Products

Transfer/convert multititrack reel to reel tapes to wave files for importing into Pro Tools or other DAWs.

tape,transfer,track,reel,2,3,4,8,12,16,24,multitrack,sony,studer,ampex,3m,tascam,otari,mci,scully,pro tools,protools,wave,wav,digitize,sample rate,96,48,44.1,88.2,convert

15513

page-template-default,page,page-id-15513,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,side_area_uncovered_from_content,qode-theme-ver-7.9,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-4.7.4,vc_responsive,elementor-default,elementor-kit-15506,elementor-page elementor-page-15513

The Ampex MM-1200 and its predecessor MM-1100 are wonderful tape machines with a great sound. They date back to the 1970s, and hundreds are still used today in studios around the world because in addition to sounding good, they are also reliable and very easy to maintain.

They do have one notable weakness: the amount of tape wrap over the static surfaces of the tension arm post and the head assembly guides. These surfaces gather gunk from the front and back of the tape, and are a source of flutter, tape wear, and oxide shedding. They also present an unnecessary workload on the MDA (Motor Drive Amplifier).

For over a decade I have offered an easy-to-install roller kit which I’m proud to say is fitted to the majority of machines in use around the world. These rollers totally transform how a machine handles tape, providing increased responsiveness, especially towards the end of the reel. The full kit comprises:

Roller replacement for the fixed tension arm post.
Roller replacements for the fixed guides on the head assembly.

Rolling tension arm

There is 45 degrees of wrap around the static tension arm post, against the oxide layer of the tape.

The Thin Brown Line rolling tension arm is a complete replacement assembly that can be installed in a few minutes using nothing more than a screwdriver and an Allen wrench. Click here to see how!

rolling head assembly guides

The design of the MM-1100/MM-1200 head assembly involves over 90 degrees of total wrap over fixed guides. This is a source of flutter, which is only partially alleviated by the small flutter roller between the record and repro heads.

Using Thin Brown Line purpose-made rolling guides, replacement of the fixed guides is literally a 10 minute operation. Click here to see more

Hi David, Guides showed up. Have them installed and adjusted perfect first time!!!! Now I REALLY dig this machine... wow what a difference! I also really liked the instructions (with pictures) included with the rollers and arm! A great high-end product that is a must have for any Ampex MM1200 owner!!!

David, the rollers are excellent. The tape is running so smooth I can't believe it. The old moniker for the Ampex MM1000, "Master Muncher" no longer applies! I can actually use tracks 1 and 16! Many thanks.

Just a quick thank you mail. Head guide and tension arm rollers received ok and now fitted to the machine. Fantastic! Very measurable improvement in flutter performance and tape handling. An excellent modification to these machines that I would not hesitate to recommend.

Hi David, Machine runs like hell with your rollers, no friction at all - VERY cool! Even with 10 year old 456 tapes it now accelerates faster than ever.

I got the rollers fitted and spent some time with the machine today. I knew there was going to be a significant difference but I didn't know quite what to expect. The machine is running so much smoother than it ever was, and even than it was designed to.

I have just upgraded my 16 track with David's rollers. The transport steps up to a totally different level of responsiveness, speed, and tape is treated so gently now ! I recommend everyone who hasn't upgraded yet, to do it, couldn't be happier with the results!