Signalscope pro ipa
AKAIs are not the kind of machine you would use to create actual master tapes, unless this is really the overall sound you are aiming for, but they are great at providing this distinctive vintage tape sound. Also keep in mind that the input and outputs are unbalanced.ĪKAIs generally have a far more interesting sound than TEAC/Tascam machines, to my ears at least.
#Signalscope pro ipa professional
With modern professional tape formulations, you are not going to get much tape saturation as this machine will generally not easily go above 250nWb/m at 0VU. A lot more so, when actually running through tape. Even if you are not actually recording on the tape but just running the sound through the electronics, it still adds something to the sound. The glass heads of the AKAI are probably responsible for their unique sound but the electronics in them definitely also play a part.
Up until the point where it becomes too much color, of course, but this is a matter of taste.įor more normal use, I have several other tape machines including some Telefunken M15A units which are extremely transparent and very easy to calibrate. In the sense that the less calibrated it is, the more color it adds. They are a bit of a pain to calibrate compared to more professional machines but if you just want it for color and not for the exchange of program material between different studios, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. If the one you found is working well, these are generally very reliable machines and you will most likely mot have much trouble with it. They are by no means "clean" machines ans they definitely impart plenty of color to the sound, which I personally find very pleasing for certain styles of music. Two GX630D (one 1/2 track stereo at 15/7.5 ips and one 1/4 track stereo at 7.5/3.75 ips) as well as an AKAI GX215D. Basically, imagine that you were me and you wanted a tape recorder just to give you tracks a certain unique sound, and you have the possibility to polish up those taped stems after they're recorded as well so if the machine modifies the sound too much, you can edit it afterwards.įor the purpose stated I would pick the AKAI without even thinking about it. Also, i don't want so much of it so that it ruins what I'm working on. My only worry is, does it bring in enough tape **** to the sound to even be worth using, or does it sound TOO good? Tape **** = flutter, wow, saturation, harmonics, you name it. I've read up a little bit about the GX-625 with it's glass heads and how it sounds super clear. I do have plugins such as Kramer Master Tape, Reelbus, J37, and they do work great, but the thing is. I want to colorize my sound to something that's unique to me compared to other artists, I want that upper end harmonics injected (if possible on any of these machines), and basically just a analog tape sound.
Why I want to do this? Well, as I'm making a lot of 80's music I would want to have something that makes my track more "authentic". So, what it's going to be used for is running my 100% digitally DAW made stems through, before mixing them. You might need to know what the purpose is before you can share a opinion on which one you'd choose. They're at about 350$ with original nabs, serviced and quality reels with tape included.
These are the two I have found available here in Sweden which interests me, and they're up for sale right now and I need to choose one within about a day. So, I'm getting a reel to reel tape recorder, but as I'm new in this area I'm not 100% sure of which one I will pick yet. Hi guys, long time reader here and now looking for your expertise.