Reel-to-Reel Tapes from in-akustik – Music Enjoyment in Three Dimensions
Reel-to-reel tapes are more than just an audiophile niche product. They are the ultimate standard when it comes to sound authenticity and emotional depth. Anyone who wants to experience music in its purest form cannot do without analog tape. Our Master Tapes bring this magic back – with the highest craftsmanship quality and a selection for beginners and true enthusiasts. What is behind it, and how do the versions differ? Here you will find answers.
What is an “Original Master Tape”?
An Original Master Tape is the sonic reference for music enjoyment – the only “transport medium” that can be transferred directly onto the playback medium without any further intermediate processing, free from transmission losses. With a reel-to-reel tape, you hear two genuine stereo channels that do not have to be artificially created from another signal.
For the in-akustik tapes, a new analog master tape is created through an elaborate process. The starting point is carefully selected, high-resolution digital sources that are specifically optimized for the analog tape by the renowned sound engineer Christoph Stickel. This creates a master that fully brings out the sonic strengths of the analog medium.
A special highlight is the album One Of These Nights by Al Di Meola: here, the newly created album mix comes directly from the original multitrack recording.
The “Studio Concert” tapes are characterized by an especially authentic recording: these are live recordings made directly analog using a direct-to-2-track stereo process, preserving the immediate sonic aesthetic of the live performance.
Tapes in 3 Variants
Our albums on tape are available in 3 variants. Each version is copied by hand on famous Studer A80 machines – the analog core that set the standards for the world’s largest studios for decades. The differences between Start, Standard, and Studio mainly lie in tape material, reference level, and packaging. Those who want the maximum in dynamics, bandwidth, and authenticity choose the “Studio” variant with the particularly high-quality RTM SM900 tape.
Master Tape Start
- Tape Machine: Studer A80
- Tape Format: ¼“, 2-track, stereo
- Equalization: NAB
- Speed: 7.5 ips (19 cm/s)
- Tape Material: RTM LPR90
- Reference Level: 250 nWb/m
- Packaging: 1 metal reel, eco packaging
To the Master Tapes "Start"
Master Tape Standard
- Tape Machine: Studer A80
- Tape Format: ¼“, 2-track, stereo
- Equalization: CCIR
- Speed: 15 ips (38 cm/s)
- Tape Material: RTM LPR90
- Reference Level: 320 nWb/m
- Packaging: 1 metal reel, eco packaging
To the Master Tapes "Standard"
Master Tape Studio
- Tape Machine: Studer A80
- Tape Format: ¼“, 2-track, stereo
- Equalization: CCIR
- Speed: 15 ips (38 cm/s)
- Tape Material: RTM SM900
- Reference Level: 510 nWb/m
- Packaging: 2 metal reels, deluxe packaging
To the Master Tapes "Studio"
Christoph Stickel – The Sound Engineer
Every original tape in our editions was mastered by Christoph Stickel – one of Europe’s most renowned mastering engineers and a Grammy nominee. Since 1992, he has polished over 5,000 albums for top labels and artists (ECM, Deutsche Grammophon, Keith Jarrett, Oscar Peterson, Leonard Bernstein…) With a rare expertise, Stickel is among the few who have actually held some of the most famous master tapes of our time — and knows how to enhance their magic through sensitive remastering.
One of his most famous projects is the remastering of the legendary Keith Jarrett Köln Concert. So if you think getting closer to the original recording is impossible, you haven’t met Christoph Stickel yet. His working method combines technical know-how with musical sensitivity — always aiming to preserve the intention of the original recording as precisely as possible. Drawing on decades of experience with analog tape machines, he knows exactly when adjustments are beneficial — and when it’s better to leave things untouched.
Sound Characteristics of Master Tapes
Magnetic tapes are known for their distinctive "analog sound," which differs significantly from digital formats. Here is an overview of the key sonic characteristics:
- Rich, full-bodied sound >with pleasant warmth, especially in vocals and acoustic instruments.
- Wide dynamic range that makes the music sound lively and authentic.
- Subtle, fine noise that adds a characteristic texture to the sound.
- Open spatial sound with a natural distribution of instruments in the soundstage.
- Authentic reproduction of transients and overtones, making recordings particularly lively and organic.
In comparison: Digital playback often sounds more airy and analytical, whereas tape brings warmth and a certain substance through its specific sonic character. Both formats have their own sonic advantages, and the choice depends strongly on personal taste and musical style.
News Release: s.a.m. !
s.a.m. – selected audiophile music Vol.1: Discover the successor to our legendary Reference Sound Edition. s.a.m. is based on the advanced RESO Mastering 2.0 – a consistently refined version of the proven RESO technology. Available as U-HQCD and 180g double LP.
Analog, Close to the Original: Our Master Tapes
Our new master tapes combine craftsmanship, technology, and music history. Three editions – Start, Standard, and Studio – offer access to authentic sound. In this article, we explain the differences and background.
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