MASSIVE master tape news here folks!!
LA-based Rhino High Fidelity announced on Friday that they’re launching a new Reel-to-Reel (R2R) series of releases, “reviving the legendary reel-to-reel tape format”.
Rhino is a major outfit – basically the archive division of Warner Music Group, so it manages the back catalogue of labels such as Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone and of course Warner. I’m pretty much beside myself with anticipation here in terms of the possibilities this could bring…
And we’re off to a really promising start, as the first two releases are biggies: T-Rex and Yes!
From the press release: “The series launches today with two landmark titles: T. Rex’s Electric Warrior (1971) and Yes’ The Yes Album (1971). Each release in the series will be limited to 500 copies worldwide and available exclusively at Rhino.com for $299.98, or a bundle of both titles for $569.98.”
“Each title is duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the original flat analog master tape, faithfully reflecting the source. The result is a master-quality listening experience that captures the full dynamics of the recording without the surface noise or groove wear of vinyl. Produced to the IEC standard on premium RTM LPR90 tape stock and housed on 10.5-inch reels, these 15 i.p.s. half-track 1/4″ reel-to-reel tapes releases are designed for exceptional longevity when stored in a cool, clean place away from magnetic fields.”
Obviously I got straight in there and pre-ordered both titles and I can’t wait to discover how they sound. Watch this space for reviews and videos to come…
If you’re in the market, don’t hang about – I can’t imagine those limited edition runs of 500 will stay ‘on the shelves’ for too long. Here are the links you need:
Press release:
Online store:
https://store.rhino.com/en/rhino-store/special-edition-shops/reel-to-reel/
Dave Denyer: The Reel-to-Reel Rambler 