Nice explanations. A couple of additional hints on identifying master tapes - safety and production masters. In my collection of safety masters, they have test tones at the head. Typically they are 1K, 10K and 100Hz, with some tapes having most test tones. Many have leader tape on one or both ends and some with leaders between songs. Also quite a few of my masters are on 1/2” tape. All are 15ips. I have seen some 30ips tapes that have AES EQ. I have about 200 reels of safety masters. Many are well known albums. Definitely not cheap. How to make a small fortune buying master tapes. Start with a big fortune.
One thing I've learned from this video I didn't know was how the frequencies gradually roll off after 20k on analogue audio, I did not know that! I thought that it just kept going! I've spent quite a few years researching audio , and I have to say there is ALWAYS something new to learn, thanks!😊
Uh, I commented on another video, and when I went to look at it again I got this: This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country. Yet I can see THIS video just fine. TH-cam, you are just full of... surprises.
Hi Guido! I’m not sure if you’ll be able to spend the time with a, tutorial I would need, as I’m really dumb on the subject. If you may, pls tell me how do you connect your Oppo 105 to your system, so you have the DSD/High Res from your discs amplified by your pre/amplifier. Not only the regular, standard 2ch CD resolution. What you have connected, cables types used to connect every single equipment to each other. If it’s not too much! 😢
Thanks. It would have been great if you added a section where to source these tapes. :) The bay is obvious, but I’m not really trusting the stories of sellers.
Thank you for your very comprehensive review on the topic. Very interesting. My question is as follows: Is a vinyl or CD considered at best 3rd generation? that is a copy of a production copy used to produce the Vinyl or CD? If that is the case if quality of the recording being close to the master, does it make sense to go the Vinyl or CD route given you don't have either the budget for a high quality reel to reel deck or budget to purchase a quality reel to reel copy. Also another question. With respect to music these days recorded digitally, what is the process? That would be interesting to know. Perhaps you could do a video on that process. Take care and always a pleasure to watch your segments. Terry D.
“ 745 francs, in 1971 ? ? ? ” SHAZAM ⚡️⚡️⚡️ That would equate to just above 1,000 U.S. dollars - today 👀. I digress … Thank you - IMO, you are a, musical, university - and I [ remain ] forever taking, copious, notes ; in my iPhone ‘ Notes ’ section. 🍺❤️✌🏽✊🏽🍺
yes yes you came in to the fakes keep away from 1/4 tape i have had reel to reel from age of 16 and i picked alot of tapes up over the years so i know what not to buy sorry i love the zonal 1/2 1 inch tapes be because in the past they allways have a good track record there's alot of BS on here alot that is not right tape age is a big thing that is a right pain i have watched all your master tape video's you put a very good point to say one thing you don't hold back about the tapes i am so pleased about this alot spend silly money on tapes yes they are coming a part now to age i still have alot of basf 2 inch tapes i use alot on my otari mx80 i finding there's not a lost in DB level as long as i am getting the sound i love out of the tape i am ok with them AMPEX tape gets very ill and start to come a part
Unfortunately the comments( repeated here) about tape degradation really put me off the format. I have a 4 track, its cool and I have prerecorded tapes of which a number have some form of degradation. As a result I decided (a while ago) I would not advance to 2 track and I would stick to cheaper media. I think its a collectors format ( meaning they are played little and stored well). I tend to suffer from Gear-acquisition-syndrome but in this case 2 track and master tapes are, for me, a step too far. All that said still a very informative vid.
Tape diseases regard only a small fraction of types and formulations. The overall degradation is something that takes years and a lot and I mean a lot of playback, studio playback. What we do in our homes is never going to come close to that abuse so don’t worry. Yes, in 50 years things are going to be worse but not as much as you think so, once again no worries.
@15:12 the vinyl statement is not correct. The production tape is used to create lacquer master (new generation) that is used to make stampers (new generation) that make the vinyl the consumer has (new generation). You're skipping three generations (this excludes DMM lathes, which have a different path to the stampers - as well as re-do's of the mothers/fathers as those stampers can only stamp so many platters before they wear out).
@@anadialog I did watch it, but your correction is still inccorrect. Allow me to clarify. Your analysis goes lacquer directly to the finished record, skipping multiple intermediary steps. Production Master (analog tape or digital mix) -> [1] LAQUER -> (electroplated and split into a copy and an inverse) [2] FATHER -> (Father is electroplated and split into a copy and) [3] MOTHER -> Mother Is used to make the vinyl [4] RECORD sold to consumers. This is a great video. But many viewers will get the impression that a vinyl record is a closer generation / more accurate copy without knowing how many generations exist between the lacquer and their turntables.
@@garretthaines9485 you did not see the note I wrote on screen at 15:46 where I say exactly this: not only the stamper creation (what you have described in detail) but also the pressing (which you did not mention) will reduce quality. It’s all there and frankly quite obvious for viewers watching an analog channel in any case thanks for highlighting this even more.
Seeing a very sharp cut off at 22khz is an easy way to see that a tape was dubbed from a CD. That is one of the most common ways of making a fake tape. I have been scammed that way a couple of times, both from recommended sellers. I use Izotope RX3 Advanced to scan my digital copies of my tapes which I dub at 192/24 using my Pacific Microsonics Model Two and Pyramix software.
You better to do interviews video with labels who released today commercial master tape copy, and let them say about process of the master tape copy production if they releases .
It is best to stay away from Ampex tapes as most have degraded much faster then other renowned brands. Also, Quantegy and Sony are very renowned brands of 1/4 inch tape.
Old vintage prerecorded tape is not master tape copy, and you should not mention them at all in this video, please stop confuse people today master tape copy they are not prerecorded music tape, please don’t give wrong advice for new comers!! Vintage prerecorded tape never ever releases as 15IPS 2tracks and old vintage prerecorded tape was duplicated in fast recorders machines not as master tape copy today as 1:1 manual process and to be mention today that professional level tape like SM900 mostly not like old days basic consumer tape, cheap one for mass production by Ampex and others
Please watch the entire video and get your facts straight and don't put words in my mouth. I did not say that prerecorded tapes are Master Tape copies I said they are worth mentioning at the end of the list because there is a close connection. Quality prerecorded tapes of the past were obtained via high-speed dubbing (most but not all) from a production copy, I said that very clearly, I did not say 1:1, which came from the master tape. Their sound says it all. In some cases you are closer that way to the original to some random guy on ebay, that is for sure! There are lots of prerecorded tapes of the past with 2 tracks, not only 4. I have several. Yes, as I said the vast majority is 7.5IPS or 3.34IPS. I said that very clearly. In any case your claim is wrong because the Master Tape copies they are selling today (like the Analog Productions Ultratape, or Horch House or Hemiolia etc.) are indeed prerecorded 2 track 15IPS tapes! They are just done very well and not high-speed dubbed and in fact as I have presented them in several of my videos nobody of them does a 1:1 copy or it is extremely rare and they say so when it happens like Audionautes.
@starlightgrecording559 Guido***. Gerard Stroh*** 2 Nights Ago I Played My Reel to Reel Copy of All Things Must Pass By George Harrison on A Mastered Reel to Reel Tape I Made From A Digital Recording and it Was Taken From the 50 Year Annavarray that Came out 3 Years Ago and The Reel to Reel Copied Sounded Much Fuller in Sound and The Bass Was Beefier and This Tape Was Recorded at 15ips and Recorded on Direction Using All 4 Tracks 2 for Left and the Other 2 for the Right Channel and Analogue Tape and Vinyl Records Have A Low Bass Head Bump Around Between 100Hz to 150Hz and I Think Why Records & Tapes Sound Warmer That People Talk About Guido*** If I Had A Choice of Sound I Would Pick The Reel to Reel Overall Because The Sound Does Not Change From Tails in or Tails Out But Records on the First Track Sounds Good But The Last Track Does Not Sound as Good Guido*** I Still Like Records and 45rpm Sounds Better Than 33 & 1/3 But It is A Pain to Flip The Record Over After 2 or 3 Songs Guido So I Record My Records on my Computer and Dump The Audio to Reel to Reel Tape and it Sounds Awesome Guido**** That's My Take on Vinyl Records vs Reel to Reel Tape or Digital*****
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/50CpmGNilS8aoMlarZVhI_GxRDoZdbj4ZgwCMZXg-Rq2PrEvCytlE6RVyLUrNY-rwE_sAlZ1Zw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Nice explanations. A couple of additional hints on identifying master tapes - safety and production masters. In my collection of safety masters, they have test tones at the head. Typically they are 1K, 10K and 100Hz, with some tapes having most test tones. Many have leader tape on one or both ends and some with leaders between songs. Also quite a few of my masters are on 1/2” tape. All are 15ips. I have seen some 30ips tapes that have AES EQ. I have about 200 reels of safety masters. Many are well known albums. Definitely not cheap. How to make a small fortune buying master tapes. Start with a big fortune.
I always enjoy your interesting and informative discussions, especially for someone who collects vintage film score recordings like I do.
One thing I've learned from this video I didn't know was how the frequencies gradually roll off after 20k on analogue audio, I did not know that! I thought that it just kept going! I've spent quite a few years researching audio , and I have to say there is ALWAYS something new to learn, thanks!😊
It depends from the microphone and the mixing…can go even higher…much higher, higher that a CD…
Uh, I commented on another video, and when I went to look at it again I got this: This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.
Yet I can see THIS video just fine. TH-cam, you are just full of... surprises.
How strange!🤷♂️
Very interesting video on the aspect of Master, Production tapes. Unfortunately, I dont own a Reel to Reel machine some are engineering marvels 🎵🎶👍😎
Thank you for this informative stream
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank YOU!
Hi Guido! I’m not sure if you’ll be able to spend the time with a, tutorial I would need, as I’m really dumb on the subject. If you may, pls tell me how do you connect your Oppo 105 to your system, so you have the DSD/High Res from your discs amplified by your pre/amplifier. Not only the regular, standard 2ch CD resolution.
What you have connected, cables types used to connect every single equipment to each other. If it’s not too much! 😢
Right here: th-cam.com/video/KAqr8MP-in4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EKlXJfcythtbbzZH
@@anadialogthank you very much for your attention! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
🤗 THX GUIDO ,HAVE A GREAT DAY 😎💚💚💚
Thanks. It would have been great if you added a section where to source these tapes. :) The bay is obvious, but I’m not really trusting the stories of sellers.
I have already done that video! It’s old but still valid: th-cam.com/video/gLHcFuhWdLI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eGGYTRPLDnsmJxyw
Thank you for your very comprehensive review on the topic. Very interesting. My question is as follows: Is a vinyl or CD considered at best 3rd generation? that is a copy of a production copy used to produce the Vinyl or CD? If that is the case if quality of the recording being close to the master, does it make sense to go the Vinyl or CD route given you don't have either the budget for a high quality reel to reel deck or budget to purchase a quality reel to reel copy. Also another question. With respect to music these days recorded digitally, what is the process? That would be interesting to know. Perhaps you could do a video on that process.
Take care and always a pleasure to watch your segments. Terry D.
Thanks - Good information. Do open-reel tapes contain and tones for adjusting bias or head azimuth?
Some do, yes, especially personal copies or off-the-grid copies. Official releases very rarely.
So the PARANOID reel-to-reel was weak because of the generation and not that particular version of AGFA magnetic tape?
Jugoton are all pretty bad. Could be the Agfa you are right since most of those recordings are on those Agfa tapes.
“ 745 francs, in 1971 ? ? ? ”
SHAZAM ⚡️⚡️⚡️
That would equate to just above 1,000 U.S. dollars - today 👀.
I digress …
Thank you - IMO, you are a, musical, university - and I [ remain ] forever taking, copious, notes ; in my iPhone ‘ Notes ’ section. 🍺❤️✌🏽✊🏽🍺
yes yes you came in to the fakes keep away from 1/4 tape
i have had reel to reel from age of 16
and i picked alot of tapes up over the years so i know what not to buy
sorry i love the zonal 1/2 1 inch tapes be because in the past they allways have a good track record
there's alot of BS on here alot that is not right
tape age is a big thing that is a right pain i have watched all your master tape video's you put a very
good point to say one thing you don't hold back about the tapes i am so pleased about this
alot spend silly money on tapes
yes they are coming a part now to age i still have alot of basf 2 inch tapes i use alot on my otari mx80
i finding there's not a lost in DB level as long as i am getting the sound i love out of the tape
i am ok with them AMPEX tape gets very ill and start to come a part
What free programs can you use to analyse the audio?
Audacity
Class
Ciao Guido!
Salve!
👍
Unfortunately the comments( repeated here) about tape degradation really put me off the format. I have a 4 track, its cool and I have prerecorded tapes of which a number have some form of degradation. As a result I decided (a while ago) I would not advance to 2 track and I would stick to cheaper media. I think its a collectors format ( meaning they are played little and stored well). I tend to suffer from Gear-acquisition-syndrome but in this case 2 track and master tapes are, for me, a step too far. All that said still a very informative vid.
Tape diseases regard only a small fraction of types and formulations. The overall degradation is something that takes years and a lot and I mean a lot of playback, studio playback. What we do in our homes is never going to come close to that abuse so don’t worry. Yes, in 50 years things are going to be worse but not as much as you think so, once again no worries.
@@anadialog I take your point... I would just add the biggest problem I have with Pre-recorded 4 track is print-through.
@15:12 the vinyl statement is not correct. The production tape is used to create lacquer master (new generation) that is used to make stampers (new generation) that make the vinyl the consumer has (new generation). You're skipping three generations (this excludes DMM lathes, which have a different path to the stampers - as well as re-do's of the mothers/fathers as those stampers can only stamp so many platters before they wear out).
You just had to wait a few seconds and you would have noticed that I correct my self and added a note stating exactly that, my anxious fried
@@anadialog I did watch it, but your correction is still inccorrect. Allow me to clarify.
Your analysis goes lacquer directly to the finished record, skipping multiple intermediary steps.
Production Master (analog tape or digital mix) -> [1] LAQUER -> (electroplated and split into a copy and an inverse) [2] FATHER -> (Father is electroplated and split into a copy and) [3] MOTHER -> Mother Is used to make the vinyl [4] RECORD sold to consumers.
This is a great video. But many viewers will get the impression that a vinyl record is a closer generation / more accurate copy without knowing how many generations exist between the lacquer and their turntables.
@@garretthaines9485 you did not see the note I wrote on screen at 15:46 where I say exactly this: not only the stamper creation (what you have described in detail) but also the pressing (which you did not mention) will reduce quality. It’s all there and frankly quite obvious for viewers watching an analog channel in any case thanks for highlighting this even more.
Not all digital steps cut off at 20k, only Redbook CDs and lower! Hi resolution digital can go over 40k of information!😊
You didn’t watch all the video or skipped! I actually said that in the video and actually red book cd cuts off at 22.5Khz.
Seeing a very sharp cut off at 22khz is an easy way to see that a tape was dubbed from a CD. That is one of the most common ways of making a fake tape. I have been scammed that way a couple of times, both from recommended sellers. I use Izotope RX3 Advanced to scan my digital copies of my tapes which I dub at 192/24 using my Pacific Microsonics Model Two and Pyramix software.
You better to do interviews video with labels who released today commercial master tape copy, and let them say about process of the master tape copy production if they releases .
It is best to stay away from Ampex tapes as most have degraded much faster then other renowned brands. Also, Quantegy and Sony are very renowned brands of 1/4 inch tape.
Old vintage prerecorded tape is not master tape copy, and you should not mention them at all in this video, please stop confuse people today master tape copy they are not prerecorded music tape, please don’t give wrong advice for new comers!!
Vintage prerecorded tape never ever releases as 15IPS 2tracks and old vintage prerecorded tape was duplicated in fast recorders machines not as master tape copy today as 1:1 manual process and to be mention today that professional level tape like SM900 mostly not like old days basic consumer tape, cheap one for mass production by Ampex and others
Please watch the entire video and get your facts straight and don't put words in my mouth. I did not say that prerecorded tapes are Master Tape copies I said they are worth mentioning at the end of the list because there is a close connection. Quality prerecorded tapes of the past were obtained via high-speed dubbing (most but not all) from a production copy, I said that very clearly, I did not say 1:1, which came from the master tape. Their sound says it all. In some cases you are closer that way to the original to some random guy on ebay, that is for sure! There are lots of prerecorded tapes of the past with 2 tracks, not only 4. I have several. Yes, as I said the vast majority is 7.5IPS or 3.34IPS. I said that very clearly. In any case your claim is wrong because the Master Tape copies they are selling today (like the Analog Productions Ultratape, or Horch House or Hemiolia etc.) are indeed prerecorded 2 track 15IPS tapes! They are just done very well and not high-speed dubbed and in fact as I have presented them in several of my videos nobody of them does a 1:1 copy or it is extremely rare and they say so when it happens like Audionautes.
@starlightgrecording559
Guido***.
Gerard Stroh***
2 Nights Ago I Played My Reel to Reel Copy of All Things Must Pass By George Harrison on A Mastered Reel to Reel Tape I Made From A Digital Recording and it Was Taken From the 50 Year Annavarray that Came out 3 Years Ago and The Reel to Reel Copied Sounded Much Fuller in Sound and The Bass Was Beefier and This Tape Was Recorded at 15ips and Recorded on Direction Using All 4 Tracks 2 for Left and the Other 2 for the Right Channel and Analogue Tape and Vinyl Records Have A Low Bass Head Bump Around Between 100Hz to 150Hz and I Think Why Records & Tapes Sound Warmer That People Talk About Guido***
If I Had A Choice of Sound I Would Pick The Reel to Reel Overall Because The Sound Does Not Change From Tails in or Tails Out But Records on the First Track Sounds Good But The Last Track Does Not Sound as Good Guido***
I Still Like Records and 45rpm Sounds Better Than 33 & 1/3 But It is A Pain to Flip The Record Over After 2 or 3 Songs Guido So I Record My Records on my Computer and Dump The Audio to Reel to Reel Tape and it Sounds Awesome Guido****
That's My Take on Vinyl Records vs Reel to Reel Tape or Digital*****