Recording guitar to tape w/ Otari Reel to Reel Tape Recorder MX 5050 B2 - Video Demo!

How to record a simple guitar song on tape...

Here's one way to record a song on tape. I have recorded drums on one track of the tape, and now I'll record guitar to the other track.  This is a demonstration of the most basic multitrack recording: a separate channel stereo recording, synced in time.  However, the song is a short one! 

Here it is recording a short original song with guitar and drums in 2 channel stereo.

This is the Otari MX 5050, B2 HD2.  15ips, 1/2 track with additional 1/4 track playback head.
This is a half track studio-quality recorder with an additional quarter track playback head.  This machine was designed for professional mastering use.  The tape speed for this song is 15ips.

I've recorded drums to one channel(the right), and in the video I record guitar on the left channel.  The drum mics are summed to mono.
The drum set retains it's full range of sonic bliss- warm, punchy lows, singing mids, and the highs are still crystal clear. 

It's important to set levels correctly, so the tape doesn't saturate (too much!)  Do this by running the intended audio into one of the channels of the recorder and monitoring the VU meters.  You'll have to engage the "source" button, rather than tape. Adjust the line or mic preamps until the highest levels are reaching the "0" point on the meter; now you are ready to record.

This tape machine offers lots of dynamics and headroom- depending on your tape of choice.  It has a smooth transport and quiet electronics.  It even has some nice microphone preamps!

The tape is Maxell UD 35 (1 mil thickness) 1/4" stock. 

This is an excellent choice for mastering stems to quarter inch for final mixdown!

Thanks for watching and I hope this video post was helpful!