my understanding about 1" tape is that it becomes an alignment nightmare unless one is very accomplished at the task yourself. which is why I settled on 1/2" as my top level format.
1" tape is very stiff and requires perfect alignment or gets damaged, fouled, and it causes speed inconsistencies. and then there is the cost of the 1" tape along with having different EQ for it. I could imagine investing big bucks in special 1" tapes and then screwing them up.
The larger is the tape the better tolerances must be, because the tape tends to rule and curls if the path is other than very well aligned. It's just a metter of perpendicularity of rollers and arms and height of the guides. Once calibrated it remains very stable.
I so wish we lived closer...my Audio Precision Portable One Dual Domain is now in the hands of my Studer tech, Charlie.
Recently, I received my fully-calibrated Rohde & Schwarz UPV Audio Analyzer, with options, from R&S in Maryland, USA.
It would be so much fun to test our decks and other audio gear...wouldn't it
In all (audio and video) there are about 80 open reel recorders in my basement and storage rooms. My wife is hating me! But I always say: "think if they were 80 lovers..."
I think I will have to erect a monument for her willingness and comprehension
But... we are rather OT now here. I do apologize for having polluted this thread.
c1ferrari: your UPV is my dream! I've always been attracted by hi quality measuring instruments, but I live well also with my NTI A2D, Lindos L100 and Tek AM700.
There is an interesting comment on the Ampex list. According to this poster Studer always said that they are ready to re introduce the A827 should the demand be there. As the contemporary 2 track machine was the A 807 and the demand is not for multitrack but 2 track ,one can only wonder. Definitely not what I expected.
First JBL , now Mark Levinson apparently back on track and now Studer?. Does Harman finally take audiophiles seriously?
Tom Fine
To ampex@recordist.com
Today at 12:11 AM
Nagra's Sales Director replied to my e-mail that positively they are not going back into reel tape
machines. He opined that Studer would be crazy to do this also, and Harman ownership probably
precludes it. Someone apparently owns the Stellavox brand, but not the original company.
I'm beginning to think this is BS heard at an audio show.
First of all, Otari has tape machine inventory, as I understand it, and will make new ones
(indicating they either have a large parts store or can make all the parts they need to). Tascam is
controlled by Gibson Guitars now, and I doubt they have the inclination to get back into reel
machines. They still sell cassette machines, although these may be made by a 3rd party in China.
