tape types? -Sound Forge - PC - MAGIX Community Forums Archive

Subject:tape types? Posted by: nmitch1 Date:7/8/2002 9:48:26 AM I am very new to audio and sound forge and have a typical newbie question. Basically, I was wondering if someone could tell me what are the best analog tapes to buy for analog voice recording (my company has a marantz pmd222 portable recorder)? Also, what is the difference between Type I II III IV V and all that? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Nathan Mitchiner ps. We are currently using some Sony XLR Wired Lovelier mics bc of the type of voice recording we do in case that helps.
Subject:RE: tape types? Reply by: Chienworks Date:7/8/2002 10:18:32 AM Type I - Ferric. The tape is basically coated with rust, and the iron particles in the coating are what store the magentized signal. These are cheap to manufacture, but have the highest background noise. Type II - Chrome. Same as above, except that a chromium oxide is used instead of an iron oxide. These tapes have much lower noise and better frequency response. Type III - Ferri-chrome. Stupid idea, mixing iron and chromium; pitfalls of both, benefits of neither. It died a rapid and well deserved death. I've never even seen one of these tapes or a deck that had a setting for it. Type IV - Metal. The coating contains the pure metal crystals instead of an oxide. Better sound reproduction and less noise, but a lot more expensive and requires a much higher energy level to record the signal. Not many pro decks adopted this type, mostly on the basis that the more things you make a device do, the worse it does all of them. Type V - Hmmm. I've been ignoring the analog world for a while. I've never heard of this type. Unless you really require the quality of Metal tape, stick with Chrome (type II). The difference is minimal, and type II tapes are much more compatible with all the equipment out there. For my own opinionated opinion, i've always thought that Metal tapes sounded a little too crisp and unnatural. Make sure you set the recorder to the proper tape type if it has a manual setting. The wrong setting will make your recording/playback sound very muddy or very hissy.
Subject:RE: tape types? Reply by: nmitch1 Date:7/8/2002 10:27:47 AM perfect, much appreciation Chienworks ;)

Type I - Ferric. The tape is basically coated with rust, and the iron particles in the coating are what store the magentized signal. These are cheap to manufacture, but have the highest background noise.

Type II - Chrome. Same as above, except that a chromium oxide is used instead of an iron oxide. These tapes have much lower noise and better frequency response.

Type III - Ferri-chrome. Stupid idea, mixing iron and chromium; pitfalls of both, benefits of neither. It died a rapid and well deserved death. I've never even seen one of these tapes or a deck that had a setting for it.

Type IV - Metal. The coating contains the pure metal crystals instead of an oxide. Better sound reproduction and less noise, but a lot more expensive and requires a much higher energy level to record the signal. Not many pro decks adopted this type, mostly on the basis that the more things you make a device do, the worse it does all of them.

Type V - Hmmm. I've been ignoring the analog world for a while. I've never heard of this type.

Unless you really require the quality of Metal tape, stick with Chrome (type II). The difference is minimal, and type II tapes are much more compatible with all the equipment out there. For my own opinionated opinion, i've always thought that Metal tapes sounded a little too crisp and unnatural. Make sure you set the recorder to the proper tape type if it has a manual setting. The wrong setting will make your recording/playback sound very muddy or very hissy.