THE REEL-TO-REEL ENCYCLOPEDIA · 2026
A world of sound.
One reel at a time.
The machines. The tape. The music.
Your illustrated guide to open-reel sound,
from the first question to the finer detail.
¼ INCHANALOGUE BY NATUREA–Z BY DESIGN
THE BEAUTY IS PHYSICAL.THE KNOWLEDGE IS FOR EVERYONE.
UNDERSTAND THE FORMAT✦CHOOSE WITH CONFIDENCE✦LISTEN WITH CURIOSITY✦LONG LIVE ANALOG
A CLEARER WAY INTO TAPE
Less mystery.
More music.
You don’t need a studio background.
Start with four things: width, tracks, speed and EQ.
01 / FIELD GUIDE
Read the tape
Two tracks or four? Know what your machine can play.
↗02 / FIELD GUIDEFind your machine
From domestic classics to contemporary engineering.
↗03 / FIELD GUIDEMatch the curve
NAB and IEC, explained without the mystery.
↗04 / FIELD GUIDEFollow the source
Original masters, production copies and modern editions.
↗AN EXAMPLE MODERN EDITION¼″ / 2-track / 15 ips
Always read the release specification.
IEC1 / CCIR · 10½-inch reel
A common combination, not a universal standard.Always read the release specification.
BROWSE THE COLLECTION OF KNOWLEDGE
Every part of the picture.
01
Start with the music
↗02Tracks & compatibility
↗03Tape speeds
↗04NAB & CCIR / IEC
↗05Recording & calibration
↗06Master tapes & editions
↗07Vintage tapes · 1950s–1980s
↗08Blank tape & manufacturers
↗09Reels, hubs & materials
↗10NAB adapters & accessories
↗11Care, storage & service
↗12Budgets & ownership
↗13The machine directory
↗14The A–Z glossary
↗15Research & references
↗INFORMED LISTENING STARTS HERE
Great sound has a source.
Good decisions have one, too.
Technical references, original manuals and clear distinctions
between verified specifications and buying guidance.