Would it make sense to manufacture a playback only R2R?

c1ferrari

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 15, 2010
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I've requested information from Fred Thal regarding ATAE's SHRO headblocks for my two A-820's.
Perhaps, an SHRO-type headblock for record, too.
 

Mike Lavigne

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
Apr 25, 2010
12,473
11,369
4,410
I've requested information from Fred Thal regarding ATAE's SHRO headblocks for my two A-820's.
Perhaps, an SHRO-type headblock for record, too.

ever since Fred told us about the auto tensioner on the A-820 when switching head blocks from 1/4" to 1/2" I've been thinking of getting a second head block for each machine to allow me to dub back and forth either 1/4" to 1/4", or 1/2" to 1/2".

and if I did get a second head block and guides for each deck it might as well be SHRO-type. I say that so easily without knowing the tariff. but no doubt it would deliver the goods.
 

astrotoy

VIP/Donor
May 24, 2010
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SF Bay Area
ever since Fred told us about the auto tensioner on the A-820 when switching head blocks from 1/4" to 1/2" I've been thinking of getting a second head block for each machine to allow me to dub back and forth either 1/4" to 1/4", or 1/2" to 1/2".

and if I did get a second head block and guides for each deck it might as well be SHRO-type. I say that so easily without knowing the tariff. but no doubt it would deliver the goods.

Very nice to have the flexibility. I do 1/2" to 1/2", 1/4" to 1/4". 1/2' to 1/4" and 1/4" to 1/2". Takes me about 2-3 minutes to switch head blocks and guides. Larry
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
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Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
Very nice to have the flexibility. I do 1/2" to 1/2", 1/4" to 1/4". 1/2' to 1/4" and 1/4" to 1/2". Takes me about 2-3 minutes to switch head blocks and guides. Larry

I can do this as well... just takes me a little longer for calibration. It's a labor of love!!
 

c1ferrari

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 15, 2010
2,162
51
1,770
ever since Fred told us about the auto tensioner on the A-820 when switching head blocks from 1/4" to 1/2" I've been thinking of getting a second head block for each machine to allow me to dub back and forth either 1/4" to 1/4", or 1/2" to 1/2".

and if I did get a second head block and guides for each deck it might as well be SHRO-type. I say that so easily without knowing the tariff. but no doubt it would deliver the goods.

The A-820's are fantastic for recalling and implementing custom data...tensions -- for example.
I've watched and have had questions answered by Charlie Bolois while he was performing deck and audio alignments.
The tensions stored in A-820 memory were custom for the tape I typically use for recording.

I thought you had 4 headstacks/blocks, Mike? Currently, I have two 1/4" stacks and two 1/2" stacks -- all ERP.

I expect Fred's SHRO headblocks should be high echelon.
 

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