Tape machines

[mountain lion]

Hi

Do They still manufacture tape machines?

Regards

[Hugh Robjohns]

Yes.

German manufacturer Balfinger are currently offering three different models.

http://www.ballfinger.de/tape-recorder-m-063-h5



...one of which is also available with a Thorens badge:



There's also a model from Metaxas:

https://thereeltoreelrambler.com/2020/05/16/introducing-the-brand-new-metaxas-t-rx-tape-deck/



All of these are aimed at the very deep-pocketed hi-fi loony brigade. The replay-only version (shown above with the Thorens badge) costs in excess of around £12k, while the three-head recording Balfinger version shown at the top is reputed to cost around £23k!

... and remember, that price doesn't include the psychoanalyst fees...

[Johnsy]

... and that doesn't include the psychoanalyst fees...

[Sam Spoons]

and remember, that price doesn't include the psychoanalyst fees...

Or tape...

[Hugh Robjohns]

Never mind recording tape... 'master grade' pre-recorded demo tapes to impress your hi-fi friends will set you back upwards of £200...

http://www.analogyrecords.org/products/sampler/ballfinger-sampler-15-ips/

[Arpangel]

Don’t forget the Uher Report is still available as new old stock.

[Johnsy]

For some reason this thread (alone - rest of forum's fine) is showing as 'Not secure' in my browser.

Anyone else?

[Drew Stephenson]

Probably because the Ballfinger link in Hugh's post is http not https.

[Sam Spoons]

You're not running a 7 ½ ips ¼ track computer are you 'cos this is a 15 ips ½ track thread?

[ManFromGlass]

These could complement a fully loaded Mac Pro with all the bells and whistle$$$.
But isn’t it true that a 1/4” machine doesn’t give you that desired effect (except maybe for hiss) for some technical reason?

[FrankF]

Hold on, Hugh, I thought we weren't allowed to post pooorn on SOS forums?

BRM = Black Reels Matter.

[CS70]

BRM = Black Reels Matter.

[forumuser840717]

Sepea Audio in Slovakia are manufacturing the Stellavox TD9 new, to order. If one has the money. They also do some very good work in restoring some other makers machines.

[mountain lion]

Why do companies like waves choose to model old vintage tape machines? Is There a difference in Sound?

[Hugh Robjohns]

Sepea Audio in Slovakia are manufacturing the Stellavox TD9 new, to order. If one has the money.

€33,000.... Eek!

[Hugh Robjohns]

Why do companies like waves choose to model old vintage tape machines?

Cos they're the ones the middle-aged and older bedroom engineers remember coveting in their youth...

Is There a difference in Sound?

Every tape machine sounds different....

[Nazard]

If you want a tape machine as an ornament, which I suspect most of these new machines will end up as, nothing still looks better, I think, than a nice A77 with matching metal NAB reels.

[Sam Spoons]

If you want a tape machine as an ornament, which I suspect most of these new machines will end up as, nothing still looks better, I think, than a nice A77 with matching metal NAB reels.

[MOF]

If you want a tape machine as an ornament, which I suspect most of these new machines will end up as, nothing still looks better, I think, than a nice A77 with matching metal NAB reels.

I still have my Teac A3440 and 2A mixer which cost £1000 in 1978. I plan to put them in a display case when I get a bigger house, along with my Sony TC 377, Crumar electric piano and ARP Quartet. I haven’t used any of them in years but haven’t had the heart to sell them.
If someone wants to buy the A3440 for £30k+ then I might consider it though, I’ll even pay to get it refurbished.

P.S. I now use tape plugins.

[muzines]

Why do companies like waves choose to model old vintage tape machines?

Cos they're the ones the middle-aged and older bedroom engineers remember coveting in their youth...

Why? Fun, nostalgia, a preference to that kind of sound...

I'm mean, who'd have though in 2020 there'd be a resurgence and consequent s/h price increases of *4-track cassette portastudios* from the 90s... I mean, I threw mine away, and it was one of the few bits of gear I was *happy* to get rid of...

[Stratman57]

What sort of price are 4 track Portastudios going for? I still have my Tascam 244.

Regards, Simon.

[mountain lion]

But the newer ones probably sound cleaner ???

[Johnsy]

Probably because the Ballfinger link in Hugh's post is http not https.

That's the badger. Well spotted.

You're not running a 7 ½ ips ¼ track computer are you 'cos this is a 15 ips ½ track thread?

Or maybe I just need some isopropyl alcohol.

[muzines]

What sort of price are 4 track Portastudios going for? I still have my Tascam 244.

No idea. Check ebay/Reverb/your favourite online s/h retailer of choice.

[wireman]

If someone was to give me a nice Nagra IV machine I would be happy to take one.