FAQs

Recording The Masters (RTM) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality analog audio tape, specializing in reel-to-reel tapes, cassette tapes, and professional recording media. Our products are designed for audiophiles, recording studios, and musicians who value superior analog sound.

All RTM tapes are proudly manufactured in France, using high-performance materials and advanced production techniques to ensure exceptional analog sound quality and durability.

RTM tapes are designed for professionals, audiophiles, home recording enthusiasts, and archivists. Whether you're using a reel-to-reel tape recorder, cassette deck, or professional studio equipment, our products deliver superior analog performance.

We offer a wide range of analog audio tapes, including:

• Reel-to-reel tapes: SM911, SM900, LPR35, LPR90

• Cassette tapes: High-quality blank cassettes for home and professional recording.

• Archival tapes: Designed for long-term storage and preservation of audio recordings.

Each RTM tape model is optimized for specific recording needs:

• SM911 – High-output, low-noise professional recording tape, ideal for studio use.

• SM900 – Ultra-high-output studio tape with excellent dynamic range, perfect for professional multi-track recording.

• LPR35 – Premium tape for home recording and professional applications.

• LPR90 – High-performance long-play tape designed for extended recording sessions with outstanding sound clarity.

Yes! RTM tapes are designed to be compatible with most vintage and modern reel-to-reel recorders, including Studer, Otari, Revox, TEAC, Tascam, Nagra, and Sony.

The appropriate reel diameter depends on your machine. The most common reels are 10.5’’ (26.5cm) diameter (for example: All Studers , Revox B77, Revox A77, etc) ; for smaller machines (for example: Nagra III, Akai 4000DS, TEAC A2340SX, Pioneer RT707…) we can also provide 7’’ (18cm) & 5’’ (13cm) tapes. 12’’ (30cm) reels can only fit specific professional machines. 

5’’ & 7’’ are only supplied in plastic reels (Trident hub); whereas 10.5’’ reels come in plastic reels (trident reel pattern), metal reels (NAB hub) or in the pancake version (no reel, NAB hub).

Common recording speeds are 3.75, 7.5, 15 and 30 inches per second (ips). 30ips are only used on certain professional machines.

The higher the speed, the better the stability of high frequencies and sound quality ; however recording time will be reduced. For home use, the best compromise (speed/quality) would be 7.5ips.

Tape recorder calibration is a key process to make sure your machine is set to the tape formula (SM900, SM911, LPR90, LPR35) you choose. Please have a look at our dedicated section: “How to calibrate my machine”

In every technical datasheet (https://www.recordingthemasters.com/audiotapes) , you can find the recommended bias setting according to the tape formula you chose. Please check Section 2. Measurement conditions : ΔS10 sensitivity drop recommended bias setting. 

The recommended bias is set while recording an input signal of 10kHz at–20dB. Based on the peak of the sensitivity curve S10, the bias should be increased until the playback level is reduced by the given value ΔS10.

RTM owns the original formulas created by AGFA & BASF which have proved their high quality in the audio professional recording field for several decades. Product range has changed along years but the premium magnetic formulas have remained and are still manufactured : SM900 ; SM911 ; LPR35 ; LPR90.

Our tapes are compatible with all machines and provide equivalent operating levels to traditional brands as BASF, EMTEC, RMGI, AMPEX, QUANTEGY and more to fit every usage and sound taste.

Here is a non-exhaustive operating level compatibility chart.

Calibration tapes are key to monitor your recorder and adapt its settings to the tape formula you choose. 

Here is a list of the calibration tapes producers we know :

Magnetic Reference Laboratory (USA): https://www.mrltapes.com/

Nagravox (Australia): https://nagravox.com/

Test Tape (Europe): https://www.test-tape.com/

Please refer then to our dedicated section (“How to calibrate my machine”), making sure you follow the manufacturer’s calibration tapes instructions.

Thanks to our partners, we’ve built an area on our website dedicated to tape recorder repairers & manufacturers. This list is organized per country, please have a look at it and feel free to contact them: https://www.recordingthemasters.com/reel-to-reel-machine-refurbishers-manufacturers

What makes RTM tapes different from other brands?

• Superior analog sound quality with warm tones and rich depth.

• High durability for long-term playback and storage.

Manufactured with premium materials for consistent performance.

You can purchase RTM tapes from our official online store and authorized retailers worldwide.

Here is the list of dealers, ordered by country.

Yes! We offer worldwide shipping to ensure RTM tapes are available to customers around the globe.

Once your order is shipped, you'll receive a tracking number via email to monitor your delivery status.

To ensure the longest life for your tapes:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Keep tapes in their original boxes to prevent dust and moisture damage.

• Avoid strong magnetic fields that could erase or degrade recordings.

RTM tapes are designed for long-term durability, with proper storage ensuring decades of high-quality playback.

• Use RTM tapes recommended for your specific recording application.

• Regularly clean your tape heads and capstans.

• Ensure your machine is properly calibrated for optimal performance.

For any inquiries, reach out to our customer service team via our Contact Page or email us at support@recordingthemasters.com.

Yes! We provide special pricing and wholesale options for professional studios, archivists, and retailers. Contact us for more details.