Tape Machine Preamps = Amazing Guitar Tone

No tape? No problem.

A unique way to use old machines (including ones that don't spin and need mechanical maintenance) is to plug a instrument or mic straight into it and route the output to your interface. You now have a very colored unique sounding preamp. And when you try a instrument like guitar, you can get very interesting saturation results.

I had never done this before so I decided to give it a try. And I am very happy with the results. Maybe i'm just tired of my amps, but this really inspired me.

Plug your instrument straight into the mic pre (not line, you won't get enough gain this way) and crank the input til your hearts desire. Every machine will sound different, even here the tone between the Revox and Teac is staggering.

I also figured this is a good time to try out the Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe. This pedal emulates the preamp of a Revox a77 just with much more gain (and vibrato). I found that compared to the pedal, my Revox is extremely dark! I am wondering if I may need to get it looked at. Anybody know a guy? As vintage devices age they do inevitably become darker with age.

Enjoy!