Running Your Open Reel Recorder,and magnetic tape.

Ok So you've bought a Reel to Reel Tape recorder - GREAT!  ..... If you don't know too much about these..... I'll try and give you some advice on running it.......

Good Housekeeping.....

Tape Replay (Playing a Tape)

Normally, domestic type tape recorders have only one record and replay head (this head does the recording and the replaying  of the tape as well). (Professional recorder have seperate head for play and record making it possible to hear the recording nearly instantly as it's being mad)

it is important to keep this head clean-using  something like a cotton bud soaked in lighter fluid,or an alcohol type cleaner. Any 'debris' from the tapes that are played on the machine can stick onto this head,and clog what is called 'the gap' (this is in the centre of the head,and it doesn't take much  to affect the sound quality if it gets 'oxide' from the tape getting onto it . High frequencies will not be heard ! - the recording being played will sound muddy! .Keep  all the heads clean!.The Rubber roller that drives the tape (called a 'pinch roller') should also be fairly often cleaned, as should any tape guides.

Magnetic Tape Problems

I must point out - be careful in choosing recording tape. there are some brands around that  should be avoided like the plague! -the main problem being that the oxide on the tape has gone, or is going 'unstable' - this leads to a  situation where the tape cannot easily be used !

Recording tape normally consist of a PVC  'tape'  that is covered with iron oxide with something that is called a 'binder.' This binder keeps the oxide 'glued' onto the base pvc.Some makes of tapes - noteably  some Ampex 456 had binder problems. although the tape is fine for a few years,it then, with age aquires moisture and becomes unstable- thus making it  very difficult to play, as the oxide and binder deposit off of the tape whilst playing ,and clog up all the tape path. This can result in major problems - immediate High Frquency  loss on playback.screeching on the tape path,and even a  slowing down of speed due to all the goo affecting the machine!

The only good way around playing tapes with this problem is to ' bake them' - Yes! - put them in an oven !.At a time quite a few years ago in the early 80's,I heard about this and didn't believe it - but yes! - it's the only way to stabilize the oxide and binder  on the tape so that it can be played.'Baking' tapes as it's called normally involves a low temperature oven (not your domestic cooker!),and the tapes will normally be left in it for about 3 days.( I see no reason however  why you couldn't use a  normal domestic oven - however - you'll have to get the microwave  working a bit harder for your food!.

Although I've mentioned 3 days to bake- I have in the past used baked tapes after 24 hours without problems-so I think you may get away with leaving tapes to bake for about 24 hrs on a very very low heat. remember though that after baking,I'd advise that any precious material on the tape be re-copied ,as the tape will in time revert back to its unplayable state. I don't have any information on how many times a tape can be put in an oven, however common sense will tell you that you should 'retrieve' the contents just in case in the future it is definately unuseable.

Despite some problems I've just mentioned,recording tape is a super media,Most of it will stand the test of time( tapes recorded as early as 1952 - still sound as brilliant as when they were recorded. there will be a small amount of oxide loss when playing tape,however this is normal, This media can be used thousands of times with no audio losses apparent. i did some tests years ago making  a tape loop with a high frequency tone on it,and after several hundred thousand revolutions on the machines the 'loss' was half a dB ! The other great thing with analogue tape is that it is very forgiving with any problems - you won't get this with any digital formats - just big holes or mutes!

MainTypes of Recording tape

Acetate/ Polyester

Some early recording tape was made using acetate.(this is recognisable by holding the reel of tape to a bright light - if it's acetate -you'll be able to see the light shining through it .This tape has as far as I know only one advantage (if you can call it that) - when it breaks - it breaks cleanly! - and hopefully you'll be able to re-spice it back together ok

Polyester tape (This is what the majority of tape manufactured is) Yes fine - but try and avoid long play types,as when it breaks( usually due to a machine /operator problem) - it will stretch! - and there's no chance of it playing like it used to after this happening!. Standard play Polyester tape will also stretch  with abuse,but is quite a bit more forgiving.

Tape brands that suggests you can record high levels onto it- well there isn't really any gain on most of them- as the print through factor is usually higher as well. Go for a branded tape manufacturer such as BASF /AGFA/PHILIPS & EMI.

Storing MagneticTape

If your machine in a 2 track stereo machine - always leave the played tape  'end out'. this is the correct way- don't rewind it!. the tape pack having neatly been wound through by playing will resist damage on long term storeage.

Avoid long playing tape - this normally spools badly - the 'leafing' it makes on spooling can damage the tape,and the print through factor(that's where one layer of tape 'prints' its signal onto the next layer  of tape over a period of time) is higher - try and use standard play tape, although if your machine in a four track machine then the thinner tape will give better tape to head contact.

keep your tapes dry and preferably in a dry place thats not too hot.

Tape speeds for recording

If possible always use the fastest tape speed on your machine.There are a number of reasons for this-  it will be the highest quality recording,will have the lowest print through,and will endure damage better Only use lower speeds when the recording won't fit on the reel of tape at the highest speed.

I hope what I've written here is of some use to you,I'll be adding to it occasionally other bits and pieces that may help you as well.

All The Best........