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Akai blank cassette question
Akai blank cassette question
I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
my tape deck, an NAD 613.
My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
* w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
appreciated.
Cameron
I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
my tape deck, an NAD 613.
My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
* w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
appreciated.
Cameron
Re: Akai blank cassette question
"CLM in ND" <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:832a2758-cd05-4c08-adbb-6489080b72b0@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups . com ...
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron
The best cassette for your machine is whatever tape the bias and sensitivity
was set-up for. Tapes vary widely in their formulations, and amongst the
reputable manufacturers there's little difference in their ultimate
performance, but a very large difference in how they perform in your
particular machine. When I used to be a Nakamichi dealer, I would line-up
each machine sold individually for the buyer's preferred tape. We then had
to realign the machines when the the formulation changed, as manufacturers
would always "improve" the tape to make it a bit more sensitive, or with
better hf response etc.
My advice to you is to buy these AKAI tapes as you have very limited choice,
then get your machine properly set-up to use these tapes. It's only the
record side that varies with tape formulation as bias affects hf level and
distortion, and the tape's sensitivity affects Dolby tracking. Setting up
the record side properly will ensure that the tapes you record are recorded
to the Dolby standard and with correct equalization so they will play back
correctly in all machines.
You do need however, to have the replay side checked for accuracy as you
adjust the record side to match the playback which should be standard.
Good luck
S.
--
* audiopages.googlepages . com
"CLM in ND" <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:832a2758-cd05-4c08-adbb-6489080b72b0@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups . com ...
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron
The best cassette for your machine is whatever tape the bias and sensitivity
was set-up for. Tapes vary widely in their formulations, and amongst the
reputable manufacturers there's little difference in their ultimate
performance, but a very large difference in how they perform in your
particular machine. When I used to be a Nakamichi dealer, I would line-up
each machine sold individually for the buyer's preferred tape. We then had
to realign the machines when the the formulation changed, as manufacturers
would always "improve" the tape to make it a bit more sensitive, or with
better hf response etc.
My advice to you is to buy these AKAI tapes as you have very limited choice,
then get your machine properly set-up to use these tapes. It's only the
record side that varies with tape formulation as bias affects hf level and
distortion, and the tape's sensitivity affects Dolby tracking. Setting up
the record side properly will ensure that the tapes you record are recorded
to the Dolby standard and with correct equalization so they will play back
correctly in all machines.
You do need however, to have the replay side checked for accuracy as you
adjust the record side to match the playback which should be standard.
Good luck
S.
--
* audiopages.googlepages . com
Re: Akai blank cassette question
On Apr 30, 5:20 am, "Serge Auckland" <sergeauckl...@btinternet . com >
wrote:
>
> My advice to you is to buy these AKAI tapes as you have very limited choic=
e,
> then get your machine properly set-up to use these tapes. It's only the
> record side that varies with tape formulation as bias affects hf level and=
> distortion, and the tape's sensitivity affects Dolby tracking. Setting up
> the record side properly will ensure that the tapes you record are recorde=
d
> to the Dolby standard and with correct equalization so they will play back=
> correctly in all machines.
>
> You do need however, to have the replay side checked for accuracy as you
> adjust the record side to match the playback which should be standard.
>
> Good luck
>
> S.
>
Thank you, I'll give that a try.
Cameron
On Apr 30, 5:20 am, "Serge Auckland" <sergeauckl...@btinternet . com >
wrote:
>
> My advice to you is to buy these AKAI tapes as you have very limited choic=
e,
> then get your machine properly set-up to use these tapes. It's only the
> record side that varies with tape formulation as bias affects hf level and=
> distortion, and the tape's sensitivity affects Dolby tracking. Setting up
> the record side properly will ensure that the tapes you record are recorde=
d
> to the Dolby standard and with correct equalization so they will play back=
> correctly in all machines.
>
> You do need however, to have the replay side checked for accuracy as you
> adjust the record side to match the playback which should be standard.
>
> Good luck
>
> S.
>
Thank you, I'll give that a try.
Cameron
Re: Akai blank cassette question
CLM in ND wrote:
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron
I would not look for bargain tapes if you are archiving. I would place
Maxell first closely followed by TDK.
Cheers
Ian
CLM in ND wrote:
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron
I would not look for bargain tapes if you are archiving. I would place
Maxell first closely followed by TDK.
Cheers
Ian
Re: Akai blank cassette question
"Ian Thompson-Bell" <ruffrecords@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:fv9h68$1eu4$2@energise.enta . net ...
> CLM in ND wrote:
>> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
>> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
>> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
>> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>>
>> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
>> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
>> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
>> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
>> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
>> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>>
>> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
>> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
>> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>>
>> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
>>
>> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
>> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
>> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
>> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
>> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
>> appreciated.
>>
>> Cameron
>
> I would not look for bargain tapes if you are archiving. I would place
> Maxell first closely followed by TDK.
>
> Cheers
>
> Ian
I think today's prices have little to do with quality as with disposing of
old stock as cassette use is becoming very small. I don't know, but it's
unlikely that AKAI make their own tape. Much more likely is that it was made
for them by one of the majors. It could, of course be rubbish, but price is
no longer any indicator. In my experience, the best tape around was Tayo
Yuden (That's Tape) in spite of the silly name. Maxell and TDK were pretty
much on a par, BASF made some very good tape, but the settings required to
get the best out of it were very different from those for TDK or Maxell,
consequently none of the predominantly Japanese decks that were around in
cassette's heyday could be used with BASF without a major realignment.
As I recall, Nakamichis and Denons used to be set up for TDK tape, although
worked reasonably well with Maxell, if you're not over-critical. My
experience was that a machine set up for, say, Maxell, would be several dBs
out on TDK at the top end, (say >10kHz) and more noticeably, several dBs out
on Dolby tracking due to the different sensitivity. Dolby C was a great deal
more exacting of level setting than B was, and I am pretty sure the reason
why lots of people didn't like Dolby C was that few cassette recorders were
ever set up accurately enough. My own Nakamichi using Dolby C and That's
metal tape produced recordings that were indistinguishable from the original
on recordings from vinyl or FM radio and sufficiently close to CD for
anything but the most critical use.
Having said all this, I question the OP's use of cassette for archiving as
cassettes wear with use, lose high frequencies with playing unless the
replay machine is scrupulously demagnetised, are subject to print-through,
are mechanically fragile and subject to tape jamming etc. Also, for archive
use, there's a good chance that cassette machines may not be available to
play the recordings in the future. I would archive to CD-R and/or DVD as
there's a very good chance that these will be playable for many years to
come. Even if they are not, it is trivially easy to copy a CD-R to another
future medium without loss of audio quality whilst copying cassettes will
always result in a quality loss.
S.
--
* audiopages.googlepages . com
"Ian Thompson-Bell" <ruffrecords@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:fv9h68$1eu4$2@energise.enta . net ...
> CLM in ND wrote:
>> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
>> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
>> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
>> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>>
>> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
>> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
>> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
>> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
>> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
>> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>>
>> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
>> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
>> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>>
>> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product Code=AKAIGX-90&Category Code=ta
>>
>> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
>> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
>> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
>> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
>> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
>> appreciated.
>>
>> Cameron
>
> I would not look for bargain tapes if you are archiving. I would place
> Maxell first closely followed by TDK.
>
> Cheers
>
> Ian
I think today's prices have little to do with quality as with disposing of
old stock as cassette use is becoming very small. I don't know, but it's
unlikely that AKAI make their own tape. Much more likely is that it was made
for them by one of the majors. It could, of course be rubbish, but price is
no longer any indicator. In my experience, the best tape around was Tayo
Yuden (That's Tape) in spite of the silly name. Maxell and TDK were pretty
much on a par, BASF made some very good tape, but the settings required to
get the best out of it were very different from those for TDK or Maxell,
consequently none of the predominantly Japanese decks that were around in
cassette's heyday could be used with BASF without a major realignment.
As I recall, Nakamichis and Denons used to be set up for TDK tape, although
worked reasonably well with Maxell, if you're not over-critical. My
experience was that a machine set up for, say, Maxell, would be several dBs
out on TDK at the top end, (say >10kHz) and more noticeably, several dBs out
on Dolby tracking due to the different sensitivity. Dolby C was a great deal
more exacting of level setting than B was, and I am pretty sure the reason
why lots of people didn't like Dolby C was that few cassette recorders were
ever set up accurately enough. My own Nakamichi using Dolby C and That's
metal tape produced recordings that were indistinguishable from the original
on recordings from vinyl or FM radio and sufficiently close to CD for
anything but the most critical use.
Having said all this, I question the OP's use of cassette for archiving as
cassettes wear with use, lose high frequencies with playing unless the
replay machine is scrupulously demagnetised, are subject to print-through,
are mechanically fragile and subject to tape jamming etc. Also, for archive
use, there's a good chance that cassette machines may not be available to
play the recordings in the future. I would archive to CD-R and/or DVD as
there's a very good chance that these will be playable for many years to
come. Even if they are not, it is trivially easy to copy a CD-R to another
future medium without loss of audio quality whilst copying cassettes will
always result in a quality loss.
S.
--
* audiopages.googlepages . com
Re: Akai blank cassette question
No one said it yet so I will, the cd-r is far and away more likely to
outlast the tapes. If you're really concerned you can refresh the cd-rs
periodically and since you're dealing with digital instead of analog each
new copy will be 100% of the previous one. Each subsequent copy of a tape
will be poorer than the previous one. And the tapes will degrade with age
starting almost immediately. If you really want to play tapes that's fine.
But don't think they are the way to go for archival purposes.
CLM in ND" <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:832a2758-cd05-4c08-adbb-6489080b72b0@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups . com ...
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AKAIGX-90&Category_Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron
No one said it yet so I will, the cd-r is far and away more likely to
outlast the tapes. If you're really concerned you can refresh the cd-rs
periodically and since you're dealing with digital instead of analog each
new copy will be 100% of the previous one. Each subsequent copy of a tape
will be poorer than the previous one. And the tapes will degrade with age
starting almost immediately. If you really want to play tapes that's fine.
But don't think they are the way to go for archival purposes.
CLM in ND" <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:832a2758-cd05-4c08-adbb-6489080b72b0@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups . com ...
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
> * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AKAIGX-90&Category_Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron
Re: Akai blank cassette question
Have you considered archiving to hard drive? That way, you could make
additional hard drive backup(s) quickly and easily. If it's really
important material, you could keep a couple of backup drives and there
would never be loss of audio quality over time. You could also easily
burn CDs of whatever portion of the material you'd want.
CLM in ND <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote:
: I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
: cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
: durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
: my tape deck, an NAD 613.
: My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
: carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
: Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
: stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
: UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
: longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
: Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
: a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
: site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
: * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AKAIGX-90&Category_Code=ta
: That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
: However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
: familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
: anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
: quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
: appreciated.
: Cameron
Have you considered archiving to hard drive? That way, you could make
additional hard drive backup(s) quickly and easily. If it's really
important material, you could keep a couple of backup drives and there
would never be loss of audio quality over time. You could also easily
burn CDs of whatever portion of the material you'd want.
CLM in ND <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote:
: I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
: cassettes for a back-up. One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
: durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
: my tape deck, an NAD 613.
: My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
: carry them anymore. I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
: Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
: stores. Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
: UR normal bias tapes. It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
: longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
: Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
: a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc... One
: site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
: * w w w .batteriesandbutter . com /Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AKAIGX-90&Category_Code=ta
: That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
: However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them. I'm
: familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes. Has
: anyone ever tried these cassettes? Did you like them? How is the
: quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc... Any info would be
: appreciated.
: Cameron
Re: Akai blank cassette question
Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
a box or two of TDK as well.
I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
as well. Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
burning CD's, and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
& have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
& Minidisc.
Cameron
Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
a box or two of TDK as well.
I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
as well. Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
burning CD's, and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
& have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
& Minidisc.
Cameron
Re: Akai blank cassette question
"CLM in ND" wrote ...
> Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
> a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
> a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
> durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
> play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
That is true if you use trash (or unknown) discs. But people
who care about reliability and longevity pay a few extra
pennies (literally) and use the good stuff (Taiyo-Yuden, etc.)
I have found this information helpful...
* w w w .digitalfaq . com /media/dvdmedia.htm
There are other sources of similar info for CDR discs, etc.
> Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
> as well.
Of course MiniDisc is exactly the same as CDR or any other
home-writable optical disc. But you have the added feature
that you are using a lossy codec, and you are dependent on
hardware which is already dead. Seems like the worst of all
choices for backup or archive.
Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
> burning CD's,
I guess it depends on what you consider "better". I can't
think of any area in which either is "better" than CDR.
> and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
> & have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
> cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
> cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
> reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
> & Minidisc.
Good luck. If "fun" is your major consideration, go for it.
But don't confuse it with any kind of legitimate "backup".
"CLM in ND" wrote ...
> Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
> a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
> a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
> durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
> play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
That is true if you use trash (or unknown) discs. But people
who care about reliability and longevity pay a few extra
pennies (literally) and use the good stuff (Taiyo-Yuden, etc.)
I have found this information helpful...
* w w w .digitalfaq . com /media/dvdmedia.htm
There are other sources of similar info for CDR discs, etc.
> Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
> as well.
Of course MiniDisc is exactly the same as CDR or any other
home-writable optical disc. But you have the added feature
that you are using a lossy codec, and you are dependent on
hardware which is already dead. Seems like the worst of all
choices for backup or archive.
Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
> burning CD's,
I guess it depends on what you consider "better". I can't
think of any area in which either is "better" than CDR.
> and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
> & have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
> cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
> cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
> reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
> & Minidisc.
Good luck. If "fun" is your major consideration, go for it.
But don't confuse it with any kind of legitimate "backup".
Re: Akai blank cassette question
On Apr 30, 11:24 am, "Richard Crowley" <rcrow...@xp7rt . net > wrote:
> "CLM in ND" wrote ...
>
> > Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also=
> > a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> > I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> > in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> > you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
> > a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
> > durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
> > play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
>
> That is true if you use trash (or unknown) discs. But people
> who care about reliability and longevity pay a few extra
> pennies (literally) and use the good stuff (Taiyo-Yuden, etc.)
> I have found this information helpful... * w w w .digitalfaq . com /media/dv=
dmedia.htm
> There are other sources of similar info for CDR discs, etc.
>
> > Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
> > as well.
>
> Of course MiniDisc is exactly the same as CDR or any other
> home-writable optical disc. But you have the added feature
> that you are using a lossy codec, and you are dependent on
> hardware which is already dead. Seems like the worst of all
> choices for backup or archive.
>
> Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
>
> > burning CD's,
>
> I guess it depends on what you consider "better". I can't
> think of any area in which either is "better" than CDR.
>
> > and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
> > & have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
> > cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
> > cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
> > reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
> > & Minidisc.
>
> Good luck. If "fun" is your major consideration, go for it.
> But don't confuse it with any kind of legitimate "backup".
By "better", I was referring to ease of editing compared to CD-R,
which has none. I think Minidisc's sound quality is as good as CD-R,
and that cassette, with using the right tape, bias, & NR, sounds
almost as good. I used CD-R's for years & I got fed up with not being
able to edit or start over if an error occured. Sure, you can buy a
50 count spindle, but if you're down to your last few, having one
ruined is a pain. That's one aspect about CD-R's that I have a real
issue with & is a problem I never had with cassettes or Minidisc.
Sure, you can get CD-RW's, but you have to erase the whole thing.
Maybe I should just use my CD recorder stereo component rather than
the computer; that may have a lot to do with my frustrations. I could
do the mastering & editing on cassette or Minidisc, than burn it onto
CD-R. Plus, I can use the recording level controls if I need to. Can
anyone recommend a high-quality CD-R that will record in a sCD-R
component deck, not just a computer?
Cameron
On Apr 30, 11:24 am, "Richard Crowley" <rcrow...@xp7rt . net > wrote:
> "CLM in ND" wrote ...
>
> > Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also=
> > a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> > I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> > in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> > you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
> > a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
> > durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
> > play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
>
> That is true if you use trash (or unknown) discs. But people
> who care about reliability and longevity pay a few extra
> pennies (literally) and use the good stuff (Taiyo-Yuden, etc.)
> I have found this information helpful... * w w w .digitalfaq . com /media/dv=
dmedia.htm
> There are other sources of similar info for CDR discs, etc.
>
> > Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
> > as well.
>
> Of course MiniDisc is exactly the same as CDR or any other
> home-writable optical disc. But you have the added feature
> that you are using a lossy codec, and you are dependent on
> hardware which is already dead. Seems like the worst of all
> choices for backup or archive.
>
> Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
>
> > burning CD's,
>
> I guess it depends on what you consider "better". I can't
> think of any area in which either is "better" than CDR.
>
> > and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
> > & have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
> > cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
> > cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
> > reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
> > & Minidisc.
>
> Good luck. If "fun" is your major consideration, go for it.
> But don't confuse it with any kind of legitimate "backup".
By "better", I was referring to ease of editing compared to CD-R,
which has none. I think Minidisc's sound quality is as good as CD-R,
and that cassette, with using the right tape, bias, & NR, sounds
almost as good. I used CD-R's for years & I got fed up with not being
able to edit or start over if an error occured. Sure, you can buy a
50 count spindle, but if you're down to your last few, having one
ruined is a pain. That's one aspect about CD-R's that I have a real
issue with & is a problem I never had with cassettes or Minidisc.
Sure, you can get CD-RW's, but you have to erase the whole thing.
Maybe I should just use my CD recorder stereo component rather than
the computer; that may have a lot to do with my frustrations. I could
do the mastering & editing on cassette or Minidisc, than burn it onto
CD-R. Plus, I can use the recording level controls if I need to. Can
anyone recommend a high-quality CD-R that will record in a sCD-R
component deck, not just a computer?
Cameron
Re: Akai blank cassette question
"CLM in ND" wrote ...
> By "better", I was referring to ease of editing compared
> to CD-R, which has none.
Audio in digital form (whether stored on CDR or any other
digital media) is infinitely easier to edit than MD or cassette.
(We're well into the digital era in case you hadn't noticed.)
> I think Minidisc's sound quality is as good as CD-R,
> and that cassette, with using the right tape, bias, & NR,
> sounds almost as good.
Then you don't need any help or advice from us.
> I used CD-R's for years & I got fed up with not being
> able to edit or start over if an error occured. Sure, you
> can buy a 50 count spindle, but if you're down to your last
> few, having one ruined is a pain.
They cost less than cassettes. They are also more compact than
cassettes and easier to store Your argument seems completely
specious.
> That's one aspect about CD-R's that I have a real issue with
> & is a problem I never had with cassettes or Minidisc. Sure,
> you can get CD-RW's, but you have to erase the whole thing.
Then your issue is mainly philosophical. There is a different news-
group for philosophical discussion (rec.audio.opinion) This is a
technical newsgroup (rec.audio.tech)
> Maybe I should just use my CD recorder stereo component
> rather than the computer; that may have a lot to do with my
> frustrations. I could do the mastering & editing on cassette
> or Minidisc, than burn it onto CD-R. Plus, I can use the
> recording level controls if I need to.
If you wish. Note that most of us were more than happy to put
behind us all the problems with analog recording and are quite
happy here in the digital age. To have to deal with the issues
of analog recording AND the dying technology, AND the
decaying (and rapidly becoming unrepairable) equipment AND
the disappearing sources of media is just way too much to bear.
Good luck.
"CLM in ND" wrote ...
> By "better", I was referring to ease of editing compared
> to CD-R, which has none.
Audio in digital form (whether stored on CDR or any other
digital media) is infinitely easier to edit than MD or cassette.
(We're well into the digital era in case you hadn't noticed.)
> I think Minidisc's sound quality is as good as CD-R,
> and that cassette, with using the right tape, bias, & NR,
> sounds almost as good.
Then you don't need any help or advice from us.
> I used CD-R's for years & I got fed up with not being
> able to edit or start over if an error occured. Sure, you
> can buy a 50 count spindle, but if you're down to your last
> few, having one ruined is a pain.
They cost less than cassettes. They are also more compact than
cassettes and easier to store Your argument seems completely
specious.
> That's one aspect about CD-R's that I have a real issue with
> & is a problem I never had with cassettes or Minidisc. Sure,
> you can get CD-RW's, but you have to erase the whole thing.
Then your issue is mainly philosophical. There is a different news-
group for philosophical discussion (rec.audio.opinion) This is a
technical newsgroup (rec.audio.tech)
> Maybe I should just use my CD recorder stereo component
> rather than the computer; that may have a lot to do with my
> frustrations. I could do the mastering & editing on cassette
> or Minidisc, than burn it onto CD-R. Plus, I can use the
> recording level controls if I need to.
If you wish. Note that most of us were more than happy to put
behind us all the problems with analog recording and are quite
happy here in the digital age. To have to deal with the issues
of analog recording AND the dying technology, AND the
decaying (and rapidly becoming unrepairable) equipment AND
the disappearing sources of media is just way too much to bear.
Good luck.
Re: Akai blank cassette question
On Apr 30, 12:12 pm, CLM in ND <camarv...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
> a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
> a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
> durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
> play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
>
> Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
> as well. Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
> burning CD's, and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
> & have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
> cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
> cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
> reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
> & Minidisc.
>
> Cameron
Minidisk is simply another optical drive just like cdr. And it's
pretty much bit the dust as a ongoing format. Not to mention it is
significantly compressed, also with an algorithm that is not
mainstream. Making an analog or further compressed backup of what
ever it is you have on your hard drive is not a back up. Not even
close. If you have a digital copy of music then you want to make an
extact replica of that digital file. Cdr or dvdr is going to be your
simplest choice. Another hard drive preferably on another computer is
another way to go. But what you are proposing to do is not even close
to a good backup.
On Apr 30, 12:12 pm, CLM in ND <camarv...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
> a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> you're too reliant on the computer, not nearly as interesting to make
> a disc as it is a tape, & I'm still not convinced of their long-term
> durability. I've heard too many stories of people not being able to
> play CD-R's just a year or two after having burned them.
>
> Everything I'm dubbing onto cassette I'm also going to put on Minidisc
> as well. Cassettes & Minidisc are much better for recording than
> burning CD's, and are a lot more fun IMHO. Both formats I like a lot
> & have never had an issue with either of them. I listened to a
> cassette the other day I recorded back in 1993 on a Maxell UR Type I
> cassette & it sounded like the day I recorded it. Until the
> reliability issues with CD-R's are resolved, I'm going with cassettes
> & Minidisc.
>
> Cameron
Minidisk is simply another optical drive just like cdr. And it's
pretty much bit the dust as a ongoing format. Not to mention it is
significantly compressed, also with an algorithm that is not
mainstream. Making an analog or further compressed backup of what
ever it is you have on your hard drive is not a back up. Not even
close. If you have a digital copy of music then you want to make an
extact replica of that digital file. Cdr or dvdr is going to be your
simplest choice. Another hard drive preferably on another computer is
another way to go. But what you are proposing to do is not even close
to a good backup.
Re: Akai blank cassette question
CLM in ND <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote:
: I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
: in case something should ever happen to my computer.
I too have a lot of music on hard drive, and I periodically copy the
entire hard drive to an external hard drive, and keep the copy at a
different location (at work, actually).
CLM in ND <camarvel8@hotmail . com > wrote:
: I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
: in case something should ever happen to my computer.
I too have a lot of music on hard drive, and I periodically copy the
entire hard drive to an external hard drive, and keep the copy at a
different location (at work, actually).
Re: Akai blank cassette question
CLM in ND wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
> a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> you're too reliant on the computer
Not if you archive as audio CD !
Graham
CLM in ND wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also
> a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> you're too reliant on the computer
Not if you archive as audio CD !
Graham
Re: Akai blank cassette question
On Apr 30, 12:34 pm, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com >
wrote:
> CLM in ND wrote:
> > Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also=
> > a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> > I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> > in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> > you're too reliant on the computer
>
> Not if you archive as audio CD !
>
> Graham
That sounds like a plan.
My apologies if my post wasn't very technically savvy, but I always
liked the way a well-made cassette sounded. I really just wanted to
know if anyone on this forum had used Akai high bias cassettes.
Cameron
On Apr 30, 12:34 pm, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com >
wrote:
> CLM in ND wrote:
> > Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to buy some Akai tape, but also=
> > a box or two of TDK as well.
>
> > I have a lot of music on hard drive, but I want a backup on a format
> > in case something should ever happen to my computer. With CD-R's,
> > you're too reliant on the computer
>
> Not if you archive as audio CD !
>
> Graham
That sounds like a plan.
My apologies if my post wasn't very technically savvy, but I always
liked the way a well-made cassette sounded. I really just wanted to
know if anyone on this forum had used Akai high bias cassettes.
Cameron
