If you have any reel-to-reel audio, you probably have it from the golden days, or you have inherited it from a family member.
Some of these devices date all the way back to the 1940s, though reel-to-reel audio remained a popular form of audio well into the 1980s.
These reels were available in a variety of sizes, including more narrow widths at ¼ and ½ inches, all the way up to two inches wide. Reel-to-reel audio plays a much higher speed than a more modern cassette tape; however these speed and tape widths provide a higher quality fidelity, or sound. Though these cassettes, due to their size, sold at higher prices, they have been the choice of audio lovers. Since then, however, the reel-to-reel tapes were replaced by newer and more efficient forms of audio recording, such as the 8-track and the cassette tape.
So where can you buy these outmoded devices? Currently resale sites are the best bet. Until the ‘90s, there were about 6 companies that still produced reel-to-real audio recorders. Currently, only two companies consistently produce reel-to-reel audio records, one in Pennsylvania, and one in France, so the pickings are pretty slim if you’re looking for something brand new. Some more robust local libraries and archives still possess these recorders, but again, they are fairly few and far between.
When it comes to discovering what magic remains on your reel-to-reel tapes, Southtree has you covered! There is no need to go elbows deep in digging up an old reel-to-reel audio player! Southtree’s digitizing facility already has all of the necessary equipment to return your reels and quality digital audio files. Even better, if it turns out one of your tapes is empty, you get that analog tech back in the mail, and a credit from Southtree for that item. Let our technicians do the hard part for you, as you sit back and enjoy your new audio files!
