Akai GX 635D
- Thread starter Ronnie_B
- Start date
Regarding old CASSETTE tape, I'll stick with my 40-year old tape thank you.
I've yet to find a "new" tape that out-performs the old junky TDK, even pre-recorded/used/recycled tape. There is no comparison of quality and the type-II technology has been lost.
Real (read: 1"+) tape never went away, and running at 15 IPS sounds as good now as it did in 1970. If you're running an open reel, get a good new tape and don't look back. If running cassettes, get a good type-II (TDK, Maxell etc.) and enjoy those. You will be hard pressed to out-perform them with anything else in that format.
I've yet to find a "new" tape that out-performs the old junky TDK, even pre-recorded/used/recycled tape. There is no comparison of quality and the type-II technology has been lost.
Real (read: 1"+) tape never went away, and running at 15 IPS sounds as good now as it did in 1970. If you're running an open reel, get a good new tape and don't look back. If running cassettes, get a good type-II (TDK, Maxell etc.) and enjoy those. You will be hard pressed to out-perform them with anything else in that format.
Ok B
Thank you Jim. I have some reels of Maxell UD that were recorded on the Akai X360 and also some 10.5 35-180b new old stock. Nice to listen to stuff I recorded decades ago...So far the UD sounds great, will try the 35-180b soon. I will probably buy the ATR Master grade stuff to try for future recordings. Thanks again for the help, I appreciate it!
Thank you Jim. I have some reels of Maxell UD that were recorded on the Akai X360 and also some 10.5 35-180b new old stock. Nice to listen to stuff I recorded decades ago...So far the UD sounds great, will try the 35-180b soon. I will probably buy the ATR Master grade stuff to try for future recordings. Thanks again for the help, I appreciate it!
Modern type-I tape is fine. And best suited to an open reel where you can up the speed.
Type -I cassettes make no sense with billions of NOS ones out there. Always a TDK D can be had cheaply and they have held up fine.
The new type-II tapes, which are really just now becoming available (Tascam branded and the maker selling under their own name) leave a lot to be desired. Fanboys are raving about it but the cost : performance ratio is not favorable. If TDK or Maxell still made tape their type-II would be quite expensive due to inflation, but it would also be infinitely better than the newcomers.
Anyone can make a shell; it’s the alchemy of making the tape (coating) that is lacking. But new shells have no shortage of suck either.
Type -I cassettes make no sense with billions of NOS ones out there. Always a TDK D can be had cheaply and they have held up fine.
The new type-II tapes, which are really just now becoming available (Tascam branded and the maker selling under their own name) leave a lot to be desired. Fanboys are raving about it but the cost : performance ratio is not favorable. If TDK or Maxell still made tape their type-II would be quite expensive due to inflation, but it would also be infinitely better than the newcomers.
Anyone can make a shell; it’s the alchemy of making the tape (coating) that is lacking. But new shells have no shortage of suck either.
Reel to Reel Warehouse has a lot of good info regarding the various types of tape construction/formulation, etc.
Preemptive legal disclaimer- Not my company, nor do I have any interest financially in this company. All information on the website is property of Reel to Reel Warehouse and is not mine. California Prop 65 warning- tape may cause cancer if you eat it.
https://reeltoreelwarehouse.com/
Preemptive legal disclaimer- Not my company, nor do I have any interest financially in this company. All information on the website is property of Reel to Reel Warehouse and is not mine. California Prop 65 warning- tape may cause cancer if you eat it.
https://reeltoreelwarehouse.com/
Some good info here- Tape performance is affected by bias, and he discusses some recommendations.
https://reeltoreelwarehouse.com/learn/what-reel-to-reel-tape-should-i-choose/
https://reeltoreelwarehouse.com/learn/what-reel-to-reel-tape-should-i-choose/