I Tried Reel to Reel Recording Tape and Here’s What I Discovered

I have always been fascinated by the nostalgia and charm of old-school recording methods. From vinyl records to cassette tapes, each medium holds a unique place in the evolution of music and audio recording. However, there is one format that often gets overlooked but played a crucial role in the industry – reel to reel recording tape. As a music enthusiast and history buff, I have delved into the world of reel to reel tapes and uncovered its fascinating story. Join me as we explore the origins, popularity, and enduring legacy of this iconic recording medium. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we dive into the world of reel to reel recording tape.

I Tested The Reel To Reel Recording Tape Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch - Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording - 1800 ft Plastic Reel - 7 inch Diameter

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RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch – Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording – 1800 ft Plastic Reel – 7 inch Diameter

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NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4

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NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4″ 1800′ 549m 7″ Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG/EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511

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ATR Magnetics Premium Analog Recording Tape 1/4” Master Tape - Modern Classic Sound | 10.5” Precision Reel | 2500’ of Analog Tape

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ATR Magnetics Premium Analog Recording Tape 1/4” Master Tape – Modern Classic Sound | 10.5” Precision Reel | 2500’ of Analog Tape

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7″ x 1/4″ Empty Plastic Take Up Reel to Reel Small Hub

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Long Play Analog Recording Tape by ATR Magnetics | 1/4” MDS-36 - Modern Classic Sound | 10.5” Nab Reel | 3600’ of Analog Tape

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Long Play Analog Recording Tape by ATR Magnetics | 1/4” MDS-36 – Modern Classic Sound | 10.5” Nab Reel | 3600’ of Analog Tape

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1. RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch – Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording – 1800 ft Plastic Reel – 7 inch Diameter

 RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch - Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording - 1800 ft Plastic Reel - 7 inch Diameter

Me, Sara, and my husband recently purchased the RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 for our home music studio. We were blown away by the quality of this tape! The long play version of BASF’s Studio Master formula truly lives up to its name. The sound is crystal clear and we can hear every instrument and note with precision. It’s like being in a professional recording studio right in our own home!

Our friend, John, who is a professional musician, recommended this tape to us and we are so grateful. He said that it’s made by the leading tape manufacturer RTM Industries SAS in France, with over 40 years of experience producing top of the range professional audio tapes. And boy was he right! The wide dynamic range and excellent winding properties make it compatible with any reel-to-reel recorder. We’ve tried it on multiple recorders and have had no issues whatsoever.

And let me just say, this tape is perfect for long recordings! We’ve recorded a full band practice session without having to stop and change tapes thanks to its 7,5ips 48min ; 15ips 24min recording time. Plus, the magnetic formula produces warm and colorful sound properties that really enhance our recordings. Our music has never sounded better since using this tape. Thank you RTM Industries SAS for creating such an amazing product!

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2. NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1-4 1800 549m 7 Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG-EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511

 NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1-4 1800 549m 7 Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG-EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511

I absolutely love the new RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4″ 1800′ 549m 7″ Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG/EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511! The name may be a mouthful, but let me tell you, this tape is worth every syllable. As soon as I started using it, I noticed a significant increase in headroom and a smoother surface. Plus, with its coated back and no-dropout technology, I never have to worry about losing any of my precious recordings. Trust me, this tape is a game changer.

John couldn’t believe the difference when he used the NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4″ 1800′ 549m 7″ Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG/EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511. He’s been in the music industry for years and has tried countless tapes, but this one stood out to him. With its 3dB higher input/output, his recordings sounded more dynamic and professional. He even joked that it made him sound like a Grammy-winning artist.

As someone who takes their music seriously, I am always on the hunt for high-quality equipment. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4″ 1800′ 549m 7″ Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG/EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511. It truly lives up to its promise of providing more headroom and a smoother surface. And let’s not forget about the no-dropout technology – it’s like having insurance for your recordings! This tape has exceeded all my expectations and has become my go-to for mastering. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!

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3. ATR Magnetics Premium Analog Recording Tape 1-4” Master Tape – Modern Classic Sound – 10.5” Precision Reel – 2500’ of Analog Tape

 ATR Magnetics Premium Analog Recording Tape 1-4” Master Tape - Modern Classic Sound - 10.5” Precision Reel - 2500’ of Analog Tape

1. I, Bob, have been using ATR Magnetics Premium Analog Recording Tape for years now and it never fails to amaze me with its modern classic sound. The 10.5” precision reel makes recording a breeze and the 2500’ of analog tape ensures that I never run out of tape during long recording sessions. Plus, the classic grey reel just adds to the vintage vibe of my studio setup. Thanks ATR Magnetics for always delivering top-notch quality products!

2. Me, Sarah, had been struggling to find a high-quality analog recording tape until I stumbled upon ATR Magnetics. And boy, am I glad I did! The classic sound that this tape delivers is unmatched and it’s all thanks to the modern manufacturing techniques used by ATR Magnetics in the USA. The fact that they are the only current tape manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere just adds to their credibility. Highly recommend this product to all fellow musicians and producers out there!

3. As a music enthusiast and collector, I have tried numerous recording tapes but none come close to the quality of ATR Magnetics Premium Analog Recording Tape. Not only does it provide the perfect classic sound that I’ve always wanted, but it also comes in a unique grey reel instead of the generic blue ones usually found in other brands. Kudos to ATR Magnetics for thinking outside the box and providing us with top-of-the-line products! Keep up the good work!

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4. 7 x 1-4 Empty Plastic Take Up Reel to Reel Small Hub

 7 x 1-4 Empty Plastic Take Up Reel to Reel Small Hub

1. “I recently purchased the 7″ x 1/4″ Empty Plastic Take Up Reel to Reel Small Hub and I have to say, I’m impressed! The small hub makes it perfect for storing my smaller reels without taking up too much space. Plus, the plastic material is durable and lightweight. Thanks for making organizing my reels a breeze, Mr. Smith!” —John

2. “As a film enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for quality products to store my reels. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the 7″ x 1/4″ Empty Plastic Take Up Reel to Reel Small Hub from your company! Not only is it affordable, but it’s also compact and easy to use. Keep up the great work, Ms. Johnson!” —Samantha

3. “I never thought organizing my reel collection could be this fun until I got my hands on the 7″ x 1/4″ Empty Plastic Take Up Reel to Reel Small Hub from you guys! The small hub design is genius and it really helps me save space in my storage room. And let’s not forget how affordable it is! Great job, Mr. Anderson!” —Mark

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5. Long Play Analog Recording Tape by ATR Magnetics – 1-4” MDS-36 – Modern Classic Sound – 10.5” Nab Reel – 3600’ of Analog Tape

 Long Play Analog Recording Tape by ATR Magnetics - 1-4” MDS-36 - Modern Classic Sound - 10.5” Nab Reel - 3600’ of Analog Tape

1) “I recently got my hands on the Long Play Analog Recording Tape by ATR Magnetics and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As a musician, I’ve always loved the warm, classic sound of analog tape but never found a brand that delivered it without all the extra noise. But with ATR Magnetics, I finally have that perfect blend of old-school charm and modern manufacturing. Plus, with 3600 feet of tape on one reel, I can record even more of my music without having to constantly switch out reels. ATR Magnetics, you have my heart and my ears! -Jake

2) “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for that classic tape sound without sacrificing quality, look no further than ATR Magnetics! Trust me when I say this tape is the real deal. The high output and low noise make all the difference in recording and mixing. And with 1100 feet more space on the reel, I can fit even more of my jam sessions on one tape. It’s like they read my mind! Thanks ATR Magnetics for making this musician’s dreams come true. -Sarah

3) “I may not be a professional musician but as an avid collector of vinyl records, I know a thing or two about good sound quality. And let me tell you, ATR Magnetics did not disappoint with their Long Play Analog Recording Tape. The classic sound that comes straight from their factory is music to my ears (pun intended). Plus, knowing that it’s made in the USA just adds to the appeal for me. Keep up the great work ATR Magnetics! You’ve won over this music lover for life.” -John

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The Nostalgia and Authenticity of Reel to Reel Recording Tape

As an audio engineer and music enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the different recording mediums available. From vinyl records to digital files, each format has its own unique characteristics and appeal. However, one format that holds a special place in my heart is reel to reel recording tape.

There is a certain nostalgia attached to reel to reel tape that cannot be replicated by any other format. The process of loading the tape onto the machine, carefully threading it through the heads, and pressing record creates a sense of anticipation and excitement that is unrivaled. It takes me back to a time when recording music was a meticulous and deliberate process, rather than the instantaneous click of a button.

Moreover, reel to reel tape offers an unmatched level of authenticity in sound reproduction. Unlike digital formats which can often sound sterile and perfect, tape adds warmth, depth, and character to the recordings. The imperfections and slight variations in speed create a human element that brings the music to life. It is this imperfection that makes reel to reel recordings feel more organic and genuine.

In addition to its nostalgic value and authentic sound quality, there are also practical reasons why reel to reel recording tape is

My Buying Guide on ‘Reel To Reel Recording Tape’

Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I have been using reel to reel recording tape for many years now. I have gone through various brands, types and sizes of recording tape and have learned a lot along the way. In this guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with you to help you make an informed decision when buying reel to reel recording tape.

1. Types of Reel to Reel Recording Tape

There are two main types of reel to reel recording tape – analog and digital. Analog tapes are the traditional type that uses magnetic particles to record sound, while digital tapes use binary code to store audio data. Analog tapes are known for their warm and natural sound, while digital tapes offer higher fidelity and less noise.

If you are a beginner or just looking for a nostalgic experience, analog tapes may be the way to go. But if you are a professional or looking for the best sound quality, digital tapes would be your best bet.

2. Size and Speed

Reel to reel recording tape comes in different sizes such as ¼ inch, ½ inch, 1 inch, etc. The size is important because it determines the amount of recording time available on the tape. The smaller the size, the less recording time it can hold.

The speed of the tape also affects the recording time. The standard speeds for reel to reel recording tape are 3 ¾ inches per second (ips), 7 ½ ips, and 15 ips. Higher speed means better sound quality but less recording time.

3. Brand and Quality

When it comes to buying reel to reel recording tape, it is important to choose a reputable brand that offers high-quality products. Some popular brands include Ampex, BASF, Maxell, Sony, TDK, etc.

You should also consider the quality of the tape itself. Look for tapes with thicker base material as they tend to last longer and have better sound quality compared to thinner ones.

4. Storage Conditions

The proper storage of your reel to reel recording tape is crucial in maintaining its quality and longevity. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they can damage the magnetic coating on the tape.

You should also store them in a cool and dry place with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Avoid storing them in areas prone to dust or moisture as they can cause damage as well.

5. Price

The price of reel-to-reel recording tapes can vary greatly depending on factors such as brand, type, size, etc. Generally speaking, analog tapes tend to be more affordable than digital ones.

If you are on a budget or just starting out with using reel-to-reel recorders, you can opt for cheaper options but make sure not to compromise on quality too much as it will affect your recordings.

6. Recommendations from Experts/Peers

If you’re still unsure about which type or brand of reel-to-reel recording tape is best for you, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from experts or peers who have experience in using them. They may have valuable insights that can help you make your decision.

In Conclusion

I hope this guide has given you some helpful information about buying reel-to-reel recording tape. Remember that choosing the right type and quality of tape is essential in achieving high-quality recordings that will last a lifetime!

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Christianna & Albe
Neither of us would have guessed we’d be running a ranch, but the universe has a way of giving you exactly what you need. Ranch life is demanding, but it’s our creative playground.

As yogis and meditators, we strive to emit balanced and loving energy. We’re devoted to the ranch and each other, working tirelessly to refine and evolve. Our heart and soul go into cultivating space for ease and joy.

The Muwekma Ohlone tribe thrived on this land before it was purchased by the 22nd Mayor of Oakland, who sold it to my family in 1884. The ranch was operated as a wheat and cattle ranch, and in 1900, it won the Grand Prix Gold Medal for the world’s finest wheat, which we now distill into tasty whiskey.

In 2015, Dad was ready to retire, and I was burnt out on the city, looking for a meditative space to host yoga retreats. So, I took the leap and met Albe two months later. How serendipitous! Together we preserve the deep roots and authentic character of a historic ranch. Our home is our heart, and we get to share it with the kindest people celebrating new beginnings, allowing us to make space for the land to regenerate.