Comparing 1/2 Reel Tape for Analog Tape Machines

Renne Meejah
Aug 29
4 min read

Selecting 1/2 reel tape for analog tape machines is one of the most exciting and critical task in reel to reel recording.

When I first got my analog tape machines and cassette recorder I ran a series of test to compare it to digital. These test included recording straight to tape versus digital, recording a digitally recorded track to tape, and comparing various different types of routings and settings. Such as noise reduction off and on, different pitch rates, etc

I was also a stickler for making sure the tape machines were calibrated and aligned for the tape machines so experimented with this as well.

This part led me to having to go to a specialist though.

I tried the ATR Magnetics Master Tape, RTM SM 911 Tape, RTM SM 900 tape, Ampex 456 tape, and more.

I compared using my Fostex E-16 tape machine and the Tascam TSR-8.

With cassette there was a similar process because I was interested in how ½ inch tape sounded compared to cassette. I tried probably about a dozen type 2 cassettes.

What I noticed was this

The beautiful RTM SM 911 tape is very flat, adds very little color, and sounds the closest to digital or a digital recording. It’s not a character tape, but is perfect for tracking. It’s also the most affordable by RTM. It has a little bit of a smoothness that could be associated with the tape sound.

1/ inch RTM SM911 tape by recrding the masters. In sliver case — RTM SM 911 1/2 inch tape

The RTM SM900 reel tape however, by Record the Masters, is the holy grail of tape quality. This tape is smooth, and I mean really smooth. It has what I describe as a "silk top" and it adds a character that is unmatched. It sounds warm yet maintains a pristine quality. It has color, yet still holds onto the the clarity that stands up well in a digital environment. All while maintaining an analog tape warmth, subtle compression, and adding a little bit of a cozy feeling.

However, the RTM SM900 is not perfect for all machines and definitely has to be calibrated to work as intended for the tape machine using it. To my knowledge this is because the SM 900 tape is slightly thicker than what 1/2 inch tape machines such as mine were designed for. This can lead to some wear on the machine as well as other issues such as tape bleed.

Tape bleed is essentially when the previous track you recorded onto a tape doesn’t fully erase. So when you go to record a new track over it essentially the tracks merge.

Tape bleed is kind of surreal when you hear it, but definitely not something that makes a recording usable. Typically, if I want to use the SM 900 tape I have to make sure to do a clean erase prior to recording with the tape machine.

1/2 inch rtm SM900 tape by Recording the Masters — RTM SM 900 1/2 tape

I was advised by my tape tech not to use it with my machines to avoid bleed. He said it sounded great, he loved that tape, and that it was possible to calibrate my machines towards it, but calibration for the RTM SM 911 or even the ATR Magnetics Master tape would give me the best result. However, I still from time to time use it though.

My favorite though, because of it’s compatibility and sound is the ATR Magnetics Master Tape. Although my machine is calibrated for the RTM SM 911 a close match is the ATR Magnetics Master reel tape. It has great character and is a very bright tape. I prefer my sounds a little on the brighter side so this is perfect for me.

1/2 INCH REEL TO REEL TAPE BY ATR MAGNETICS — ATR Magnetics Master Tape

In general, I highly recommend all three the RTM SM911, RTM SM900, and ATR Magnetics Master tape. It’s always a great mental debate when I have to replenish new tape and have to decide between the 3.

As for the older tapes from the 1980s such as the Ampex 456, be careful with those. They sound great and truly have the authentic 1980s sound. However, many of those tapes tend to shed, which can damage your tape machine. Basically the tape begins to melt as it’s going through the machine.

Not only does this run the sound, but it can also take a long time to clean up.

If you are going to use a Ampex 456 I highly advise buying a food dehydrator. While not perfect, this will allow the tape to last maybe a couple of hours before it starts to melt on you. Enough time for a quick recording. However, you will need to leave it in a food dehydrator or super low temperature oven for up to 12 hours before use.

I have ran my tape through the dehydrator, but by the time it was done too tired to record anymore. I had enough time to record a quick piece of drums and it sounded great!

However by the time I got to other instruments a few hours later it already started to shed again.

With a good balance you can use the 1980s 456 tapes, but it is going to take more patience.

The Grandmaster Platinum tape is on a different level, words almost can’t even describe how good it sounds. However, due to the rarity of the tape I will not recommend. Even the Grandmaster Platinum tape I have is so worn I can only record on bits. Sometimes it works for bouncing down tracks to tape though.

My advice, definitely buy new modern tape or the newest you can find.

I will continue to do so and support RTM and ATR Magnetics. I’m so glad they’re making high quality tapes in this day and age. They even make cassette, which I have purchased and have yet to try.