- Brand: Audiotape / Capitol
- Type: Type 1271, 1861 and 2431 - Formula 10
- Reel: 5" (13cm), 7" (18cm)
- Lengths Available: 600' (180m), 900' (275m), 1200' (360m), 1800' (550m), 2400' (720m)
- Thickness: SP (1.5 mil), LP (1.0 mil), DP (0.5 -0.75 mil)
- Tape Grade / Performance Level: 1-Standard
- Base Material: Polyester
- 2024 Advice:
- Where Produced: USA
- Mfg Years: Early 1950s - Early 1970s
- Sale Condition: Refurbished - 90 day warranty
- Description:
Audio Devices manufactured Audiotape, a quality American brand of reel to reel tapes in the 1950s through the 1970s. Their tapes were often used for professional recordings in the 1950s and 1960s and had a great reputation. Like other tapes of that vintage, the performance was similar to the Scotch 111 & 150. “Formula 10” is their standard tape formulation, later named “High Performance” and put in the Capitol Sound Tape boxes. As time went on, performance and output improved. All of these tapes were extremely well made and hold up well today. They were available both in Acetate and Mylar versions. Notes:
- This is a formula that has withstood the test of time. It is amazing to consider that you can make a high quality recordings on a 60 year old tape, but this is indeed possible.
- We highly recommend the 1271 (Mylar SP) 1861 (Mylar LP) and 2431 (Mylar DP) as excellent quality standard tapes, superior to the Scotch 150, 200 or Tartan Series. These are excellent choices for your older machine.
- These tapes can be identified by their grayish-brown color that is a little darker than Ampex, Scotch or BASF tapes of this vintage.
- Audiotape (and later Capitol) were famous for their “Easy C-Slot Reel” to make tape threading easier.
- Tapes of this vintage have a tendency to shed oxide more than modern tapes. This is not a sign that this tape is degrading, it should be considered normal.
- Available Refurbished: Yes, you can buy refurbished reels of Audiotape 1271, 1861 and 2431 in our store