Reel to Reel Audio

From as little as €25

Do you have old audio reels gathering dust and are unsure of their contents?

Reel to reel was the gold standard of professional and domestic audio recording from the 40s to the 80s. Some radio stations were even using till the early 90s.

What we offer:

Additional Service:

Pricing - Small Reels (3 inch):

1 - 3 €45 Each
4 - 9 €35 Each
10+ €25 Each
USB €10

Pricing - Large Reels (4-7 inch):

1 - 3 €75 Each
4 - 9 €65 Each
10+ €55 Each
USB €10

Convert Your Reel to Reel Audio

Reels can vary in size, from 3 inch to 7 inch. They can have 4 tracks with 3-4 different recording speeds and are often reversed, so constant monitoring is needed. Very often the sound levels need to be adjusted and improved also. Prices therefore are approximate.

An overview of the key milestones in the history of reel-to-reel tape recording:

Early Developments:

The origins of magnetic tape recording can be traced back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, German engineer Fritz Pfleumer developed the first practical magnetic tape using paper as the backing material and iron oxide as the recording medium.

Magnetophon:

Tape Recorder: In the late 1930s, German engineer Walter Weber developed the Magnetophon, the world’s first practical reel-to-reel tape recorder. The Magnetophon used magnetic tape coated with a thin layer of iron oxide and featured improvements in recording quality and fidelity compared to earlier technologies.

Consumer Adoption:

In the 1950s and 1960s, reel-to-reel tape recorders became more affordable and accessible to consumers. Companies like Ampex, Sony, and Philips introduced consumer-grade reel-to-reel tape decks for home use, allowing people to record music, speeches, and other audio content in their own homes.

Professional and Studio Use:

Reel-to-reel tape recorders became standard equipment in recording studios, radio stations, and television studios for professional audio recording and production. Multi-track recording techniques were developed, allowing for the simultaneous recording of multiple audio tracks on a single tape.

Decline in Popularity:

In the late 20th century, reel-to-reel tape recorders began to decline in popularity with the advent of digital recording technologies such as CDs and digital audio workstations (DAWs). Digital formats offered advantages in terms of convenience, editing capabilities, and sound quality, leading to a gradual phasing out of reel-to-reel tape recording in professional and consumer markets.

Standard Speeds:

Reel-to-reel tape recorders typically operate at different speeds, which affect the audio quality and recording/playback duration. The most common reel-to-reel speeds are:

3¾ inches per second (ips):

This is the most common speed for consumer-grade reel-to-reel tape recorders. It provides a good balance between recording quality and tape duration. At this speed, a 7-inch reel can typically record approximately 90 minutes of audio per side.

7½ ips:

This speed offers higher fidelity and better frequency response compared to 3¾ ips. It’s often used in professional recording studios for higher-quality recordings. At 7½ ips, a 7-inch reel can typically record around 45 minutes of audio per side.

15 ips:

This speed is used for high-fidelity audio recording in professional settings where the highest quality is required. It offers excellent frequency response and low noise. However, it consumes tape quickly, so recording time is limited. At 15 ips, a 7-inch reel may only record around 22 minutes of audio per side.

Multitrack:

Most reel to reel decks featured either 2 or 4 audio channels for recording and playback. This typically would result in up to two hours of recordings using a four track deck. Some Sony models could double that by using a slower recording speed.