Tape machine in a mixerless studio

Luke_martin · 2nd April 2007

I´m wondering if there´s any of you guys using a multitrack tape machine in a mixerless studio?

I´m running a smaller studio with quite common setup - various types of pres (API, Vintech, Pendulum, Great River, Millennia...) into Apogee AD-16X´s where the signal splits and AES/EBU outs feed Lynx soundcard in my PC running a Nuendo and X-HD cards feed Pro Tools HD rig with Control 24. I have my out´s assigned to Apogee DA-16X, where channels 9-16 are used for HearBack monitoring system and first pair of outputs goes directly to Avocet to take care of my monitoring needs.
Very simple, yet effective setup, that has served me good so far.

Anyway, friend of mine has a very nice MCI 2" 24 track track tape machine and he has no use for it. So... I was thinking about incorporate it into my existing setup without too much of a hassle. Is it even possible? I have no experience with tape machines whatsoever but I´d love to try it out.

So the question is, if anyone has an experience with similar type of setup and whether it´s possible to easily incorporate a tape machine into a mixerless studio. Thanks

-Luke

stuntbutt · 3rd April 2007

My setup is based on an 002. I sometimes do basic tracks to a Tascam MR16. On my patchbay my preamps are normalled to the 18 PT inputs (OO2 and outboard converters). The tape machine is not on the patchbay. I have a 25' snake from the tape machine that terminates in TTs. I simply patch the machine inputs to the preamp outputs and the tape outputs to PT inputs. The PT session is 16 tracks armed but not recording or playing. It is the "mixer". When basics are complete press play on tape and record on PT.

Tone Obsessed · 3rd April 2007

I kept my Studer for mix downs (have much the same rig you have).

FYI: Try the Portico 5042 WITH the Crane Song Phoenix... Sweet and sooo close to running out to tape (EXCEPT with tons of dirty guitars and a drummer that slams).

If you're a total tone slut, you'll like the 2" for those uses

- YMMV. Depends on what you're doing.

Can you buy the 2" machine for cheap $$$$? If so, why not go for it plus you can track and use the box as a "mixer". More options are always cool...

TJ

2nd April 2007	#1
Luke_martin Gear Head Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 49 Thread Starter	Tape machine in a mixerless studio I´m wondering if there´s any of you guys using a multitrack tape machine in a mixerless studio? I´m running a smaller studio with quite common setup - various types of pres (API, Vintech, Pendulum, Great River, Millennia...) into Apogee AD-16X´s where the signal splits and AES/EBU outs feed Lynx soundcard in my PC running a Nuendo and X-HD cards feed Pro Tools HD rig with Control 24. I have my out´s assigned to Apogee DA-16X, where channels 9-16 are used for HearBack monitoring system and first pair of outputs goes directly to Avocet to take care of my monitoring needs. Very simple, yet effective setup, that has served me good so far. Anyway, friend of mine has a very nice MCI 2" 24 track track tape machine and he has no use for it. So... I was thinking about incorporate it into my existing setup without too much of a hassle. Is it even possible? I have no experience with tape machines whatsoever but I´d love to try it out. So the question is, if anyone has an experience with similar type of setup and whether it´s possible to easily incorporate a tape machine into a mixerless studio. Thanks -Luke

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3rd April 2007	#2
stuntbutt Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2004 Location: St. Louis Posts: 261	My setup is based on an 002. I sometimes do basic tracks to a Tascam MR16. On my patchbay my preamps are normalled to the 18 PT inputs (OO2 and outboard converters). The tape machine is not on the patchbay. I have a 25' snake from the tape machine that terminates in TTs. I simply patch the machine inputs to the preamp outputs and the tape outputs to PT inputs. The PT session is 16 tracks armed but not recording or playing. It is the "mixer". When basics are complete press play on tape and record on PT.

3rd April 2007	#3
Tone Obsessed Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Mid-Atlantic Posts: 218	I kept my Studer for mix downs (have much the same rig you have). FYI: Try the Portico 5042 WITH the Crane Song Phoenix... Sweet and sooo close to running out to tape (EXCEPT with tons of dirty guitars and a drummer that slams). If you're a total tone slut, you'll like the 2" for those uses - YMMV. Depends on what you're doing. Can you buy the 2" machine for cheap $$$$? If so, why not go for it plus you can track and use the box as a "mixer". More options are always cool... TJ