Mastering directly from tape

[metroplex]

I am wondering how other mastering engineers here feel about mastering directly from tape like if a client sent you a 1/2 inch reel, and you just leave the A to D conversion as the very last step, using volume, EQ and compression on the way in. I have noticed much different results by running the signal straight from tape.

Best,

Metroplex Mastering
Dallas, TX
214-603-2726
Metroplex Mastering
julian@metroplexmastering.com

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by metroplex

I am wondering how other mastering engineers here feel about mastering directly from tape like if a client sent you a 1/2 inch reel, and you just leave the A to D conversion as the very last step, using volume, EQ and compression on the way in. I have noticed much different results by running the signal straight from tape.

Is there any other way?


DC

[Ben F]

1/2" tape>Crookwood router>Analogue inserts>A/D>digital inserts>DAW

Some times I'll do the Analogue processing and record into the DAW, leaving the digital processing until later when I'm compiling the album.

[Cellotron]

Usually the only time I transfer from tape directly to capture by DAW without any processing is if the tape is in pretty bad shape and it most likely won't be able to handle multiple plays and rewinds - or if an archival "flat transfer" by the client has been requested. Otherwise I nearly always will eq and compress using analog tools as needed prior to capture by the ADC.

One thing that really helps when doing this is a y-cable or passive splitter multing the signal from the deck - with one pair of feeds going directly to the monitor controller - and the second pair feeding the analog process chain - so that you can do one button push (and level matched) a/b's of the original source signal vs. the processed changes.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[MASSIVE Master]

"Hybrid" again -- I do a quick flat transfer and mess with some settings, make sure "all is well" jot down some notes (this track is really boomy, that track is really quiet, etc., etc.) then capture using those notes as a guide.

Cuts down on tape / machine wear. I can get my settings in the ballpark before hitting the PLAY button for the second time - Fewer surprises.

[jayfrigo]

I love working straight off tape. I come out of the deck, right into the outboard chain, then A/D, and still can put some digital tools after that if desired before getting into the workstation.