DAK Industries LNHO

DAK Industries was founded by Drew Alan Kaplan, made famous in the 1980s by his catalog of electronic gadgets. He specialized in a series of private label reel to reel and cassette tapes in the 1970s and 1980s. Like many private label tapes, it is difficult to know the specifications of the tapes made. Were they as good as the major brands? Were they rejected lots like Shamrock? Were they cut computer tape? Did the tape actually match the description? Was it just junk?

DAK sold a number of different tapes over the years.  The ones we have tested are labeled “Low Noise High Output”and re available in 1.5 mil (SP) and 1.3 mil (also SP) in lengths of 1200 and 1500 ft.  Our tests have shown that the quality of these tapes is OK, but doesn’t really fit the description (not really low noise or high output). They seem to perform like the Ampex 671, with a similar high bias requirement. They will sound good on older machines, but like the 671, will also have a lower output than the input by about 4 dB. The good news is that there is no sticky shed or squealing with the tapes we have, and that they can be used today.

A forensic analysis points to the manufacturer probably being Audio Magnetics, with similar reels and tape that looks similar to the XHE. This does not mean it will perform similarly.