Recording to 2" for the first time. Engineer recommended:

RMGI SM900 (brand new) for $235

but I found through tapetape.com:

AMPEX 468 (one pass) for $45
3M 996 (new) $95

I know nothing of these things. Tell me how not to screw up this end of the operation?

No way is there a stockpile of new 3M 996 anywhere. Hasn't been made since, like forever. If you order that, who the hell knows what you'll get. I have never used Ampex 468, are you sure it isn't Agfa or BASF PEM 468? That's fine tape, though not suitable for 500nWb/m levels like GP9, 499 or SM900.

Makes me think I should just suck it up and buy the SM900.

Thanks Steve.

steve wrote:No way is there a stockpile of new 3M 996 anywhere. Hasn't been made since, like forever.

3M made it for the military long after it was sold to the public. i doubt this is what tapetape is selling though.

-e

losthighway wrote:Makes me think I should just suck it up and buy the SM900.

Thanks Steve.

Ask that it's bought and tested before the session. There have been noted quality problems with some of the RMGI stuff (shedding, dropouts). I've had it with the 911, MTAR has had it, Chicago Mastering notes it on their site, etc.

You don't want to be stuck with a bad reel at the session and have no other options.

= Justin

You should look into ATR Magnetics as well. I think it's a little more expensive, but it doesn't give me problems like RMG did.