There are several tape machines to choose from that will do. Many details
should be considered before you choose.
First: Cost of buying and cost of maintaining. Whatever machine you buy, you should know where to get parts for it.
Second: Repair. You will not be buying a new machine and even the best in like-new condition will need some kind of service. Can you understand enough to repair it yourself? Do you have a technician nearby? If so, what machines does he like best? If you continue to record analog for many years you may wish to buy two or more identical machines so you have a source of spare parts.
With regard to 1/4 inch vs 1/2 inch: the larger tape stock costs more. 1/2 inch does afford some improvements in audio, but 1/4 inch 2-track with good noise reduction at 15 ips still sounds excellent.
As for specific machines: Any of the A80 machines you mentioned in good
condition will perform well for you. The A810/A812 are 1/4 inch only; the A812 will handle larger diameter reels of tape. They perform very well also. They are smaller and less heavy than the A80 series. And probably available for less money.
A807 are later replacements. Parts are still available for them. I do not like them as well as the A810s.
I have never worked on a Stellavox, so I can't comment on it. But any of the Studer machines you have mentioned will work well for you. Find your best price.
Good Luck,
Landry, John
====================
Ultimate Studer for mastering studio is the A820.
Then Studer A80RC
then A80VU+ others
then A807
then A810
Ealing Mobile Recording, Ltd.
Classical Specialists in Chicago using
assorted High Technology to capture YOUR Great Sound
Atelier HudSonic
====================
It all depends on what you wish to do. I chose the Studer A810 and
the Sony APR-5000 as they were plentiful and I could stockpile the
machines at low cost hedging against the day when the good and
relatively inexpensive machines are all gone. Any of the machines
will be able to play client tapes. The A80 is a classic and the only
one that you mention that is available in 1/2"--other than a very
rare A807 version. I don't think there ever was a 1/2" A810 nor A812,
but I could be wrong.
One of the nice things about a popular model is you can obtain
multiple head assemblies as client tapes can come in different
formats. I think you can get 1/4-track heads from Joe Dundovic if not
from Studer for the A810/A807/A812 that all share (I think -- not
100% sure about the A812) similar head types. The challenge in doing
a conversion is finding the correct mechanical parts, so since few or
none exist for the A810/A812 I would not even think of trying to go
1/2". The APR-5000 series if you get a good one of later vintage is
essentially field convertible to 1/2" just by plugging the head stack
and exchanging some easy-to-swap guide components (which can be
easily made from scratch or from spare parts from another machine).
You can see what I do -- my sole business is transferring client
tapes -- at
http://www.richardhess.com/tape/
Cheers,
Richard
=================
at least here in nyc everyone i know that mixes to tape mixes to
1/2".....some to 1".........i would get the 1/2" machine that can also use 1/4" if needed....
i love my A827 gold edition 2"......i am trying to buy a second machine....
i have an otari mtr-12 1/2" machine that works very well......when i can buy a new mastering machine, i would most likely choose a mike spitz rebuilt atr-102........have you looked into that option.....tha machine can be set up with a variety of electronics, and 1/4". 1/2" and 1" headblocks
be well
jack mckeever
the maid's room
nyc
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