Revox B77 – Gearspace.com
For starters, fan noise. A lot of tape recorders include fans, so don’t assume your problems will be solved in that department.
Consider isolating your computer in a closet or other room and using extra long cable for the monitors & keyboard
Now, about your analog purchase thoughts:
Analog recorders are not all created equal: the “analog sound” that has taken on near mythological status refers only to the high-end pro decks and tape formats; Studer, Ampex, etc.
While it’s true that you’ll get a certain “analog sound” quality from any deck, the semi-pro or consumer formats aren’t really in the same league sonically as the pro units: limitations include track width, circuit design and component quality, noise reduction coloration, etc.
I’d compare it to film: an 8mm or 16mm movie is not going to have the same visual quality as 35mm or 70mm will.
8 track decks came in 2 formats:
1 inch pro: all the big companies had a version
While you can get them for not much $, these guys require a LOT of love; you’d better be prepared to spend $ on regular repair and upkeep
To give an example: a client of mine picked up a 24 track Studer A80 Mk2 for about US$3000 and a Mac G3.
As these machines usually go for at least 2x that price, he thought it was a good deal.
I advised him to have a tech go over the unit thoroughly ( I briefly inspected, but as it was sitting in the hallway of an apartment, not plugged into a board, not much could be tested and I’m not a tech)
Long story short; he did the deal, and discovered that the brakes were shot, the capstan was shot, the remote wasn’t functioning properly and half the electronics didnt work.
2.5 years later, it’s still not running to spec, and he’s spent the better part of $3k on it already.
Not much of a deal; but he was jonesing for it.
I guess the fact that it had been used to record the Twin Peaks soundtrack made it magical. Ho-hum.
1/2 inch semi-pro: Teac/Tascam would be the main player; either the 80-8 or TSR series. Brennel mini-8 is another (Phil Collins and Eurythmics supposedly used the Brennel and Tascam units for parts of their first big hits)
The later model Tascams would probably be the best choice – but I wouldn’t expect miracles in the sound dept. Bear in mind, too, that these decks required noise reduction to make them sound acceptable: DBX was the usual choice – so be prepared for another calibration and maintenance issue.
A Suggestion:
Start off with a 2-track unit in good shape, like the Revox, or similar ( but don’t overpay!!!)
Get a feel for what it does: you can use it to track, mix, or as tape echo
It would be fun, and give you a bit of “vibe” for relatively little cost.
Then consider finding a studio that has one of these 8 track decks, and book an hour for recording, to decide if the sound they offer is really what you’re looking for.
To be honest, I’m of the opinion that with some exceptions, a carefully recorded digital project, using high quallity mics, pres and converters with proper engineering technique can sound quite acceptable.
As always, ymmv
best of luck
