic Bach of analog equipment you have there! Sweet! Definitely a new subscriber here!
I'm glad young people are discovering this fine technology, they just have a lot to learn about it and its proper use.
I really enjoy your videos. I'm a big fan of HiFi, particularly vintage HiFi and valve equipment. It's great to see others with the same interests.
Just watched the video right now. Genius!
Thank you Dr cassette for all the helpful information contained in this video
Wish you would have shown how much dirt was on the towel.
The camcorder most likely would not have captured that very well...
I do the same thing. I have also come across squeaky tape and re lubricated the tape with silicone on a soft cloth and no more squeak
Squeaky tapes most often suffer from Sticky shed syndrome. Silicone might solve this temporaly but tapes suffering from sss better be baked and the content, if worth saving, transfered to other media / another tape.
Ampex, Scotch from the mid 70’s, Sony SLH/ULH, Shamrock etc often suffer from SSS
BASF, Maxell, TDK (all eras) and 60’s tapes of all brands are most often free from SSS
Fantastic video! You know your stuff, brother! Good stuff, man!
Thank you :)
Many thanks for your really helpful and informative video!
You are welcome :)
Nice demonstration video. I was just using my teac A-3300 deck and decided to look it up, which lead me to your video. Cheers!
Good stuff, man.. I definitely plan to try this soon! I have all the equipment and then some now.. I just need to get some more tape. 😎
Make sure you get some good tape - then you won't need to clean it like I had to in this video...
awesome! I don't think many people would think of cleaning the tape itself like that.
I want a R2R, but the machines and tape seem to be very hard to find around here.
And I like that feature where you can check the levels of what's just been recorded. Every tape deck should have that!
Jonas
What a good Idea for cleaning the tapes it never crossed my mind to clean the tape always clean the heads and tape track.
I have a lot of BASF tapes as I bought them new in the 70s in Germany. To me they are the very best quality.
Warmest regards
Richard
Great video
Love it!! I have been making fantastic music on my reel to reel. I discovered by using my DAC and believe it or not iTunes! I set it up to fit music as close to the end of the tape as I can, also adjusting the music to mix in the songs. The DAC makes all the difference as for the quality of the sound. My tapes really have great sound not to mention how cool it is!!! One bit of advise to you is isolate your turntable as I have experienced being able to hear rumble just by using a switch on the reel to reel. Also if you use a sub, turn it off while recording. Thanks for the video! I would like to see people rekindle reel to reels again. I am thinking on doing a video on what to look for when buying old tapes. Many warning signs with used tapes.
I have a AKAI 4-track reel to reel deck that's about 35 years old. Still works great. I record and play back tapes on it quite often.
thanks for this video i been recording on a digital recorder since 2003 for music, i found a reel to reel for 125$ at a estate sale that im thinking of buying to toy around with i always wanted a reel 2 reel so itll be mostly for display but seeing this helps me know the basics on how to use it
This was great thank you
Thanks Mr. Cassette I wanna make my own album, recording with a reel to reel tape machine.
Welcome back! I never thought of cleaning the tape as well, but it makes perfect sense. I discoverd that lcd screen cleaner seems to work really well as a head cleaner, seems to work well on vinyl records too, i tried it on a record I didnt mind if it got messed up and afterwards, it ended up looking and sounding like new!
Good work Dr. Cassette. I was hurting my head trying to figure out how to record on a reel to reel.
Dear Sir,I am very thankful for the valuable tips.....
Really helpful man! Thanks
I knew it was Argent in 5 seconds. Nice and thanks!
Hello Dr. I enjoy your informative postings. I have a lot of BASF PR35 I do the same thing as you. Clean them in FF.
@DrCassette thank you!
around here, people usually sell their tape recorder, because they used years ago, and then put it up on the attic. when they were cleaning the place up, they found it again and put it on ebay. usually, when you buy those type of machines, you get a pile of tapes with it, because those were the tapes those people used when they used the machine.
those machines usually have some problems like grease gone hard, but that is easy to fix with WD40.
Nice deck, i got a Phillips 4407, and i have a modern atlp60xbt, both units have integrated amp, so i guess i only need rca to din plugs then
Theoretically yes. However, DIN inputs are often too sensitive for RCA audio levels, you may end up with distortion...
Great video tutorial, Thanks for showing.
Like your video
Can you make a video on the actual connecting of the reel to reel to the receiver?..thanks
you are the best!
Very informative. Thank you. You are too cute.
I knew somebody that did that with a cloth. The only thing was, he thought he was wiping off the old music to erase the tape.
you need a magnet for that.
テープのクリーニング、私は、使用していないセンサーの部分にキムワイプを取り付けて常にクリーニングするようにしています。
日本ではPHILIPS社製のテープレコーダーを見かけることはほとんどないので、非常に興味深く拝見しました。
I was thinking that the cleaning cloth should be very very soft for fear of abrasion on the tape. I think I may try this using my wife's cotton make up pads as they are extremely soft and will not give back lint. Great video!
Really nice.
Would using a static-free or reducing electrical cloth reduce the static generation? I'm looking into analog recording and unfortunately I'm stuck with old tape.
Make a test run with one of your old tapes. If they are not BASF tapes, there is a chance you can use them without cleaning them first.
Good choice of music.
Nice machine. Maybe I'll clean my old tapes since now that there old. Never had that idea. All I did was just clean my heads & demagnetize them.
Its cool tips taped are expensive but i got brand new one still wrapped in plastic way better
I bought some really old tapes and thought, "Why would I need to clean the tapes?" So, after playing a tape I looked at my pinch roller and capstan and was in shock to see the amount crap that accumulated on them. So, if the rollers were dirty you could imagine how the heads looked!!
@Jallge
I forgot to show that in the video... the first time it was absolutely dirty and brown. So cleaning the tape was definitely a good idea.
Am also looking for light machine grease. What do you recommend? The book talks about MIL-G-23827AM, Lubriplate or equivalent. Where would I find it? This is also for Robert's reel to reel
What is that record!? I had it back in the seventies. Argent? Almost sure it's Argent.
Going to fix up my Akai 4000DS so i'm checking a lot of R2R tips right now. Nice vid.
Thanks. I appreciate the info...
I like how you wipe the tape, i do that too.. a lot..
I love reel to reel and tapes! I just went to wal mart and they are so modern they don't even carry blank tapes or microcassette recorders anymore. wal mart sucks!
wow so many cassettes
And if you also scroll the tape twice for recording without a signal, then you will get more than 6 dB drop in the tape noise level.))
You should put the like button back on this old post because I'm sure it will be up there! Cheers!
I'm looking for SAE 10 machine oil for my Robert's reel to reel. What do you recommend and where can I find it?
I'm curious about what you mean by the auto-stop. I have a sony tc 530 that needs to be put back in the game. Whenever I hit the record button it seems to be frozen. Also, do you know if the tc 530 is good enough to record music or is it mostly for speeches? Thanks for the upload and knowledge.
How do you set up? I mean what are the connections you make? Turntable to reel to reel?
The record player must be connected to a phono preamplifier. In this case, it was the built-in phono preamplifier of my Onkyo receiver. The line out (or record out) connection of the receiver / amplifier is then connected to the line input of the reel to reel.
DrCassette thanx! I just suscribe!!
Extremely informative! About to try this for the very first time and this video covered everything I needed to know. Thank you!
Random question though….if you happen to record a couple of songs and they don’t sound very good. Is it ok to rewind the tape and try again? Or should you limit the recording information that you are putting onto the blank tape?
Yes, you absolutely can rewind and try again, the recorder will erase the old recordings while making the new recording. It takes many passes until a tape wears out.
@@DrCassette thank you! I appreciate the response. Have you noticed a sound quality difference between recording at different speeds/ips?
@@renheitman Yes, it is a simple rule: The faster the speed, the better the sound quality and the lower the background noise. The tradeoff is of course the reduced play time.
@@DrCassette Thank you! Any tips on setting recording levels?
I spent many years at Radio Netherlands and Deutsche Welle and never heard of having to clean a tape before recording on it. .
Because you had the luxury of brand new studio quality tape - keep in mind I was using some 40 years old consumer grade BASF tape. These types of tape deposit a lot of oxide, so you can only record on the tape after cleaning it - otherwisely you will have a head clog a few minutes into the recording!
New studio tape? The only time programs would get new studio tape is if the program was going to be archived or if it was a concert being recorded for the transcription service. Most of the BASF DP26 and AGFA PE31, PER525 tapes which were to record the live transmissions and then played back by master control for the different regions. Were so old the labels put on the boxes in many cases were even thicker than the boxes they were kept in. Both at DW and the Wereldomroep would for the most part only use the consumer grade BASF and AGFA tape for daily use. Sometimes we would also get in stock of ORWO tape, because of cost.
Interesting story, but the tapes would have still been almost new or a few years old, rather than being decades old. Try recording on a 1970s BASF DP26 today - it won't be fun ;)
They were not almost new. At he time I was at DW and RNW in the 90s. We still had tape from the 60s that was being used. The only time the engineers would clean any tape is if it was pulled from the archive, which had been poorly designed and mold became a problem. And they only did this when DW moved from Koln to Bonn. Deutschlandfunk, which was in the next building had an even worse problem. They just dumped the tapes. But if you clean it the way you did. Your not just removing dust, but also magnetic particles. Which will also change the BIAS of the tape and the recording will be awful.
Cool room.
@margaretsville
Yes, first video since I returned :D
It's always different with tapes, maybe your tapes will be working fine, maybe they too need cleaning because of oxide that came off the tape. It's also possible that the air that's sealed in the plastic has turned bad and ruined the tape. Also that has happened before.
I like the Pioneer RT-707 model. It actually has 4 heads, and I found a lot of specifications about it. The frequency response at 7-1/2 is supposedly 28,000 Hz and even at 3-1/2 it is still an impressive 20,000 Hz. It didn't say the frequency response at 1-7/8, but I would think 3-3/4 is a good enough speed that should give you long durations of recording time. Also, how do you record on both sides? Do you use the auto reverse feature, or do you flip the reels to the other side?
@Interests2009
I had to spray contact spray into the speed selector and into both speed regulators. When I got this record player the speed on it was messed up too.
A very interesting and instructive video, sir. I notice all your cassettes, what cassette deck/decks do you have??? I use a Teac X-3 open reel deck (purchased on 8-27-1982) and several cassette decks; Akai GX-f31, Yamaha KX-260, Technics RS-M224, Nakamichi BX-1 and a Denon DRM-800A. To clean heads I use isopropyl alcohol (99%) and Q-tips, works great.
I have had probably about 100 cassette decks over the years, the ones I use most are a JVC KD-V6, an Akai GX-75 and a Sony TC-KE600S. For cleaning heads I use the same method as you do.
Sony and Akai built some very good audio components, especially cassette decks. I like my Akai GX-f31, an excellent deck. I haven't owned that many decks, only about ten total over the years and only one open reel machine. I've been into hifi since 1974 when I got my first "system" of receiver, turntable, cassette deck and speakers. I like the vintage "classic" components, the best quality for cost and better than today's offerings. In my humble opinion.
@DeJayPlp
Hook the reel-to-reel up to your computer's sound input and record the audio. Then it can go on to a CD.
DrCasette, I have a TEAC reel to reel, and it is one my father used to have. My question for you is what will I need specifically to record from an outside source onto the tape. My mate and I have an electronic band, and we do things old school and use analogue hardware. And the reel to reel will be used to record and playback backing tracks.
Cheers
Johnathon.
As a band you probably have some microphones and a sound mixer set up. The sound mixer should have a line output. Connect that to the line input of the TEAC tape deck. It should be quite straightforward.
DrCassette Thank you very much!
Nice video, but you forgot head demagnetizing. Also, the way you're cleaning the tape will actually remove the iron oxide on the tape surface. Make sure not to do that very often.
One more thing: It's a good idea to fast forward the tape through side one, then let it play through side two at normal speed to reset the tape in the spool so it is 100% even all the way through.
If I have a preamp built in on my record player I can plug it straight into my reel to reel?
Yes, you can then plug it straight into the line in of the tape deck.
Hey DrCassette. @5:20: What procedures would you need to go through if you're planning on recording from say a cassette tape to a reel to reel tape or from a cd to a reel to reel tape? :) Thank you! :)
Select the appropriate input on your amplifier/receiver.
Excellent advice, From a cassette you'll never be able to utilize the faster 7 1/2 IPS speed as cassette tape speed is 1 7/8 IPS.
I use to set the levels higher, At the loudest points the needle hits big red but I don't get any saturation, the dynamic is better and there's less noise from the the tape itself.
@TheNewFormula
Usually there's just some dust in there. A paint brush and the vacuum cleaner are enough to clean that out :)
@DrCassette it's a bit weird that those plastic philips reel-to-reels seem to have no good reel brakes. the reel just keeps spinning when you press stop, and lets the tape fly around, so you had to stop it by hand.
on all machines i've got (even ones that wind a lot faster that that philips) the reels stop immediately if you press stop...
The black machine under your record player, is that the preamp?
It's the receiver (amplifier and tuner).
Hello DrCassette, I am planning to record the downloaded Mp3 songs on my desk top to record to the reel to reel.....mostly are remixes so should be not problem as the downloaded quality is nice....please let me know your view on it.
That also depends on the machine you are using. To record with auto reverse, the machine needs to have 6 heads. The 4 head machines are only for auto reverse in playback mode.
@giammyzanna
The lowest price I think is 16€. Those old tapes I usually get for only around 2€!
Great video. How would you record downloaded music, through a digital to analog converter? If yes what should I use?
Just use the analog output of your computer (headphone jack) to record the audio. No need for an expensive DA-Converter in this case.
Wow that’s cool
@djFadeOut122
Your video inspired me to make this video :D
I do the cleaning only before I record on them. During playback, I have to clean the heads from time to time. A bit annoying, but that's the way it is with these old tapes :)
Tapes by Maxell, Scotch and Sony sure are very good, but very expensive. I have one Philips tape, I like the plastic case of those reels, you can have an index just like with a cassette.
Okay, that makes sense. How much does the fidelity and frequency response decrease when recording at 3 and 3/4 rather than at 7 and 1/2 inches per second?
This is certainly very instructive and interesting. How diety was the cloth when you finished cleaning the tape? Do you have a procedure for cleaning regular compact cassette tape? I've used VASF cassettes in the 90's, I personally didn't like them all that much, I always thought TDK tapes were better, but that's my opinion. Your videos are always vey instructive and inspiring at the same time.
@Interests2009
Yes, we do get WD40 here in Germany. But prefer using "Tuner600" by the Kontaktchemie company.
I guess your cleaning method is brand specific. If you had a Teac, Tascam, or some other brands which have a right hand tension arm you'd have to block the arm up before the transport assemble would Forward or Reverse. Without the arm in the engaged position the transport system will not function, on other brands that is. It didn't look like yours has a tension arm.
Correct.
I always understood you stored reel to reel tapes "tail out" to reduced print through.
The recording time depends on the reel size, the tape length, the tape thickness (longplay, doubleplay, tripleplay) and the tape speed. I never care for what my recording time is, I just record until the tape ends.
maybe a tiny modification would be like a holder for a cloth, or a brush or something that automaticly does the job
What about 3% hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and clean the tapes with that. I read that TAPEHEADS says that is the only liquid cleaner they approve of? I believe they were referring to moldy tapes but wouldn't this be good for general purpose cleaning?
No. As far as I know, the BASF never used acetate to make their tapes.
By the way Doc i have a mission cyrus one integrated amp Made in 1984. The right Channel ocasionally breaks up when i first turn on a source CD, turntable, etc... then it plays as normal. What could it be?
I could be wrong as I don't know your unit well but it sounds as if a transistor or capacitor is failing. Remember, all audio equipment loves to be played. When they sit with out being used, the capacitors tend to dry out.
When tapes get old enought, especially poor quality ones, they start to loose their magnetic layer, i understand u can clean them with your method but that is în vane, they Will never be the same as they were, because u just cannot replace that layer...... It is nonsense to lose Time and record a tape, and then u find out sound is weak or no treble.... Belive me i done that stupidity
To do this to shedding tapes are useless but all tapes, especially open reels, get dusty. All is not oxide. Tapes can also get dusty and get deposits on them just from being used. The shown method prevents dropouts due to dirt and dust when using quality tape.
If the added head is offset then you will have to play it back on the same offset deck. The 'sound on sound' decks used separate tape heads for record & playback. The playback head 1st, Record head 2nd. The PLAYBACK head allows you to listen to the recorded material unspooling from the left reel. It passes by the playback head 1st. Followed by the RECORD head. You can record over what you just played ( a split second later as it hits the record). Watch Les Paul: Chasing Sound! "Sound on Sound"
@hifijohn
Wrong. There are two head reel to reels as well as single head reel to reels.
And if you set the levels while recording the recordings won't come out good.
Is there a way to record from you computer or phone onto the tape? Also I got an Akai m5or6
It's quite simple, connect the line output or headphone output to the line input of the tape recorder.
DrCassette, thank you!
I tried it but mine it didn’t work because mine is probably from the 50s early 60s. It has a left and right input, and vacuums tube amps
@@thinman4648 You can get a splitter that splits the 3.5mm jack from the phone into left and right jacks.
Have you figured it out yet? If you haven't and are still interested, get yourself a DAC . Whatever digital source you have, connect to it and the DAC should have a RCA out. Connect that to your R2R and it should work. Don't use any DAP(digital audio player) unless it has a line out .
Hello, And thankyou for the information, on cleaning reel to reel tapes. I was wondering if the same principle would appy, to cleaning a tape that has already been recorded, with music selections, that you like. Or if cleaning a tape in this manner, that has already been recorded, would reduce the sound quality of the tape? thankyou
@manyvideoinerests
I have used reel-to-reel for one or two years.
im getting ready to buy my first reel to reel.... any suggestions or recommendations.. brand? Model? Thanks
Nice Video. But answer a question of mine. Is this tape made of acetate?. I´ve noticed in the end of the cleaning it have the mix of brown/orange colour. If so, why it did not suffered from vynegar syndrome? The tape breaks or worn very badly, and the smell of vynegar (hence the name). Thankx