How many passes is Q456 1/2 " good for?

flapmaggot · Post by **flapmaggot** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:43 pm

Y'all,

For Drums - I got my Tascam 38 eight track up and running and I am sending the output off the tape into my RME multface 8 analog inputs. Sounds like your favorite blankey coming out of the dryer or a warm hug by your big breasted grandma:D

Thus, I am using the tape (Quantegy 456 1/2") just for the effect of the recording head. QUESTION: How many passes can I make before the tape starts to loose it's fidelity??

Thanks, Chuck

http://droolbrothers.com

Oldschoolwax · Post by **Oldschoolwax** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:01 pm

I've seen tape crap out quick and hold on for quite a long time. I think most of the answers you'll get will be that it depends on the specific tape and the conditions of it's usage.

It may sound like a cliche, but I think it will work just fine until the day that it doesn't sound good anymore. In other words, grab a spare but keep on doing what you're doing till it doesn't sound good anymore, then change tapes.

Sorry if that's not the answer you're lookin' for.

flapmaggot · Post by **flapmaggot** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:03 pm

I here ya and that makes sense - I'm just wondering if I should buy a bunch of 456 reels (that's what my machine is calibrated for).

Chuck

drumsound · Post by **drumsound** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 5:18 pm

Beware of old 456. That stuff has sticky shed problems. I wouldn't buy used 456. If you can find new stuff you're good. RMG SM911 is bias compatible with 456.

flapmaggot · Post by **flapmaggot** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 5:49 pm

Great thanks for the tip on the RMG SM911 - I'll look around for it. The sticky issue is what I was afraid of!!

Chuck

inverseroom · Post by **inverseroom** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:45 am

I just posted in that other thread...there's a shortage of 911 at the moment...but it should be back in stock soon.

themagicmanmdt · Post by **themagicmanmdt** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 1:57 pm

old ampex 456 i've heard is the warning stuff (blue label).

i haven't heard shedding or bad problems with Quantegy 456 stock, though.

bplr · Post by **bplr** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 2:30 pm

i thought quantegy and ampex were the same company? like teac/tascam? at least, i heard the tape was manufactured at the same plant, then given different names. is this not true?

themagicmanmdt · Post by **themagicmanmdt** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:30 pm

i think ampex got renamed to quantegy. yeah, same stuff, but it's a different run from a different time period. not ALL 456 is bad.

i'm pulling statements from memory.

i can't officially back that up with paperwork.

msmith · Post by **msmith** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:58 am

Yeah, Ampex became Quantegy, or rather Quantegy purchased Ampex's Tape Production Facility in Opelika along with their formulations. Quantegy also purchased the rights to 3M's 996 and based their GP9 off of it. The evil 456 batches were under the Ampex brand name. That said, used tape is just that...used. I personally wouldnt ever buy used tape unless I had to. You can also tell the vintage of Quantegy tape by the white bar code strip on them. So if it says, 2007075, then it was made on the 75th day of 2007.

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How many passes is Q456 1/2 " good for?

How many passes is Q456 1/2 " good for?

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