
( Brand: Ampex ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 407-17313Y ), ( Model: AMPEX-407 ), ( Type: Reel-to-reel ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Ampex 407-17313Y 407 Mastering Audio Tape is a high-performance, 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) magnetic tape designed specifically for professional mastering applications. This tape is part of Ampex's prestigious 407 series, which has been the go-to choice for recording studios and audio engineers for decades due to its exceptional sound quality and durability.
This 10.5 inches (26.67 cm) reel of Ampex 407 Mastering Audio Tape features a chromed oxide coating on a polyester webbed backing. Chromed oxide is known for its ability to deliver superior magnetic field strength and uniformity, ensuring consistent signal reproduction and reduced distortion. Additionally, the polyester webbed backing provides the necessary strength and flexibility to handle multiple passes through recording equipment without breaking down or causing tape noise.
With a recording density of 12.6 micrometers, this mastering tape offers a wider frequency response and a more extended dynamic range compared to standard audiophile tapes. This makes it particularly suitable for mastering projects that require the best possible sound quality and maximum fidelity, such as CD and vinyl mastering.
The Ampex 407 Mastering Audio Tape is rated for a playback speed of 15 ips (inches per second) and a recording speed of 30 ips. It comes pre-waxed with a high-quality, non-stick wax layer that ensures reliable tape emb emb embATTACHMENTS: Noneadhesion between the tape and the recording head, minimizing the risk of tape damage and dropping bits during the recording process.
This professional mastering tape is also known for its excellent long-term stability, due in part to its high-quality binder material and the care that goes into its manufacturing process. The result is a tape that not only sounds great when fresh but also holds its sound quality over time, making it an excellent investment for archiving valuable audio assets.
The Ampex 407 Mastering Audio Tape is an essential component for recording studios, mastering facilities, and anyone who demands the highest possible sound quality from their recordings. Its excellent magnetic field strength, uniformity, frequency response, and dynamic range, combined with its long-term stability, make it an exceptional choice for mastering iconic audio projects and preserving sound records for future generations.
The Ampex 407-17313Y 407 mastering audio tape is a professional-grade tape used for mastering and archiving high-quality audio recordings. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing this type of tape for audio production.
II. Pros1. Superior Sound Quality: This tape is renowned for its wide frequency response, low noise floor, and high signal-to-noise ratio. Its high magnetic coating ensures excellent tape-to-tape transfer and accurate sound reproduction.
2. Durability: Ampex tapes are formulated for long-term archival storage, with a shelf life of up to 50 years if stored under optimal conditions.
3. Tamper-Evident Seals: The reels feature tamper-evident seals, safeguarding against unauthorized access or damage to the audio content.
4. High Capacity: The 10.5 ips recording speed provides a greater recording capacity compared to other tape formats, allowing for longer master recordings and more track segments.
5.Desirable Collectors' Item: Some professionals and enthusiasts may value owning and using vintage Ampex mastering tapes due to their historical significance in the audio production industry.
III. Cons1. Expensive: Ampex mastering tapes are significantly more costly than consumer or standard professional audio tapes.
2. Limited Availability: Due to their phasing out, these tapes may be harder to find in stores and online, requiring more time and effort to source.
3. Requires Specialized Equipment: Mastering-grade recorders and playback systems can be expensive and are not frequently used in contemporary settings.
4. Analog Format: Digital audio formats offer superior sound quality, greater capacity, and easier access to editing and mastering tools. Masters recorded onto analog tapes may require more time and resources for transfer to digital formats for further processing.
5. Limited Multi-tracking Capabilities: While preferable for mono or stereo mastering recordings, 10.5 ips tapes do not accommodate multitrack recordings as efficiently as other formats, such as 2-inch or 24-track tapes.
IV. Conclusion:The Ampex 407-17313Y 407 mastering audio tape offers unparalleled sound quality, durability, and historical significance. However, it comes with certain disadvantages, such as high cost, limited availability, specialized equipment requirements, and analog format constraints. A studio investing in this format should carefully weigh the benefits against these cons and assess the necessity to integrate it into their workflow.
V. Recommendation:This tape is recommended for professional studios, archivists, and audio enthusiasts who require superior mastering results, a long shelf life, and seek the historical and aesthetic value associated with the Ampex brand. For contemporary production with multitrack recordings, digital formats may be a more viable and cost-effective alternative.
ONE Ampex Audio Tape. Shipping Cost: Free. Please review all of the photos in this sale - the photos are a part. Thanks for looking.
New blank Ampex mastering audio tape model 407 - 1/4 3600.