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Description

Experience the timeless charm and unparalleled sound quality of the Studer A80 Tape Recorder, a staple in professional studios worldwide. This iconic analog multitrack recorder is revered for its exceptional tape handling and superior audio fidelity, making it a must-have for audio purists and vintage gear enthusiasts. Designed with precision engineering, the A80 offers a warm, rich sound that digital recording often struggles to replicate. Its robust build and reliable performance have made it a trusted companion for countless engineers and producers over the years.

The Studer A80 is equipped with multiple track recording capabilities, allowing artists to capture intricate performances with clarity and depth. Its user-friendly interface and durable construction ensure it stands the test of time, both in terms of functionality and sound quality. With adjustable tape speeds and easy-to-use controls, the A80 provides flexibility and control, catering to the needs of both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the world of analog recording.

Whether you're looking to add a vintage touch to your recordings or capture the essence of classic studio sessions, the Studer A80 delivers a truly authentic analog experience. Its legacy and craftsmanship continue to inspire musicians and audio professionals, offering a bridge between the past and the present.

Key Features:

  • Renowned for exceptional tape handling and audio fidelity
  • Multiple track recording capabilities
  • Adjustable tape speeds for versatile recording options
  • Durable construction with a user-friendly interface
  • Trusted by professional studios worldwide for its reliable performance
Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Mixing With Tape: Studer A80 Master Recorder

Video thumbnail for Mixing With Tape: Studer A80 Master Recorder by Doctor Mix

Mixing With Tape: Studer A80 Master Recorder

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Amazing audio quality from Studer A80; demo with live audio by Philip van der Matten

Amazing audio quality from Studer A80; demo with live audio

Philip van der Matten

Philip van der Matten

Video thumbnail for Studer A80 VU Master Recorder - unveiling a legend. by Dave Denyer

Studer A80 VU Master Recorder - unveiling a legend.

Dave Denyer

Dave Denyer

Video thumbnail for Studer A80 demo with live audio by Philip van der Matten

Studer A80 demo with live audio

Philip van der Matten

Philip van der Matten

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Studer A80 Tape Recorder.

User experience

  • Owners describe the Studer A80's sound as smooth and clear, with a notably wider soundstage on both headphones and speakers compared to digital audio.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Maintaining tape machines like the Studer A80 is challenging, requiring regular upkeep to preserve sound quality, but it's praised for delivering stellar audio when properly maintained.

    Source
  • Use unwaxed dental floss, 90% isopropyl alcohol, and Q-tips to clean the tape path and heads, avoiding wear from oxide particles.

    Source
  • Regularly check for mirror-like gloss on the tape heads to prevent wear and ensure optimal performance.

    Source
  • MRL tape is essential for calibrating the Studer A80, especially for those working with 2" tapes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Studer A80 is highly regarded for mastering, with its use in professional studios like Abbey Road, reflecting its enduring high quality and value in top-tier audio production.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Studer A80 is considered vastly superior to vinyl, with fewer limitations like those found in digital recordings, making it an ideal choice for analog purists seeking natural sound.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack White uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Jack White

Guitarist, Drummer

The White Stripes

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Part of White's home studio, as stated by recording and mixing engineer Joe Chiccarelli in this October 2007 Sound on Sound interview about the production of Icky Thump.

“Jack and Meg are big supporters of the analogue format, and he’s a big believer in the old-school approach: punch it in, no comping. If you don’t like a vocal take, just erase it and redo it. He has a Studer A80 eight-track recorder at home, and we used a Studer A827 with a 16-track head, and Emtec 900 2-inch tape, 30ips, no Dolby."

See how Nils Frahm uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Nils Frahm

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"Yea, I'm old fashioned in that way. I have a soundcard and a computer, but I've also got an eight-track 1-inch Studer tape machine and two master tape recorders.

See how Tom Waits uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used to record Bone Machine, as stated by engineer Biff Dawes in this February 26, 2015 Mix Online interview.

The album was recorded on a Studer A80 24-track machine, with Dolby SR selectively used on certain tracks.

The same A80 was used to record Mule Variations, as stated by producer Jacquire King in this interview from issue 9 of Audio Technology Magazine.

As a result of using these various room mics, King sometimes ended up with a full 24-track, which meant that choices had to be made upon which room mics to use. The 24-track that was used was a late ‘70s Studer A80 MkIII, with BASF 900 tape, no Dolby, 30ips, recorded at +6, "hit very hard, which gives more tape compression". The album was mixed to analogue, an Ampex ATR102, on a half-inch tape running at 30ips, without Dolby.

See how Kate Bush uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Kate Bush

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Gaffa

Kate's studio was equipped with two A80 1/2' tape machines. It's what she used to record The Hounds of Love, The Sensual World, and The Red Shoes.

See how Tim Gane uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Tim Gane

Guitarist, Bassist

Stereolab

...
Verified via EMusician

There's a full list of Stereolab's live and studio equipment, circa 2004, listed in this e-musician article.

See how Robert Babicz uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Robert Babicz

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:23 in this video, Robert Babicz's A80 can be seen. It can also be seen in this Facebook post.

See how Trevor Horn uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Trevor Horn

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via Soundonsound

It was in 1983, while producing at a small studio named the Producer's Workshop on London's Fulham Road, that Steve Lipson received a call asking him to spend a couple of days engineering for Trevor Horn. This would be at Sarm West, where an SSL E-Series console was supplemented by a couple of Studer A80 tape machines.

See how Midge Ure uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Midge Ure

Singer, Guitarist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Muzines

After getting his ideas together, Midge transferred them to his studio, which is as he puts it "everything the budding Popstar needs" comprising a Harrison M3 desk, Studer 24 track (A80) recorder, Studer 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch mastering and F1 digital mastering system. Ultravox's Lament album was in fact recorded at his 'home' studio.

See how Daniel Miller uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Daniel Miller is listed as using the Studer A80 Tape Recorder, as mentioned in Sound on Sound.

See how Paul Epworth uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is Studer A80 tape recorder.

See how Steve Mac uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Steve Mac

Music Producer

Rhythm Masters

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, where Steve Mac is taking Future Music Magazine on a tour of his studio a tape recorder is shown and then, at 0:50:03, he says "It's a Studer A-80".

See how Guy E. Fletcher uses Studer A80 Tape Recorder

Guy E. Fletcher

Keyboardist, Composer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Muzines

From 1985 Sound on Sound interview, which describe his studio (Havoc House).

The control room is dominated by the monitor array of four Tannoy HPD drivers in huge enclosures set each side of the console tape machines; an early Studer A80 16 track and an Ampex ATR 102 (the half-inch version of the ATR 100). Other machines sit on shelves - cassette recorders and a bank of Sony F1 chargers, processors and recorders.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Studer A80 Tape Recorder, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    Gear IQ 5227