Getting Started with Analog tape

 
 

What size reel do I need?

There are two reel sizes supplied by ATR Magnetics, 7” and 10.5”.  Seven inch reels are now supplied in both hard, translucent plastic and metal, while 10.5” reels are available in opaque, black plastic or standard metal.

Some models such as the Pioneer RT-707 or the Teac A-2300 have a maximum supported reel diameter of 7”.

Most units accommodate up to 10.5” reels with a small set of professional models accepting larger diameters of 12.5” and 14”.

How do I mount a reel to my machine?

A finished reel is fastened to the turntable either by means of a locking spindle mechanism or reel hub adapter.

The center of a reel takes two forms:

  1. EIA Trident

Exclusively found on small reel diameters for ¼” tape, 7” and smaller.  Occasionally found on plastic 10.5” for ¼” tape.

2. NAB Hub

Found on the majority of 10.5” reels.  Exclusively found on larger tape widths – ½”, 1” and 2”.

“Tails Out”

Which side do I place a new reel?

ATR Magnetics supplies its products with a Tails Out orientation.  There are three basic reasons for doing so: traceability, reduction of layer-to-layer print and best storage practice.

Tails Out reel orientation implies placing the reel on the Take-Up side of your tape machine. 

  1. Fasten new reel to the Take-Up (Right) side of your recorder.

  2. Thread tape from right to left through transport.

  3. Rewind to Head of the reel.

  4. Start Recording

Online course by joe Albano

NYC-based Recording Engineer Joe Albano provides an all encompassing tutorial on tape recorder maintenance and usage in a modern recording environment.

Online course focused on calibration

Bradshaw Leigh introduced us to the concept of online tape machine instruction. Check out his calibration-focused video series.

Guided calibration on your device!

Chris Mara has done it again with his latest innovation, the Mara TapeCal App! You very likely have a compatible device in your pocket, why not let it be your guide to calibration bliss?