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Reel to Reel uses -

My wife and I love to entertain.  It never ceases to surprise me how many will walk over to my stereo and stare at my Reel to Reel tape deck.  Some under the age of 35, will ask what it is? Others want to know why I have it, and what do I use it for?  Of course I answer their questions, but now it makes we wonder how others use their machines?  I have been following a couple of high end blogs that I really enjoy and see that one gentlemen uses his machine to play master tape copies.  I do this as well, but have no where near the selection that he does.  I make copies of my favorite LP's to play when guests are over, and also make my own master tapes using a couple of neuman's microphones.  I record small jazz trios and solo artists straight to the machine.  People are amazed at how 'real' these tapes sound.  My main reel to reel is a Pioneer RT-1050 high speed half track.  I have a second just like it that I use for the above mentioned site recordings.  I also have a ReVox B-77, a Sony TC-765, and a Crown 822, all half track machines.  Anyone out there making your own masters?

Norman
normansizemore
normansizemore OP
473 posts
 
Honestly, in having owned Akai, Sony, Pioneer, ReVox, TEAC, Crown, Ampex, and Otari over the years, I have never had any of the them ever fail.  Even through rugged use.   I have a lot of recording studio experience (late 70's as a former studio musician) and was quite used to seeing Ampex, Scully, Studer, and Crown used as mix down decks.  In many radio stations here in Chicago, Ampex and Pioneer were used extensively.  I have never had an occasion where I remember seeing Technics in a professional setting.  I know they are good machines, but it would be hard to say that they are the 'most reliable'.  The condition of the machine is really what to look for.  
For me, a master tape played on an open reel is the ultimate music experience.  I agree 100%, it's not about the gear, its the music. Blu-Ray doesn't do it for me.  But that's me. 
Norman
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Norman,

I'd looked at Nagra IV-S machines, but couldn't find one in the desired configuration.  I really should have purchased an A-810 when they were attractively and reasonably-priced.  :-(

I've never considered a Pioneer RT 1050...I'll have to look into it.
Thanks.

Sam
normansizemore OP
473 posts
 
Sam,
A Tascam 32 or BR-20 are great machines. Even after servicing they are very inexpensive. 
Also, the Studer A807.  A bit newer than an 810 and less money as well. 
I was wondering what microphones you use?

Norman
livin_262002
101 posts
 
For me playing music on RtR is a ritual I like. I'm a BIG Tandberg fan. I have a Tandberg TD20A SE 1/2 Tr High-Speed deck. I had a Revox PR99 MKII also, but when it came to sonics Tandberg was a clear winner. I'm not sure if it was the CCIR (on Tandberg) vs NAB (on Revox) or if Tandberg got the sonics correct, I just love the sound of Tandberg.

Reliability is a whole different story, Tandberg decks tend to be a tad fragile compared to other decks. That and sparse availability of spares makes it a difficult deck to maintain.

I usually record multiple Vinyl albums to one Reel (BASF SM911 is my current stock tape and I have calibrated the deck to that tape) and let it spin :-), it never fails to put a smile on my face
normansizemore OP
473 posts
 
livin_262002,
When I bought my ReVox B77 half track new (series one), I thought nothing could top it.  I still have it, but rarely ever use it.  My Sony TC-765, and Pioneer RT-1050 sound so much better it's laughable.  And I believe it is because the ReVox is tied to the NAB eq curve.  The Pioneer has both NAB and CCIR, and is just an amazing sounding machine.  So much headroom.
For all my years in the hobby (over 40), I have never even seen a Tandberg reel to reel.  But, if they are anything like their cassette decks, or receivers and amps, then the sound must be first class!
I too am a BASF SM911 fan.  I also enjoy Agfa 468 (very smooth), but you need a bit more bias to make it happy.  
You should get a couple of mics (even something like two Audio Technicas or Shure 57's) and do some live recording. You won't believe how wonderful it will sound!  An entire second addiction will ensue.

Norman
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