Home recording
LPR35 can be a practical starting point when the machine is aligned for it. Verify erase and bias capability before moving to higher-output formulations.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA / 08
Blank tape & manufacturers
Choose a formulation your recorder can use well.
| Family | Construction / role | Choose it for |
|---|---|---|
| RTM SM911 | Standard-play studio formulation | General studio and home recording with appropriate alignment. |
| RTM SM900 | High-output standard-play studio tape | Headroom on a machine able to bias and erase it properly. |
| RTM LPR35 | Long-play family related to SM911 | More playing time on a reel; thinner tape needs suitable handling. |
| RTM LPR90 | Long-play family related to SM900 | Extended duration with a high-output formulation. |
| ATR Master Tape | Professional high-output tape; 1.5 mil base film | A compatible, calibrated recording setup. |
| ATR MDS-36 | Long-play ATR tape; 1.0 mil base film | Longer sessions with appropriate transport tension. |
Choose by use
Studio work
SM911, SM900 and ATR Master Tape offer different operating choices. Select using data sheets and measured alignment, rather than genre stereotypes.
Archive material
Preserve an existing recording on its original carrier where possible and make a documented transfer. Fresh blank tape is not a substitute for identifying a fragile source.
New stock versus vintage
Is unused vintage tape a bargain?
It can have deteriorated in storage. Some formulations suffer binder problems; acetate can become brittle or develop vinegar syndrome. Assess the exact stock and condition.
Will premium tape improve playback of a bought album?
The album is already recorded on its own tape. Blank tape selection concerns new recording; playback compatibility concerns the tape you actually own.
Is more expensive tape automatically better?
Only when the recorder is compatible and correctly aligned. The benefits may be lost if the bias range, erase performance or transport is unsuitable.