Reel to reel tape noise reduction
- Thread starter The Shocker
- Start date
. No luck with a quick search 
The Shocker
Super Member
I've never used R2R. My entry into audio was with the venerable 33 1/3 Long Playing Record. So I forget there are people older than me that may have R2R equipment and recordings they want to use. Or have equipment and recordings from their parents.
But, now that records have become cool again, the hipsters will need a new "obscure" format to listen to. I think R2R might fill that role for them.
SERIOUSLY! I do and plenty of others as well! I have 4-5 Machines that I constantly use
SERIOUSLY! I do and plenty of others as well! I have 4-5 Machines that I constantly use
Is that plenty of us geeks or plenty in general
The Shocker
Super Member
It just seems a rather inconvenient format for someone to get into new. If you have existing equipment and tapes, I get it. It's a nice high quality format. But if you're like me, and have never had R2R equipment or tapes, other than curiosity, I would think it would not become a primary listening format.
The Shocker
Super Member
I'm curious. Are you making your own tapes or are you buying pre-recorded media?
Are there different R2R tape formulas (like Compact Cassette has standard, chrome and metal), or does the higher quality of R2R mean, other tape formulations are not necessary?
I've been a R2R user for 40+ years. Pioneer 909, 707 and TEAC X-2000R. I mostly record my own tapes and only have a couple dozen prerecorded tapes.
With the recent appearance of a Pioneer 707 on the Grammy awards show, I expect a bump in interest from younger tape-heads. It may even result in higher prices on the auction site and a chance for some to off-load less than fully functional equipment.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/grammy-awards-sighting.900497/
With the recent appearance of a Pioneer 707 on the Grammy awards show, I expect a bump in interest from younger tape-heads. It may even result in higher prices on the auction site and a chance for some to off-load less than fully functional equipment.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/grammy-awards-sighting.900497/
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
I've never used R2R. My entry into audio was with the venerable 33 1/3 Long Playing Record. So I forget there are people older than me that may have R2R equipment and recordings they want to use. Or have equipment and recordings from their parents.
But, now that records have become cool again, the hipsters will need a new "obscure" format to listen to. I think R2R might fill that role for them.
I've used and still use LP and 45 RPM discs every day. And have since I was a wee lad. I never quit playing vinyl.
Legrace
Super Member
I own a couple pre-recorded titles, but the bulk are home made from my personal record collection, a portion of which is in pic below. First I clean the records on my vacuum RCM, on the edge of the pic. Then I blast them with my Zerostat and use canned air to blow off any remaining particles. Never ceases to amaze me the number of particles still on the surface post RCM cleaning. But following the air blast the surface is pristine. I then record to tape. The resulting copies are superb. Not to mention I`m not up and down every 20 min or so. It was such a great move.
sKiZo
Hates received: 92644 43.20°N 85.50°W
dbx SNR-1 does a fine job of reducing constant sounds like tape hiss. Made for cassettes, but they handle RR sources the same, just with a lower threshold level. I was also pleasantly surprised when I jacked one into a tape loop along with the DJ Pre II ...
The Shocker
Super Member
Ok, curiosity question. Not trying to be snarky here. If you don't like flipping records over (which I don't either), why not just get CDs (or SACDs)?
Legrace
Super Member
Got quite a few actually, including SACD. Guess I'm Panformat..
Higher tape speeds and wider track width of R2R meant NR was not needed nearly as much. I don't use it, as I never have hiss that becomes an irritant.
NR was pretty standard on mastering decks, as these tapes would have to be duplicated at least twice before being used to cut a master lacquer, so removing noise up the chain, ensured that the noise floor that the consumer received was low enough.
NR was pretty standard on mastering decks, as these tapes would have to be duplicated at least twice before being used to cut a master lacquer, so removing noise up the chain, ensured that the noise floor that the consumer received was low enough.
Wade Kuzen
Active Member
I still use analog as well as digital. I am in my middle 60s and so happen to STILL enjoy recording tapes with open reel and cassette. I keep my tape decks in top working order. They are set up correctly with bias, eq, calibrated...etc. I use only good tapes, no El cheapos. Basically, Maxell and TDK chrome and metal for cassette, and Maxell UD 35-90 for open reel, all with great results. I use NO noise reduction mainly which to me sounds the best. If I need it, I will only use Dolby B as it is the least offensive to these ears of mine. Dolby C can be great but not always consistent. Just recently ended my relationship with DBX as I could not get it to sound right. The recorded music [non dbx] sounds better without noise reduction. When using the DBX unit on the open reel deck, the tape hiss was completely gone, BUT the music sounds 'flaky'....pumping/breathing was evident. It sounded weak without the expected ambience and 'air.' I read the manual thoroughly and realize the recording level is sensitive and the instructions are to record at -10 using VU meters on an open reel deck. The deck was recently serviced and sounds excellent when making it's own recordings. I watched videos about how to properly set up the DBX 224 with level settings which I did accomplish. All I can say is: I don't like the sound and will most likely part ways with the DBX unit. I have almost no hiss anyway with the open reel deck. Was just trying to see what it would accomplish, using dbx. I don't hear all this extra dynamic range either. Could be a unit in need of repair, I don't know, but for me I do not need it. It could be my ears, but everything sounds fine without any noise reduction! We are all different when our ears are involved. My overall opinion where I am concerned is that no noise reduction is the best. Not meaning to ruffle anyone's feathers who swears by nr...just not for me.
