Recording Tape

Most portable open reel recorders are not capable of giving their highest possible performance with standard play tape. This is because they have a relatively weak spool torque, which does not give the best head to tape contact with the stiff standard play tapes. For most interviewing applications the greater flexibility , better frequency response and longer playing time provided by long play and double play tape are of overall greater value than the higher signal handling capability, lower print-through characteristics and greater physical strength of standard play tapes. Triple or quadruple play tape, being extremely thin and easily damaged, should be avoided.

Since the original interview will be the recording from which all subsequent copies are derived, it is obviously worth ensuring that one of the best tapes for the purpose is used. Any distortions or hiss due to the shortcomings of the original tape cannot be corrected merely by using a better tape for later copies. Therefore, a tape should be selected for recording purposes which has good signal handling capability with low distortion, low noise characteristics and acceptable print-through figures. Among the range of long play products available BASF LP35, Agfa PEM 368, Ampex 407 and EMI 825 can be used with confidence. Suitable double play tapes include BASF DP26 and Agfa PEM 268. If double play tape is used for recording purposes it is advisable that a standard play preservation copy is made from the original within a week or two of the interview. Other tapes may be appropriate but beware of using unbranded or unproven tapes if you do not have the technical facilities to test them. The advice of the tape machine manufacturer should also be used in conjunction with the above suggestions.

For cassette recording, the best advice which can be offered is to follow the advice of equipment manufacturers (unless you find a brand that gives better results) and avoid the thin tapes marketed as C90s and C120s. It may also be prudent to limit your choice to the major manufacturers. Chrome tapes, which are attractive from the point of view of their extended frequency response, on balance give more problems than benefits. They have been found to wear out machine heads more rapidly than the ferrous types and have unsatisfactory distortion and print through characteristics.