How to Use a Reel-to-Reel Machine

Series Summary

Throughout the evolution of audio devices there have been many developments that have changed the way we not only listened to music and audio but also how we recorded it. From 8 track to cassettes to CD's this evolution is as vital as audio itself. Certain devices such as the reel to reel are still in use today for certain things. Many bands use them to record their music to because tape offers a different type of raw and earthy vibe. It is not the easiest device to operate and use that is available today but it is a rare and valuable find.

Here in this free video clip series our expert, Kurt Glaser, is here to show you all the tips and tricks you will need to know in order to operate and record to your reel to reel controller. He will cover wiring, functions operations of the reel, tips on keeping your tape like new and even on the different microphones available that go over well on tape. Don't chunk that huge piece of heavy studio equipment. Watch these videos and you will see why it is a rare find.

Video Transcript

"Hi, for Expert Village, I'm Kurt Glaser, Chief Engineer at KGB Studios, Seattle. Welcome to these sessions on "How to use a Reel to Reel Tape Deck". Some of the things that we're going to be highlighting in these next few sessions will be the tape deck controls and functions, from the front. We'll go into a lot of detail telling you how to do those things. We'll be also looking at the back components of this reel to reel. We'll be looking at the types of recordings, we'll look at input and outputs, the recording levels, and what to look out for while recording. Also, we'll look at some of the cables and the connectors for putting a high quality audio signal onto the tape. And last, but not least, we'll show you some basic troubleshooting skills, tools and maintenance, of utilizing this tape deck in the reel to reel world. The unit that we're going to be demonstrating to you is the Dokorder 7140, it's a four track reel to reel deck, but we're going to be using just the two tracks on this one for these demonstrations that we're going to be showing you over these sessions. All of the concepts, all of the cables, all of the connectors, all the configurations, will be exactly the same that I show you, on this deck or any other deck that you might use. So, join me next session where we start talking about the very functions of the front part of this 7140 reel to reel tape deck. Until then, for Expert Village, KGB Studios, see you next time."