I think I put the security dongle for Cubase in a safe place. Too safe a place that is, as I cannot remember where it is..... Doh!
Yay! all moved and back on Vox!
So we have just moved house and now have a studio big enough to have all musical equipment connected permanently. Maybe this will be the needed motivation to stop my terrible procrastination and actually do something creative.....
1st step is that I remembered the URL for Vox.com....
Hi all. A quick update:
Foos' cover mix is almost finished (honest).
I got married again (did I already mention that?)...
Aorta Major master tapes recovered from Woodbine Studio's (thanks John, you are a real pro...) ready for baking (lol) and transfer to digital for mastering for our forthcoming CD....
DBXLD (Leigh Dolphin and myself) have layed down some new tracks - watch this space...
I have just seen an early clip of JUB's new DVD (my son Nick Burns's band) - they are currently in the studio recording some new tracks - watch this space.
A Simple Notion, one of Matt Burns's bands (one of my other sons), have just recorded a great new EP CD - here is one of the tracks:
Err, haven't I blogged since Dec 15???
Well apart form xmas and new year - I have started two new businesses, visited Mick Burgoyne (Fresh Maggots) with Leigh in deepest South Wales (that means over at least 20 cattle grids....) courtesy of Lieighs Tom Tom satnav (amazing , it actually took us to the gate of his cottage...), and oh, got married again and honeymooned in Cyprus last week....
Anyway, music wise, apart from jamming with Nick, Mat and Tom, all I have done is a Foos cover at Xmas for a laugh with some family friends (will post soon after finalising the mix) and made a MySpace page for Fresh Maggots at www.myspace.com/freshmaggots.
Must try harder.......
The next track from the "baked tape" archive is another Flood track recorded during rehearsals in 1978. This one is a Flood arrangement of the 1968 Grammy winner - Classical Gas by Mason Williams and features the deft accoustic guitar work of Leigh Dolphin.
Second track from the "oven" is Stilletto (Graham Walker, Arun Bhandari, Jim Pryal and myself) with a cover of an Orleans song called "What I need". Again it is from a rehearsal sometime in 1978 (I think...).
Unfortunately, my tape of Stilletto only conatins 4 tracks, and these from a rehearsal towards the end of our time together when we were trying out new songs (hence more "warts" than normal). This song is the only one that I remember actually made our last set list (after a bit more rehearsing... ;o)
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OK - the 1st track "freshly baked" from the oven (...) is Superstar by Flood. This was recorded at a rehearsal for a reunion/ party at Stockingford Conservative Club in October 1978 (with Stilletto and Fresh Maggots on the same bill).
This was the 1st time the band had been back together for 5 years as Mike Warren was living in Canterbury and Mick Adler was living in Birmingham. So here it, is warts and all, bum notes, cock-ups, and forgotten words to boot - and not to mention Mike was recovering from throat infection and so was not on his usual amazing form...
Hey, this is getting exciting (well for me anyway - please at least temporarily indulge my over-enthusiasm ;o).
The 1st "baked" tape turns out to contain not-too-bad recordings of a "reunion" gig rehearsal by my 1st band Flood circa 1975; and a rehearsal by Stilletto (with Graham Walker, Arun Bhandari, Jim Pryal or Spencer Walker - not sure which) circa 1976 ...
Some tracks will appear here soon, after some suitable tweaking ....
Projects update:
1. Drums - I have successfully made my 1st recording using my new Alesis digital drum kit (no need to hold your breath Mr Grohl or Mr Bakerr...) and it's 1st airing will be on a collaboration project that I am working on with Michelle Solange.
2. Aorta Major - I have contacted John Rivers from Woodbone Street Studio's, Leamington Spa and he has confirmed that he still has our master tapes. Subject to sucessfull re-processing (see next point re baking) Chris Hull and I are considering producing an Aorta Major CD and we will be discussing this idea with Gnome label. Watch this space...
3. WARNING! ANALOGUE TAPE TO DIGITAL CONVERSION - I have purchsed an old Sony reel-to-reel recorder so that I can transfer my old tapes to mp3. However, to have learned that I have to "bake" the tapes first (no, I am not joking) or else they will probably disintegrate on playback. A very interesting article by Eddie Ciletti follows regarding this problem (which is confirmed by the industry leading tape manufacturer, Ampex):
If I Knew You Were Coming I’d Have Baked A Tape!
A Recipe for Tape Restoration
ã 1998 by Eddie Ciletti and appended 2006
The aging of magnetic tape concerns everyone. Even as you read this, a DAT tape is waiting to clog the heads of your most difficult-to-clean-machine. Unlike my usual visits to the digital domain, this is a detour into the magnetic past! Are you ready to explore the time-space continuum?
TIME TRAVELING… PLEASE WAIT!
People who make analog recording part of their daily routine take for granted that the tape is new and the machine is operable. When called upon to re-master or remix a vintage analog recording, it goes without saying that the machine must be in top form AND that your business should be insured. That said, there is one variable for which you have no control: tape condition. This is especially true for mid-seventies era high-output tapes such as AMPEX 406/407 and 456, 3M 250, and AGFA 468. It does not exclude those made well into the eighties.
Don’t attempt to play a "vintage" tape before reading this article! In order to expect full recovery, tapes that have been shelved for an extended period deserve special treatment just like a scuba diver must slowly return to the surface.
GOO "U"
All tape consists of three primary components: iron oxide, the "binder" or glue and a plastic carrier. Acetate — which does not stretch and can be brittle — was used until the sixties. Though its oxide color is typically reddish-brown, black oxides were also used. Mylar/Polyester eventually replaced Acetate. It handles stress well and never becomes brittle. Sixties-era Mylar tapes with black oxide will be the least problematic.
Figure One shows how easy it is to identify Acetate simply by holding it up to light.
(Acetate is translucent and Polyester is opaque.)
Tapes that have been poorly stored like the photo "uneven wind" will require extra care.
UNGLUED
Over time, the glue that binds the oxide to the plastic will absorb moisture and "break down." The symptoms of "binder breakdown" are immediately obvious even when rewinding. Tearing sounds and sluggish behavior are clues to quit before the oxide comes off. Machines with stationary lifters (Ampex 440/1200, MCI and 3M) will, in many cases, stall well before reaching the halfway point. An older Studer, with its rotating guides, may not reveal any warning signs until the tape is played.
Playing a bad tape is not recommended. Just trying to get through a three-minute pop song will require several cleanings. Once the precious sonic material collects on transport parts it is worthless, not to mention difficult to remove. Do you really want to risk damage to the master for the sake of getting a transfer? There is hope, so be patient.
 Figure Two: Snackmasterâ FD-50 |
SHAKE ‘n BAKE: Part I
Several years ago it was discovered that baking tape at low temperature reactivated the binder making tapes playable as new. While convection ovens and hair dryers have been called into service, the most elegant and affordable solution came from my brother-in-law Gary, a metallurgist in St. Paul, Minnesota. The device de jour is the Snackmasterâ Pro model FD-50 made by American Harvest (800-288-4545). At $85, with shipping, it comes standard with four trays, each of which can comfortably handle a reel of half-inch tape. (Additional trays and jerky mixes can be ordered. Allow four weeks for delivery.) To accommodate one- and two-inch tapes, modify one tray by cutting out the plastic spokes along the perimeter with a wire cutter. This creates a "dummy tray" adding height to the tray below. Figure Two shows the dehydrator as intended, with standard and modified trays overhead. Do not process food and tapes together! The FD-50 features an adjustable thermostat and a built-in fan to circulate the air. I checked for dangerous magnetic fields and found none, though I do use the upper trays just to be safe (the fan is in the bottom of the unit). The heat is adjustable from 95° F to 145° F and is accurate within five degrees when checked with a photographic thermometer. |
STORAGE and HANDLING TIPSStoring tapes "tail-out" after having been played minimizes the effects of "print-through" and improves the chances of long-term survival. "Print-through" is a form of mechanically induced tape echo. The winning combination of high record levels and fast winding will transfer signals from one layer of tape to another. Tail-out storage will hide print-through as "post echo."
If you discover that the tape is unplayable while in fast wind, come to a slow stop. Fast winding the tape may cause further damage because oxide may adhere to the back of the previous layer. In addition, old splices may come apart. For the safest journey to the head, play the tape backwards first, then forward to create an even pack.
The best machines for winding traumatized tapes are those with ALL rotating guides. The AMPEX ATR-100 and most Studer machines are well suited to the task. In addition, you will want to remove the head assembly otherwise a gooey oxide/binder cocktail will quickly collect on all stationary surfaces (heads, lifters and guides). Model 800 series Studer machines are dangerously powerful so don’t use the remote, pay close attention and be ready to stop at a moment’s notice.
If uncertain of the tape’s condition but the pack is good, bake it anyway. Do not bake Acetate!!!
RESTORATION
When baked, the tape will expand and become loose around the hub. For this reason, use flanges to protect the tape from coming apart. Cooking temperature is between 130°F and 140°F. Tapes wound on plastic reels with small hubs should be rewound onto large reels with NAB hubs. Be careful to thread the tape around the hub without any "folds." The goal is to minimize "mechanical distortions" that can be impressed upon subsequent layers causing dropouts. The "wind" must be smooth as if played!!!
I have received several e-mails regarding "cooking time" and temperature. Provided the wind is smooth, I am not afraid to bake a quarter inch tape at 135°F — for two hours — flipping every half-hour. You will find that cooking time varies with tape width, type, brand, condition and the number of reels being baked. Ampex tape from the seventies might require twice as much time as 3M tape from the eighties (as reported by Wendy Carlos when restoring her masters from that time period). Table One below can be used as a guide.
|
Tape Width |
Baking Time varies with temperature and condition |
Comments
(applies to all) |
|
1/4" |
1 hour to 4 hours |
Position near top cover and flip every half-hour |
|
1/2" |
2 hours to 5 hours |
Assuming "tail-wind," play backwards after wrapping cloth over heads. |
|
1" |
3 hours to 6 hours |
Check for splices and shed |
|
2" |
4 hours to 8 hours |
Bake 1/2 hour for each 1/4-inch, flip every 30 ~ 60 minutes. |
Table One: Recommended baking Time and Tips based on temperatures ranging from 130°F to 140°F.
If you are conservative about time and temperature and the tape still sheds after baking, put it back in! Being conservative for the sake of not losing high frequencies is a bit silly. Shedding during a transfer can be annoying at best and a pain-in-the-ass if you don't discover the flaw until way after the time of transfer. If you are concerned, consider baking a tone reel or test tape for evaluation purposes. Test tapes are not immune to shedding. Based on my experience, tapes can be baked more than once. Afterwards, return the tape to its box, allowing it cool for the same amount of time it was baked as a precautionary measure. Not all machines are equally gentle, a warm tape is more likely to stretch than one at "normal" temperature.
To confirm the process, I sandwich a piece of cloth around the tape while rewinding. Figure Three shows what happens when the tape is not baked. A minimal amount of oxide shed is normal. Excess shed will cause friction to build up within the cloth. If so, re-bake.
Figure Three: An unbaked tape leaves a trail
POST RESTORATION STORAGE
I recommend wrapping the tape in a plastic bag and including a Silica Gel pack to absorb moisture. Several surfers have dropped by to pass along these sources for helping to improve shelf life...
Comforthouse makes a foodsealer you can check out at their website.
The Foodsaver 990 sells for $129 from Bed, Bath and Beyond. You can buy it online or visit the manufacturer's website for more info.
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- Baking uneven tape will damage the edges because they get too hot and then you'll have permanent artifacts in the stereo image.
- Baking at low temps - like 120 - 125 degrees - over longer periods of time, will "fix" the tape enough so it can be properly wound. Baking tail out is both for a good "play wind" as well as for print through, same as "good" tape. Re-bake at a higher temp to fully reactivate the adhesive.
- Tape on small reels will have ANY mechanical anomaly "ironed" into the tape, which is understandably bad - so again, a "light" baking enough to allow the tape to be transferred, preferably tail out - is the way to go. I use extra leader or buffer tape to get the important material away from the hub, even for an NAB reel.
- I hope this helps. Of course, you are welcome to contribute to my "research fund," (paypal to edaudio@tangible-technology.com).
Hi All,
Sorry I have been so inactive recently but I have been studying for Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification since July.
Anyway, inspired by Michelle's love of ska and rock, I decided to post a "new" Aorta Major track which was recorded during rehearsals back in 1981 on my old Sony reel-to-reel tape recorder (I wish I still had it, as I still have a drawer full of loads of old tapes with who only knows what on them....). The recording quality is not too bad (considering that it has had a tortuous: reel-to-reel, to cassette, to Cubase, to mp3 converison....); but clearly not up to the standard of our other Woodbine Studio recorded tracks :)
hope you like it
Dennis
Recent Comments
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Dennis Burns said:
Where else would it be, in a plastic bag of random stuff in a drawer in he utility room.... read more
on OK, so where is the dongle? -
COVMUSIC TIMELINE said:
[das ist gut]Cool track guys - great voices too. read more
on Where will you go -
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Yep, its a pity as they have recently split up (the singer has decided to go to music college).... bestDennis read more
on Where will you go