easy tape transfer question(sound question)

[numrologst]

So it has now become necessary for us to transfer our 24 track tapes to digital. So I am getting ready to book some time to do it.

We tracked everything on a JH24... I was thinking of doing the transfers off of a studer a827... Do you guys think it would be worth it to transfer from that machine(soundwise)... Or just transfer it from a jh24. It seems like there could be a cool sound difference.

Also I was getting anal about what converters we used for the transfer... I only have 1 ad-16x and that's why I am not transfering at my studio... But I know the apogee's have a bit of a colored sound... SO i can't decide if it would be better to transfer via the apogee's, prism, or digi 192...

I am probably overthinking it.. But for the simple fact that we are transfering from tape to digital.. I want to make sure we use the best means to do so.

So what do you guys think?

[carival]

Not really as easy as it seems. I've done it in the past, and have been pleasantly surprised, and sadly disappointed. First, we'll assume that you have recorded proper tones from your machine. Machines sound different. Tape type, reference level, record level, tape speed, music genre, etc., all factor into determining what different people like. Convertors sound different too. Which ones sound best for the sound that's being converted? Pretty subjective stuff. If you go somewhere else to do it, it will likely be difficult for you to judge. At least make sure the 2" machine is in great shape, and calibrated to your tapes. If you like what's coming off of your MCI, I would probably rent a Radar system for a day, or some great convertors that you like, and do it from your machine. That would at least reduce the variables. Good luck.

[numrologst]

i printed tones on most of the tapes... But I have kept my machine aligned the same way since we started recording... So it was definately a mistake on my part that I didn't print tones to every tape... But hopefully one set of tones should do becuse the machine was calibrated the exact same way. And all the tapes are 499.

I'm trying to find someone i can rent another ad-16x from. I'd like to do the transfers from my machine in my room to make it easier.