Tape decks for recording bands on, what's a good one?

Test Electrix · 12th April 2009, 08:02 PM

Well I've just had the dream of building my own studio. Better start planning before I do anything that would be a waste of time.
I'm looking for something a bit more than a 2 track cassette, price no boundary but cheaper would be better if it's not going to affect quality. Been proper inspired by King Tubby and the rest of the mad dub heads, mashing, splicing and altering 'til it's beautiful...

Winchester · 15th April 2009, 11:00 AM

Here's a link to a used gear website - I haven't bought anything from here so I can't comment on service etc - but there's a couple of Akai reel-to-reels here.

http://www.choice-hifi.com/index.asp?page=34

And another link - select the "cassette-tape" option, there are a few reel-to-reels here too. I have dealt with the Trading Station about 3 years ago, they were friendly and excellent for service.

http://www.hifitradingstation.com/

Neither of these sites seems too expensive either - maybe you could get a couple of machines for multi-tracking?
However, I'm not sure about recording/playback head wear on older machines.
Hope this helps.
Cheers

Bill Fuss · 15th April 2009, 12:19 PM

If you want a near pro quality deck find an Otari MX5050, they made 2,4, and 8 track 1/2" versions. I used an 8 track for about 20 yrs, built like tanks and parts are still around. Probably around $1200 for a refurbed 8 track these days, cost around $5500 new.

Bill

Test Electrix · 15th April 2009, 04:59 PM

Yeah I found a website reccomending them and MDM I think, I'm trying to find out how hard it is to get hold of the tape because I don't wanna buy the machine then have nothing to run it with!

12th April 2009, 08:02 PM	#1
Test Electrix diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	Tape decks for recording bands on, what's a good one? Well I've just had the dream of building my own studio. Better start planning before I do anything that would be a waste of time. I'm looking for something a bit more than a 2 track cassette, price no boundary but cheaper would be better if it's not going to affect quality. Been proper inspired by King Tubby and the rest of the mad dub heads, mashing, splicing and altering 'til it's beautiful...

15th April 2009, 11:00 AM	#2
Winchester diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007	Tape decks for recording bands on, what's a good one? Here's a link to a used gear website - I haven't bought anything from here so I can't comment on service etc - but there's a couple of Akai reel-to-reels here. http://www.choice-hifi.com/index.asp?page=34 And another link - select the "cassette-tape" option, there are a few reel-to-reels here too. I have dealt with the Trading Station about 3 years ago, they were friendly and excellent for service. http://www.hifitradingstation.com/ Neither of these sites seems too expensive either - maybe you could get a couple of machines for multi-tracking? However, I'm not sure about recording/playback head wear on older machines. Hope this helps. Cheers

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15th April 2009, 12:19 PM	#3
Bill Fuss RIP Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Florida	If you want a near pro quality deck find an Otari MX5050, they made 2,4, and 8 track 1/2" versions. I used an 8 track for about 20 yrs, built like tanks and parts are still around. Probably around $1200 for a refurbed 8 track these days, cost around $5500 new. Bill

15th April 2009, 04:59 PM	#4
Test Electrix diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	Yeah I found a website reccomending them and MDM I think, I'm trying to find out how hard it is to get hold of the tape because I don't wanna buy the machine then have nothing to run it with!