hi I want to experiment whit some tape recording

maybe some of you in here know the answers to the questions google could'nt help me whit

as far as I understand, there are 4 different qualities

1. what is the lowest quality suitable for recording music - not in 4track but straight from computer/turntable

2. a good and cheap online store in europe? right now im looking for 14min tapes

Thanks :)

The density of the tape in a 60min is the same as what is used in a 30min.  90min onward the tape is made thinner so more can fit into the cassette.  The downside is that because it is thinner and pulling more weight it is more prone to stretch and snare. 

30min is probably more durable than a 60min because there is less of a load to pull but – to my ear - the advantage is marginal. 

Shaun Coleman said:

Why wouldn't 45 or 30 min tapes be better?

The Ultimatemost High said:

90 min. cassettes are good but 60 min cassettes are the best quality.  Tape stretches with each use.  The longer the length the thinning the tape.  Avoid 120 mins.

 

Chrome or high is a good bias.  Normal bias has a lot of ‘white noise’.  The best bias is METAL but it is not compatible with all player/recorders.

Why wouldn't 45 or 30 min tapes be better?

The Ultimatemost High said:

90 min. cassettes are good but 60 min cassettes are the best quality.  Tape stretches with each use.  The longer the length the thinning the tape.  Avoid 120 mins.

 

Chrome or high is a good bias.  Normal bias has a lot of ‘white noise’.  The best bias is METAL but it is not compatible with all player/recorders.

90 min. cassettes are good but 60 min cassettes are the best quality.  Tape stretches with each use.  The longer the length the thinning the tape.  Avoid 120 mins.

Chrome or high is a good bias.  Normal bias has a lot of ‘white noise’.  The best bias is METAL but it is not compatible with all player/recorders.

thanks, thats a really great site

Dusty Mush said:

Hey,

You should take a look at this website:
https://tapeline.info/v2/
And they also do custom cassettes tapes:
https://tapeline.info/v2/custom-wound-blank-cassettes.html

Cheers!

I always used the ones that say High Bias 70 (symbol that looks something like a backwards y) s EQ, High Position Type II Super Avilyn CrO2 (Chrome). I'm reading this off a TDK SA90. They sound much brighter and crisper than the "Normal" type.

A good source of them is garage sales and flea markets, where you can get them at giveaway prices. They usually already have music on them, but you can record over it. If the punchouts on the spine have been removed, just put a piece of tape over the hole. Make sure they look clean and nice, and check for signs of heat damage (curled tape), make sure the little piece of felt under the tape is there. Set your deck for the CrO2 position. I always pushed in the Dolby button, too.

Hey,

You should take a look at this website:
https://tapeline.info/v2/
And they also do custom cassettes tapes:
https://tapeline.info/v2/custom-wound-blank-cassettes.html

Cheers!