• Brand: Tdk
  • Type: AUDUA L Series
  • Reel: 7" (18cm), 10.5" (26.5cm)
  • Lengths Available: 1200' (360m), 1800' (550m), 3600' (1100m)
  • Thickness: LP (1.0 mil)
  • Tape Grade / Performance Level: 3-Low Noise / High Output
  • Base Material: Polyester
  • 2024 Advice:
  • Where Produced: Japan
  • Mfg Years: Late 1970s, 1980s
  • Sale Condition: Refurbished - 90 day warranty
  • Description:

    TDK’s AUDUA reel to reel tape is a slightly improved version of their SD Super Dynamic Tape and was released in the late 1970s. This is a type 3 Low Noise, High Output tape with a higher bias requirement.  Like the SD, the high bias made these tapes sound brighter on older equipment, and when used with the older (and cheaper) machines at the time, users felt they sounded better due to their better frequency response, particularly at 3-3/4 ips.  Later, machines with a tape selector allowed them to be used at the proper bias, where the full capabilities of the tape could be used. The AUDUA tapes still hold their quality today and can be used today – however we have seen some small scale oxide shedding when crumpled at the beginning or end of the tapes. Also, the leader tape adhesive normally fails by now, so you might need to reattach it.

    The L Series is the standard tape and the LB Series includes the back coating.

    Note: Like the SDs, The 1200 ft (360m) version on 7″ tape reels have reels with larger hubs using the same LP tape thickness of the 1800 ft (550m) version. To our knowledge, they never produced an SP or DP tape so it’s LP only. All used a single window gray plastic reel, and the tape has an almost black shiny surface.

    A back-coated version was packaged in the box with an orange hue. There are reports that some batches suffer from white powder syndrome – a condition where some of the binder dries out and forms a white powder. We used to not recommend these tapes, but all of them that we tested were fine, so we revised our recommendation, and we now sell them as refurbished.

Refurbished Reel to Reel Tapes for Sale

The Widest Range of Reel to Reel Tapes Available Worldwide

90 Day No-Fuss Replacement Guarantee If you find a problem with the tapes or are not satisfied for any reason, we’ll send you a replacement tape.

Browse the Shop

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get updates and Reel-to-Reel News in your inbox.

Have a question about reel-to-reel tapes?

Send us your reel-to-reel questions, comments and feedback about the website, or inquire about tapes for sale. Don’t see the tape you need in our shop? Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll try to find it for you.

Ask a Question