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The Daily Insight

Are reel to reel recorders still made?

Author

Daniel Foster

Published Mar 24, 2026

Are reel to reel recorders still made?

Studer, Stellavox, Tascam, and Denon produced reel-to-reel tape recorders into the 1990s, but as of 2017, only Mechlabor continues to manufacture analog reel-to-reel recorders.

Can you record on both sides of reel to reel tape?

Since the format uses the entire area of tape to record the two tracks, it offered the best sound quality. Similar to half track stereo in that it records only two tracks simultaneously, this format uses a quarter of the tape for each track in order to record on both “sides” of the tape.

What can you use a reel to reel for?

We’ve singled out five ways reel-to-reel tape can be used to add character, improve a mix and overall help make better sounding music, all while still being able to use DAW if you choose!…5 Ways To Use Reel-To-Reel Tape On Your Next Project

  1. Natural Compression.
  2. Re-Amping.
  3. Affects/Effects.
  4. Stereo Imaging.
  5. Saturation.

Why are reel to reel tapes so expensive?

Reel-to-reel tapes are preferred by some music enthusiasts for a variety of reasons, most notably, they are much closer to the original master tapes than a vinyl record. Reel-to-reel is also more difficult and expensive to produce.

Do you have an old reel to reel tape recorder?

We love analog reel-to-reel tape recorders and use them regularly to convert old reel-to-reels to audio CD. I recently came across this SynthGear blog post that contains an old advertisement for a Sony TC-377: 1973 Ad for Sony Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck. ( Editor: we are sorry, this link no longer works.

Is the tc-377 a reel to reel tape recorder?

(Editor: we are sorry, this link no longer works. )  Some of the text reads: This could be the tape deck you’ll leave your great-grandson.   This is a classic ad because, indeed, I think many people have done just that; not just with the TC-377, but with all different types of analog reel-to-reel tape recorders.

Why is my reel to reel recorder not working?

They have, in many cases, boxes of tapes stashed in closets or the basement. If they kept their reel-to-reel deck, it probably doesn’t work, after years of disuse. Pinch rollers can rot, motors can lose their lubrication.

Which is better tape deck or reel to reel player?

Reel-to-reel players can offer incredibly good fidelity when properly calibrated, while cassettes tend to produce a more lo-fi sound that’s found favor with independent bands who wish to offer an affordable physical product for their fans. Check out Reverb’s selection of new, used and vintage tape decks and reel to reel players.

We love analog reel-to-reel tape recorders and use them regularly to convert old reel-to-reels to audio CD. I recently came across this SynthGear blog post that contains an old advertisement for a Sony TC-377: 1973 Ad for Sony Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck. ( Editor: we are sorry, this link no longer works.

(Editor: we are sorry, this link no longer works. )  Some of the text reads: This could be the tape deck you’ll leave your great-grandson.   This is a classic ad because, indeed, I think many people have done just that; not just with the TC-377, but with all different types of analog reel-to-reel tape recorders.

They have, in many cases, boxes of tapes stashed in closets or the basement. If they kept their reel-to-reel deck, it probably doesn’t work, after years of disuse. Pinch rollers can rot, motors can lose their lubrication.

How much does a reel to reel recorder weigh?

Some of professional machines are cabinet mounted and have cart wheels to move around if needed, which is a convenient thing, considering they can weigh from 22-50 kg (any good R2R recorder, including the consumer types, weighs not less than 17-20 kg). If the stand has rollers, it very much improves and eases handling.