Sony PCM-3202 2-track digital reel-to-reel audio mastering recorder. Made in the late 80′s, it operates at 44.1 or 48khz at 16-bit on 1/4″ tape. Two analog cue tracks, ceramic capstan, 30 random access memory locations with built-in auto locator, time code, ±12.5% vari-speed, A-B repeat. AES/EBU and SDIF-2 digital interfaces.
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[youtube DyxLle-CtLg]
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
That’s an amazing …
That’s an amazing machine
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
LHB – Olivia Newton …
LHB – Olivia Newton Christ
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I’m curious as to …
I’m curious as to how these digital open-reel machines like this one (and your X-86 you have video of) are able to do variable speed & direction playback (like you demonstrated using the cue/jog knob) like an analog machine. Is there some kind of “clock” track recorded on the tape for the deck’s D/A converter to follow and keep track of the samples recorded to tape so the DAC can adjust it’s sample rate accordingly to keep locked on to the tape’s sample stream, and hence the varispeed playback?
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
nice machine, i …
nice machine, i like how both reels are connected or seem like they are when you turn them by hand you could almost scratch that way but thats prob not good for it. id love to get my hands on one of these unit maybe a multitrack recorder.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Great machine of …
Great machine of the good old times, it´s got a soul, not like todays recording technology. Could you please tell me the name of the first title you play ???
greetings
steven
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Ampex 466 or 467, …
Ampex 466 or 467, 3M 275, BASF/EMTEC 931, and Sony D tape can be used.. I have not tried the instrumentation tape formulations; they might work, but aren’t common in 1/4″.
Digital machines cannot use standard oxide tape.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
What sort of tape …
What sort of tape does it use?
Any form of digital ampex tape (799 or so), or analog R2R tape? (Don’t think so?)
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
These sort of decks …
These sort of decks were only way to record dig. 2-trk in the early 80′s, so that’s the point (1610 was for press masters and NED’s DTD sucked). These recorders are useless today, which is “the point” of putting this video up.. you don’t see these in the wild anymore for good reason, so does it matter if Radar’s converters are better? They probably are; Radar is years newer and they’re not comparable machines in form or function, so it’s irrelevant. technology evolves, you realize
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Wow,it sure looks …
Wow,it sure looks great,but what’s the point?This is no real tape,it writes dig.signat to tape.Ok if it’s for the feel,but convereters and recoders like Apogee/Radar/are really up there.Ok,The “analog” still remains unbeaten.I adore it,no offence,but can’t figure out what for you need that machine?Arw the Cconverters better that those on Radar?Please,I’m really courious.Haven’t ment to spit in you soup,just looking for an explanation?Thanx
Wish you all the best.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
the coercivity of …
the coercivity of standard tape (e.g. Quantegy 456, 499, etc) is incompatible with digital machines and will not work. Digital machines require metal-particle tape stock.
I believe the machine auto cross fades across tape edits if necessary and has strong error correction, it can handle mangled tape to some degree.. and I doubt parts are available, they certainly wouldn’t be worth the cost in comparison to the usefulness/value of the machine.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Very nice machine.
Very nice machine.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Have you ever tried …
Have you ever tried recording on conventional “non digital” 1/4″ tape?
How about about mangled and badly spliced tape?
Can you still get parts and heads?
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
OMG that thing is …
OMG that thing is fine. I drooled all over my keyboard.
I remember seeing those (and the mits and otaris) in Mix and REcording engineer and producer mag.
y machines.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
DAT and ADAT used …
DAT and ADAT used helical-scan heads like a VTR. This machine uses a fixed head, like an analog recorder. The format of this machine is known as ‘DASH’ – Digital Audio Stationary Head.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
hey this deck …
hey this deck record pcm in the tape, i imaginate that a digital audio recorder had a rotary head like a DAT recorder or a ADAT recorder like the video tape machines.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Damn that thing is …
that thing is sweet… How much does it cost?
How does the sound compare to CD or other media? It looks like a high end mastering deck.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
thats an awesome …
thats an awesome song i wish i could get a copy of it on an actual reel to reel tape
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Future Proof by …
Future Proof by Massive Attack
and I’m glad you enjoy them!
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I love your videos …
I love your videos on your great machines. What is the name of the second song?
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Damn these great …
these great machines of your just drive my nuts. I want one!
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
The first song is ‘ …
The first song is ‘Olivia Newton Christ’ by LHB.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I should clarify: …
I should clarify: what is the first song being played?
June 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Very nioe machine. …
Very nioe machine. I’ve always been fascinated by analog and digital recorders and it’s neat to get to watch them in action. What song are you playing?