We at LCR prefer recording to tape. If you wish to record using Protools, we still recommend mixing down to tape. We feel that tape simply sounds better.
Tape can be purchased from the following sources:
in Oakland -
or online -
Be sure to sort out your tape order well in advance of your session as tape stock is limited.
If you plan to track using the 16-track tape machine, you’ll need 2″ tape. If you’re mixing, you’ll need 1/2″ tape. A 2500′ reel is 30 minutes long at 15 IPS (inches per second). If you plan on tracking at 30 IPS, please take into account that a 2500′ reel will be only 15 minutes long.
Tape brands that are currently being manufactured are ATR and RMG. Either brand will do. If you’re buying RMG, we recommend using the SM900 formula.
We do not recommend used tape. If you must use used tape, make sure that it is either bulk erased or erased on a machine using the same format that the program to be erased was recorded on. For instance, if the tape contains a 24-track recording, it must be erased on a 24-track tape machine. This ensures that the entire program is wiped from the tape. Our 16-track has different track orientation than a 24-track and will not completely erase a 24-track recording. Again, new tape is better than used.