[e-cue]

Originally posted by 7rojo7
Are we talkin cross talk or print through? what is bleed through, are you british??

Here you go. http://home.capecod.net/~pbaum/magtape.htm Click "bleed through" for a thorough definition. Crosstalk and print through should both be considered in this situation, at least for a 1st timer. I'm not British. I'm based in L.A. in the states (see location under my name).

either way on the snare track it's revealed as character.

Yeap. Cool effect. Common for distorted guitar.

I thought we were talkin effects, cheap.

I would consider the $300 - $200 range "cheap" for a compressor. While what you are talking about doing IS a lot cheaper than say, a FATSO unit (just under $2,500), the tape costs over time will be much, much greater than a $200 DBX160xt or a $300 RNC.

Works for distorted bass too, as long as you wipe the surrounding tracks and reprint to a faraway island.
I can't believe that some of you guys don't get on with old tape tricks, geez.

I do 'get on with old tape tricks'. But it's not feasible on every project, not just because of cost factors, but because of the styles of music. I believe the DBX unit sounds great no matter what style of music you are working on. I agree about "faraway island"... Sucks going down a tape generation sometimes just to reprint it through. I'd hate for that kid that posted the SSL quesiton on the DUC site ( http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...&threadid=2612 )to read this and try doing it on the channel next to the lead vocal track (like the crosstalk you mentioned eariler). "HOHOHOHOHO", as mixerman might say.

+9 at 15 Dolby SR is one of the best formats that exist.

Yep. Jimmy Jam and Terri Louis still use this format with great results and can fit more songs on each reel. I usually prefer 30ips for the 'tape compression', but I've been known to do 7.5 ips on indie rock or more artsey projects. Even better if you are rockin 16 track 2 inch tape. But then again, I almost always slap a compressor on these channels after hitting the tape hard.

You don't have to push every track but some really benefit from it.
Of course if you don't have the machine that'll do it, that will limit you too.

Correct. I would hardly consider a day's rental of an analog machine and tape costs 'cheap' in this context.