Difference between 456 and 499 tape?

[FunkFaker]

Hi all!

I was wondering what the difference is between 456 and 499 tape. I understand that it has something to do with tape bias, but what is the purpose of each type?

Can a machine calibrated for one type use the other?

What are other types besides 456 and 499 and their functions?

Any other links or info on the subject would be much appreciated. I'm looking into buying a tape machine and want to learn about them!

Thanks in Advance!

tommy

[audioez]

Originally Posted by FunkFaker

Any other links or info on the subject would be much appreciated

http://www.quantegy.com/audio.asp

[Ricey]

the short story is that 499 is harder than 456.
you can record at higher levels to 499, and it won't distort as quickly. of course, many like the sound of tape 'giving in' to a strong recording level, so 456 is chosen when you want to hear the effect of the tape.
but some like to record at 15 IPS as opposed to 30 IPS(like me). in short, 15 IPS brings out the lows but also brings out the hiss of the tape. in that case one might want to record at a higher level to 499 in order to get the signal farther from the noise floor.
tape heads like soft tape because they will live longer. how much longer, i don't know.

[FunkFaker]

So then, does the harder tape (ie 499 or g9) last longer as well?

thanks for the info!

tommy

Originally Posted by Ricey

the short story is that 499 is harder than 456.
you can record at higher levels to 499, and it won't distort as quickly. of course, many like the sound of tape 'giving in' to a strong recording level, so 456 is chosen when you want to hear the effect of the tape.
but some like to record at 15 IPS as opposed to 30 IPS(like me). in short, 15 IPS brings out the lows but also brings out the hiss of the tape. in that case one might want to record at a higher level to 499 in order to get the signal farther from the noise floor.
tape heads like soft tape because they will live longer. how much longer, i don't know.

[Ricey]

Originally Posted by FunkFaker

So then, does the harder tape (ie 499 or g9) last longer as well?

thanks for the info!

tommy

i don't know about that one. but the difference would be small in comparison to the conditions of where you store the tape.

[Peter Gruden]

In my experience, 499 will leave a lot more dirt on the heads than 456. It appears to be more sticky than 456.

Peter

[wwittman]

If you record at the SAME flux level, then 499 will 'distort' less than 456..
but 499 is designed for an operating level 3 dB higher than 456.

456 at 250 nW/m sounds no "dirtier" than 499 at 3 dB OVER 250 nW/m

But each tape has a characteristic sound, just the same. (all tapes do)

I personally much prefer 456 sonically.
But I also align it typically at 0 VU = +6 over 250 (roughly +9 over the antiquated, and never used anymore, reference level of 185 nW/m)

[FunkFaker]

So should i, then, make sure my tape machine is calibrated for one sort of tape? in this case either 499 or 456?



tommy

[Musiclab]

Originally Posted by FunkFaker

So then, does the harder tape (ie 499 or g9) last longer as well?

thanks for the info!

tommy

I've had no problems with 499 and GP9, I like it better than 456, so does my deck

[midnightblue]

[Can a machine calibrated for one type use the other?] Yes!!

[What are other types besides 456 and 499 and their functions?] In the AMPEX line, there is (was) types 406 and 407 commonly used. Type 631 was used by the broadcast industry.

[I'm looking into buying a tape machine and want to learn about them!] I have a "nearly new" very pristine TASCAM 8-track 1/2" reel-to-reel deck that will do you just fine in capturing the "analog sound" of recording.

In addition, I have umpteen BRAND NEW still shrink-wrapped reels (both 7" and 10-1/2") of 407 and 456 types of tape. I also have well over a case (40+ reels) of 7" Type 631 tape.

If you're interested in buying the deck and some tape and we work out a "nice price", I'll give you every extra reel of recording tape that I have around my home studio. I've NEVER used the TASCAM deck (went digital just after buying it) and I would be glad to see someone get some good use out of my stuff.

Contact me at: midnight_blue_studios@yahoo.com or, at: 301/739-1450

If anyone is interested, just contact me, OK!!??

Regards,

JBWilliams

/

[FunkFaker]

Thank you all for your input!

tommy