Utilising an old Beocord 1100 reel to reel

jacklawtey

So, I picked up a B&O Beocord 1100 for peanuts (https://beo.zone/en/beocord-1100/) and mostly as an 'ornament' but I figured why not try use it for colouration? I'll probably pipe synths/drums into it. I have but 3 questions! 

1. Anything I should know, generally speaking? 
2. What kind of tape should I be buying? 
3. It has the fabled, old 5 pin DIN input/output. Anyone know of a ready-made adapter to 1/4" jack? Had a Google, didn't find much. 

Thanks! 

andy_k

I keep seeing a vid on YT for 'the most expensive audio format', which is describing home r2r devices.
It should be pretty easy to find the spec for the pin outs on the in /out, so that should be a fairly easy think to make.
The tape will be pretty standard quarter inch tape, it depends on the heads, whether 2 track or 4 track- I don't know anything really, but I'm sure google has the answers.
It could be a fun thing to have around, but I think the modern plugins will give you more of what you want, with more features.
The magic will happen when you clip the input to tape, and then you will just be recording the effect on another digital track, which may need alignment due to latency.
If it is working ok, it is a nice thing to have, but if it needs any parts, or serious maintenance, I think that is where the video becomes relevant.

Kittyfrisk

Any good?
https://tinyurl.com/y4c544x7

Or something like this, plus a 3.5mm to 6.3mm (1/4") adaptor?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/kenable-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B003OSNVC4

jacklawtey

andy_k said:

I keep seeing a vid on YT for 'the most expensive audio format', which is describing home r2r devices.
It should be pretty easy to find the spec for the pin outs on the in /out, so that should be a fairly easy think to make.
The tape will be pretty standard quarter inch tape, it depends on the heads, whether 2 track or 4 track- I don't know anything really, but I'm sure google has the answers.
It could be a fun thing to have around, but I think the modern plugins will give you more of what you want, with more features.
The magic will happen when you clip the input to tape, and then you will just be recording the effect on another digital track, which may need alignment due to latency.
If it is working ok, it is a nice thing to have, but if it needs any parts, or serious maintenance, I think that is where the video becomes relevant.

Thanks for the reply! It's 2 track. I actually have a whole boatload of plugins that do do the job. The UAD Oxide Tape, UAD Ampex, Kramer Tape by Waves. Just couldn't resist a bargain (less than a tenner!). Seems fully operational, has the original plastic on the front. Just needs adapting. 

Kittyfrisk said:

Any good?
https://tinyurl.com/y4c544x7

Or something like this, plus a 3.5mm to 6.3mm (1/4") adaptor?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/kenable-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B003OSNVC4

Great finds, thank you! 

jacklawtey

Wonder if I could just use this? 

https://www.kjell.com/se/produkter/ljud-bild/kablar-adaptrar/din/din-kablar/din-adapter-5-pol-hane-till-35-mm-hane-p39843 ;

And adapt it for 1/4" with one of those headphone screw on jobbies?