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24 Track:
We generally use RMGI SM900 or ATR tape at 15 ips (inches per second). This gives you 32 minutes of recording time per 10.5" reel (2500') of tape. If you would like to use a different tape type please let us know in advance, as we will need to recalibrate the machine to accomodate the different tape type. This time will be included in your hourly rate. We do also have a 30ips calibration tape for recording at that speed, but most clients do not want that due to the higher tape cost (only 16 min per reel).
2 Track:
If you plan on mixing to 1/4" 2 track: we have the machine calibrated for RMGI SM911 and can accommodate ATR tape. We also run this machine at 15 ips. Same time formula as above: 32 minutes per 10.5" reel (2500'). This machine also accepts 7" reels.
Buying tape:
New tape is available locally through Superdigital at 1150 NW 17th Ave, 503.228.2222. New 2" tape will run you around $300 per reel depending on how many you buy, whether you need to get it shipped, and where you buy it from. New 1/4" tape should be around $50 per reel.
Used tape is sometimes available through TapeTape in Los Angeles. Another option is eBay. This is a bit more of a gamble if you're not that accustomed with the medium. Be sure if you're buying a reel from eBay that it hasn't had leader tape inserted between songs, and that it has been properly stored, as improper storage leads to shedding and other types of degradation. A word of warning on used tape: buy at your own risk. Although there are usually no problems with used tape we've gotten, we have occasionally run into issues such as warbbling at the end of a reel due to tape warping or excessive shedding leading to drop-out.
Renting Tape:
We usually have reels of tape available for rent. The cost is $75/reel for a two week period. It is not absolutely guaranteed that we will have reels open, so if you would like to do this, be sure to talk with us ahead of time to find out about availability. Don't just show up and expect we will have tape available.
DAT Tape:
We do have a DAT machine if, for some bizarre reason, you'd like to mix to it. DAT tapes usually run about $10 each, and are basically undependable pieces of garbage. They, along with ADAT's, are generally seen as relics of a time when digital recording was fairly new and unsophisticated. We recommend the computer instead for it's higher resolution, editing capabilities, versaility and dependablility as a storage medium.
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Computer
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Hard Drives:
If we are using the computer to record it is mandatory that you purchase or bring your own FireWire hard drive to back up your projects! Remember, computers crash directly in correlation to the importance of what you're doing. While we do our best to preserve projects on our computer, as well as keeping them backed up for the duration of the project, but can take no responsibility for projects lost due to error or computer crashes. We have FireWire and USB ports to accomodate file transfers either to external hard drive or directly from computer to computer. We also have a DVD burner, but having a hard drive will significantly speed up backup time. Backing up to CD-R or DVD-R takes a long time, and can end up being much more expensive than a FireWire drive. DVD's can be purchased from us at a modest price if necessary.
Compatibility:
We have a Mac Pro and can use Digital Performer 6, Logic Pro 9, or PT 9 as our recording software. If you are bringing projects to us to mix from another program, or are planning on taking what you've recorded at Type Foundry elsewhere for overdubs and mixing, please keep compatibility issues in mind:
* Multiple tracks coming from a different program (Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase etc.) should all start at the same time and be continuous sound file until the end of the track. Silences between edits and takes should be filled in with blank space.This allows us to easily line up your tracks at the head of the song, making it unneccessary to get into the tedious and time-consuming task of lining up tracks with arbitrary beginnings. File transfer protocols like OMF can also work.
* When bringing files in, have your files organized and well-labeled. For example, put all the tracks for each song in folders labelled by song name. This will save time in the studio and prevent headaches all-around.
* Also keep in mind that tracks brought into DP6 from other programs will not retain any of the mixing work you have done within that other program (volume fades, mutes, automation, effects) unless these things are part of the actual audio files you are giving us. Songs originally recorded in DP6 can be imported as entire projects and will retain all of the mixing information. Songs utiliing OMF does retain some of its mixing information, but not plug ins.
* If you are taking tracks somewhere else from Type Foundry please know and tell us what format you will need them in (bit rate, sample rate, file format, are you transferring to a PC? is an extension name needed on the files?).
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