|
|
Post by EmRR on Jan 25, 2023 15:42:35 GMT -6
I have my Studer set up to dump the tape into ProTools live off the repro head. That way I record direct to tape and Pro Tools simultaneously - and the choice of using either tape or digital at any stage. Misses the settling factor of playing it back later, which is part of what so many like. |
|
|
|
Post by trakworxmastering on Jan 26, 2023 8:52:57 GMT -6
I did a project tracking to a 16 track (converted) mm1200 where we were monitoring via pro tools as our “console.” Anyway, that particular machine definitely has a sound in input mode alone that contributes color and cohesion. Some people apparently upgrade to Lundahls to make it more transparent, but that strikes me as unnecessary. Anyway, the Ampex essentially adds another discrete transform balanced stage that’s definitely doing something cool to the sound. Something like an Otari might have less of that mojo in the line stages, to pick a random example. Agree about the sound of the Ampex MM1200 in input mode. Same I/O cards as the legendary Ampex AG440 2 track. If I had one I'd never swap out those trannys! Even my lowly Otari MX-80 does a little something nice just passing through. Tracks just sit together better somehow. And my ATR 102 in input mode adds some hefty transformer weight. Great, when called for. Tape machines are cool. |
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Jan 26, 2023 9:48:39 GMT -6
Everything that goes to tape and then transferred into a good DAW through great converters always works out well.
Can't say the same for the reverse. Never had a pleasant listening or working experience from that.
|
|
|
|
Post by chessparov on Jan 26, 2023 10:24:20 GMT -6
When I did the reverse years ago, I DID hear the whole...
"Paul is dead" thing. Seems like only yesterday.
Chris
|
|
|
|
Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 26, 2023 10:31:12 GMT -6
I tracked this to PT basically live off the floor except for where he played electric solos on the acoustic tunes. The powers that be decided that before they mixed the record they were going to print the tracks to tape and the mixer then mixed off the tape. I didn’t realize that was going to be the process, and I may or may not have compensated for that in the tracking stage but… live and learn.
(don’t tell anybody but I liked my board mixes better haha)
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,107 
|
Post by ericn on Jan 26, 2023 12:25:52 GMT -6
I did a project tracking to a 16 track (converted) mm1200 where we were monitoring via pro tools as our “console.” Anyway, that particular machine definitely has a sound in input mode alone that contributes color and cohesion. Some people apparently upgrade to Lundahls to make it more transparent, but that strikes me as unnecessary. Anyway, the Ampex essentially adds another discrete transform balanced stage that’s definitely doing something cool to the sound. Something like an Otari might have less of that mojo in the line stages, to pick a random example. Agree about the sound of the Ampex MM1200 in input mode. Same I/O cards as the legendary Ampex AG440 2 track. If I had one I'd never swap out those trannys! Even my lowly Otari MX-80 does a little something nice just passing through. Tracks just sit together better somehow. And my ATR 102 in input mode adds some hefty transformer weight. Great, when called for. Tape machines are cool. Shhh Ward is going to convince my wife that I wanted him to get the 440-2 and 440-8 if I ever kick the bucket 😁 |
|
|
|
Post by Blackdawg on Jan 26, 2023 22:08:30 GMT -6
I've done it both ways.
Both can work fine I think but if you can, id try and track as much to tape first. But you can certainly slam stuff back to tape if you want. HOWEVER, I found that if you do not have GREAT converters for this. It doesn't matter no matter what. You need great converters to capture the tape sound back into the daw no matter what.
I also agree that you'd want something to push the level into the tape not just the DAC, again unless you have really great ones that can really push level, you won't be able to drive it hard. This is where a console actually becomes handy to do this task. Plus more electronics(if a good console) can add that much more "mojo" potentially.
|
|
