reel to reel tape machine advice

Freddy G · Jul 18, 2009

Hi, I'm looking for advice from any of you guys that use 2 track tape to mix. I've recently been getting into transferring mixes to an Otari MX55. I like what the tape sounds like but I'm not too crazy about the sound of the electronics of the machine. I can tell by listening to the "input" setting.
I have a friend who is retiring from the recording biz and he has an Ampex ATR 100 machine that he is willing to sell me. I know these are held in high regard but I've never used one so I'm not sure...
I would like to know how much money would be a reasonable offer for this machine. Does anyone have one of these?
What do you think?
Freddy

CJ · Jul 19, 2009

good god, i thought i had the worst machine in the tascam tsr 8.

i pity the fool.

hey, how hard is it to rebuild a studer two inch?

redmojosteve · Jul 19, 2009

Personally I would go for one of the Studer twin tracks if that were possible. There are plenty of spares around and people who are knowledgeable enough to keep them operational. The Revox PR99 seems OK too. If he is a friend is there any chance he could lend it to you to try before you buy? It would give you a chance to compare it with the Otari MX55.

amorris@home · Jul 19, 2009

the atr is the only machine I see for sale above $4k. dont know if they are selling, but that's what they are asking.

the atr IS a great sounding machine but, are what I call "High-strung". smooth and silky transport till a component goes and then they "take off". (they have the green and red drive transistors that go short) also they drift all day long. accurate takes are calibrated just before the take.

high maintenance.

Biasrocks · Jul 19, 2009

A few questions;

1. 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch?
2. What type of heads? Ampex, Flux
3. How much head life?
4. Is the machine well maintained or does it need work?
5. Does it come with complete documentation and spares?

I would say 4K is on the high side of pricing isle and is more than likely based on a 1/2-inch/Flux ATR services refurbed version of the machine. There is a reason that these machines demand high prices to this day, they are fabulous sounding decks. I picked up my ATR-102 for $500 from a post production house, it needed to be recapped and had a few issues which I was able to fix.

http://www.atrservice.com/ has some info

Mark

SSLtech · Jul 19, 2009

ATR-100 electronics. -Better than most Studers, most people will tell you. WONDERFUL sounding.

ATR-100 transports. -For every one which I see in working order, I see one half torn-down, waiting for parts. The pindh-rollerless transport is capable of performing fabulously, with stunning wow and flutter figures. -But when it goes wrong, you'd better look out. -They can tear tape, they can do damage.

Owning an ATR-100 is like dating an Italian Supermodel. When it's fun, it's what dreams are made of... but when it gets ugly, you might possibly consider killing yourself!

There's a half-inch one here with Flux Magnetics "M.E." series heads on it... probably the very BEST example which I've ever seen. But if you want something which works perfectly, with NO drama... seek thee out a Studer.

Keith

gar381 · Jul 19, 2009

I got a 1/4 " 2 track ATR100 and LOVE IT !!
SSL tech is right.. "Owning an ATR-100 is like dating an Italian Supermodel."

Lots of support Info and parts as well between Mr. Spitz and the ampex mailing list.

It's probably the best machine to blade edit on as well (if your into such a thing with DAWs
But I'm an old fart ;D)

GARY

PRR · Jul 20, 2009

> "like dating an Italian Supermodel."
> ...best machine to blade edit on

"blade edit"? I think you are dating yourself.

Freddy G · Jul 20, 2009

Thanks fellas!

Nice to have these opinions and personal experiences. The man who owns the deck is an old-school broadcast engineer and I know him to be meticulous with regards to maintenance and service.
That being said, the Italian supermodel (SSLtech, you come up with some beautiful analogies sometimes LOL!) aspect does have me a bit nervous. I'm not in the recording biz as my full time occupation. I just do a few projects per year and I'd like to get into mixing to a nice tape machine but I don't want to get into something that will sap all my time and energy.
I guess my next move will be to go see this thing and talk candidly to my friend about these issues and take it from there.

Biarocks, it's got 1/4" heads...no idea about how much wear. I would bet my right arm that he's got full documentation and spare parts though, as I said, a meticulous engineer.

SSLtech, any recommendations on which model studer?

amorris@home · Jul 20, 2009

what does he want for the atr?

Freddy G · Jul 20, 2009

amorris@home said:
what does he want for the atr?

3k

pucho812 · Jul 20, 2009

3K is a good price, is it 1/2 or 1/4 inch, 2 track or 4 track? I was at a clients not to long ago aligning his ATR 104 with 2 track heads. Simple and easy to do and the machine worked great. However one little hic up caused tape to be thrown all over the place. Lucky there was 1 minute of blank tape before the music kicked in from a 20 year old master. Not sure how it happened but probably a tension thing Vs how the tape was last wound. Anyway outside of that worked great for the entire project.

Freddy G · Jul 20, 2009

Pucho,
it's a 1/4" 2 track....yeah I've been looking on the web and I didn't see too many that were in that price range, so i guess it all depends on the condition now huh?

pucho812 · Jul 20, 2009

Freddy G said:
Pucho,
it's a 1/4" 2 track....yeah I've been looking on the web and I didn't see too many that were in that price range, so i guess it all depends on the condition now huh?

The price is good. If the machine is in good shape from operation standpoint then go for it. You can always fix cosmetic stuff for way cheaper then say A new reel motor. Speaking of atr machines, I just got a call to go align an atr machine for a client.

reel to reel tape machine advice

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