While working at Mullan, Christophe Martinez discovered the potential of analog tape and the joy of listening to original tapes recorded in the studio, and combining a reel-to-reel player with selected audio components for listening sessions on speakers and headphones. This inspired the idea to design a new tape machine from scratch, also leveraging available magnetic heads manufactured by AM Belgium, the company that still retains all the knowledge and manufactures heads used to maintain Studer and ReVox machines, and continues to be the main source for analog tape recorders and players today, from multitrack reel-to-reel machines all the way to cassette players.
From this original concept, Analog Audio Design was founded in 2020 to bring to market this new open reel-to-reel tape player and recorder. An unbelievably difficult project that involved designing the precision mechanics, and sourcing the best suppliers for servomotors, design the electronics, audio circuits, and obviously the precision control for the machine.
In 2023, the player was presented at the first audio shows in Europe, including High End Munich, resulting in the first limited production units being sold even before being assembled. All the mechanical parts are made in their French factory, with the belt-driven reels and capstan using low torque Swiss made DC motors (in the best Studer Digitec tradition...). The constant tape tension is microprocessor-controlled in combination with a unique strain-gauge design that maintains voltage within 1ms with an accuracy of 0.5gr. Besides the touchscreen indicators for all playback parameters, the TP-1000 also features two classic VU meters. The company supplies an optional remote control but there is an RJ45/Ethernet interface so that the TP-1000 can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi. The integrated web server also enables internal firmware and external maintenance.
Analog Audio Design tape decks have now made their way to the US market via Pro Audio Ltd, based in Barrington, IL, and under the guidance of Brian Tucker, who has previously worked with Studer and Revox and benefits from unparalleled experience in sales, service, setup, and maintenance of these machines.
The new TP-1000 tape player is available for USD $27,000 and will be available for audition at the SouthWest Audio Fest in Dallas TX – Hilton Anatole – Rooms 1422 & 1423, from March 15 to 17, 2024. For those not able to be at this new show, there will soon be another opportunity at the AXPONA 2024 show.
www.proaudioltd.com
www.analogaudiodesign.fr | www.anaude.com
