RTM Industry News - December 2024
RTM & Mara Machines Collaboration
We hugely excited to announce a collaboration between RTM and Mara Machines. All Mara Machines will now officially be calibrated to SM900, as detailed on the Mara Machines website: Machines - Mara Machines
To celebrate our new partnership, we headed to Chris Mara’s studio, Welcome to 1979 to film some great footage chatting with Chris about recording to tape and his process in the studio. We also talked to Mike Campagna the lead technician for Mara Machines and Bobbi Giel, the head mastering engineer at Welcome to 1979.
Comparative Shedding Tests by Mathijn den Duijf
Reflections on Comparative Shedding Tests for Audio Tape by Mathijn den Duijf
Co-founder of Het Concreet, an experimental lab space for analogue ambitions. Mathijn also works for Artone Studios in The Netherlands, a vintage studio specialised in direct-to-disc and tape recordings.
All audio tape experiences some degree of shedding, though it varies in extent. Naturally, manufacturers aim to produce tapes that shed as little as possible. This is essential for users, as excessive shedding can lead to both practical and sonic challenges. Tapes that shed heavily require frequent cleaning of the tape path, sometimes after each use, as heads and other contact points become dirty and need intensive maintenance.
Shedding leaves residue on components such as rollers, capstans, and tape heads. When residue accumulates on the heads, it can severely reduce high frequencies in the audio. This is especially problematic during recording, as any high-end loss becomes permanently embedded in the recording and cannot be recovered. During playback, shedding only affects the audio in that moment without permanently damaging the recording itself.
Comparative Shedding Test
I conducted shedding tests on audio tape from four different brands, revealing a notable difference in shedding levels. The latest RTM production tapes shed significantly less than current offerings from other manufacturers. Tapes that shed minimally offer the advantage of uninterrupted recording, without worrying about residue on the heads that might compromise audio quality. Additionally, they reduce the need for constant cleaning of the tape path.
(Disclaimer: For best results, it's always advisable to clean tape heads frequently during recording sessions.)
Understanding Tape Composition and Effects of Shedding
Audio tape has a magnetic side that makes contact with the heads, and a back coating. When shedding occurs, particles from either side can remain on the heads or other contact points. Particles from the back coating can dirty components like swing arms or pinch rollers. A dirty pinch roller can negatively affect the machine's flutter response, and heavy shedding can sometimes make the roller too slippery, impacting performance. Regular cleaning does not always restore the roller's original condition if the shedding is severe
Dealer Spotlight - Nashville Recording Supply
My name’s Adam Dalton, the owner of Nashville Recording Supply. Raised on the Boston folk music scene, I majored in Music Performance & Sound Recording Technology at UMASS Lowell before venturing south towards the nexus of roots, rock and southern soul; Music City USA!
I cut my teeth interning at Blackbird Studios through which I landed a gig at Nashville Tape Supply in 2007. Soon I was delivering tape up and down Music Row in a stylish busted white panel van and boxing up tape to be shipped across the country; notably around that time to a young Matt Ross-Spang at Memphis' legendary SUN Studios who was recording Margot Price's first record!
In 2018 I founded Nashville Recording Supply and we continue to offer analog tape, hard drives and all the supplies needed to keep a recording session rolling. It's been so fun to play a small part in keeping analog recording alive and making it available for artists to create with. When I'm not tape supplying, I perform with my bluegrass group, The Tennessee Warblers, and host a Walker, Texas Ranger Podcast, Roundhouse Roulette. And when I'm not jamgrassing I am almost certainly listening to some heavy soul-jazz with deep pocket B3 grooves!
Many thanks to RTM and everyone out there keeping analog alive one reel at a time. Music is community and it's my honor to share this journey with you.
RTM at AES NY & Making Vinyl Haarlem
Within just a few weeks, we had the pleasure of exhibiting at Making Vinyl in Haarlem, Netherlands, followed by AES in New York.
Both events provided fantastic opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and connect with a wide range of new partners and clients. Thanks to everyone who visited us at both events, we had a great time. See you at NAMM 2025 in Los Angeles!
ANKO launches Calibration Tape using RTM SM911
Setting the Standard in Calibration Tape Production at ANKO Lab
At ANKO Lab, precision meets innovation in calibration tape production. Grounded in the theories of Measuring Variable Magnetic Flux in Carriers and inspired by the pioneering work of Jay McKnight, our process blends decades of expertise with cutting-edge advancements. Custom-built measuring instruments—refined from the legendary AMPEX methods—and state-of-the-art technology from Audio Precision ensure unmatched accuracy, achieving results once deemed unattainable.
Every step of production is guided by a commitment to excellence. Sophisticated software models electronic circuits, while custom-designed recording heads from FluxMagnetics uphold strict compliance with the IEC 94-2 standard. Each calibration tape is meticulously processed, assigned a unique serial number, and accompanied by securely recorded test data, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
For our calibration tape production, we primarily use RTM SM911 tape, renowned for its quality and consistency.
ANKO Lab remains dedicated to delivering exceptional calibration tapes, embodying a legacy of precision, craftsmanship, and customer-centric flexibility.
Studio Spotlight: LITTLE BIG BEAT
By Little Konzett
LITTLE BIG BEAT is all about analog.
I use RTM tapes because of the quality and above all the sound.
I need a partner who can offer consistent quality.
During the production of Incognito in Nov. 2023, we used 48 multi-track analog tracks.
I recorded the whole thing on two Studer A820 2” synchronized the audio signal was recorded Y split once on analog once on Pro Tools digital 96 kHz/.
The SSL live mix went directly to the livestream. The master was then made from the shoelace master tape.
For the down mix I then re-recorded the 2” tapes and the live mix via Tangerine Audio Recall (automation VCA) and played the same mix down again in analog and recorded it to the Studer A812 shoelaces.
The whole thing is a complete AAA production.
Analog recording
Analog mix
Analog mastering
Best known as a leading Acid Jazz Combo, Incognito combines everything that shines in soul, in disco, funk, jazz and whatever genre in music brings people to singalong and dance. "We got the music, we don't stop the music, dancing all night long." That's not just a song line, that's a credo.
12 absolutely great musicians, a whole crowd of highly professional technicians and helping staff, a good-humored audience, and last but not least, a 48-track analog recording tape machine are needed to create the unique energy that drives Incognito to peak performance. Triple A, analog recording, analog mixing and analog mastering is Little's vision. Joining in was Incognito with his international cast of musicians and a fabulous musical ride through four decades of funky dance music that celebrates life and carries a very special message to the world: "We are one nation under the roof!"
We’d love to hear about your experiences with our tape.
Cool projects, interesting experiments, etc.
Please send them to sales@recordingthemasters.com