Tape Loading Process

C-Zeros

The plastic mechanism of an audio cassette is called a C-Zero. We load the tape into the C-Zero (or C-0) and then it becomes a C-30, or C-60, or C-90, etc.

View our nearly 100 available cassette models on the Cassette Selection Guide

Tape Types

We currently offer a variety of excellent quality type-1 tape. Our own formulation, Hi-Fi Music-Grade, sounds great! It's comparable to a Maxell UR or any of the mid to upper grade ferric tapes of the 90s.

Audiophiles will be interested to know we also load using Recording the Masters' RTM911, a premium type-1 model that has unbelievable consistency with no dropouts, excellent at handling your high and low frequencies. For those working on a budget, we offer Voice-Grade loaded cassettes. These are quieter than our HiFi and RTM911 options, and sounds good when frequencies are cut at 5kHz.

Printing Services

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We can custom print directly onto your cassette with vibrant pad print ink, full-body UV print, or laser engraving. We also print standard cassette labels, specifically sized to your cassette model.

Tips!

• Don't forget to add about 10 seconds before and after your program. Calculate your length as twice the longest side. Allow for the speed of your cassette deck to be off by 2% (56 seconds per side on a 95 minute tape).
• Hi-Fi Music-Grade tape does tend to shed a bit of oxide on the first use, so make sure to clean the heads frequently.
• If your program has lots of high-frequency content we recommend using Recording the Masters RTM911 tape at normal (120 uS) equalisation. In order to do this you must have separate bias and eq switches on your cassette decks. When recording, set your bias to high (or chrome) position, and set your EQ to 120 uS (normal eq). This will allow much higher levels without compressing or distorting your high frequencies. The tradeoff is a higher playback noise level.
• Don't boost your high frequencies going to cassette tape to compensate for the loss of "brilliance". It will only get duller and more saturated. Instead boost the upper midrange/lower HF range (from 2 kHz to 6kHz.)
• When recording, give more distance between the microphone and acoustic guitars and cymbals! (Overly brilliant acoustic guitars, cymbals, and vocal sibilance are the #1 enemy of cassette tape).
• Use a de-esser or a multi-band peak limiter with a built-in preemphasis before limiting, like the Behringer Combinator or Aphex Dominator (a limiter without preemphasis is not very useful for cassette duplication - your highs won't be limited and will saturate the tape more.)
• Use a device that adds brilliance only to low-level signals. That is what Dolby B does in its encoding stage. The higher the input level, the less boost Dolby B gives. The Aphex Aural Exciter and similar devices work similarly by adding low levels of HF harmonic distortion. They sound bad if overused.
• Reduce the recording bias (this will slightly increase your distortion) and the input level (to compensate for the increased distortion.)
• Use Dolby HX-PRO which dynamically reduces the bias in the presence of lots of high-energy program. This allows you to maintain higher levels without compressing the high-frequencies.

Bonus Points

By purchasing blank cassettes you're eligible for free blank cassettes! The online shop has a bonus point system, allowing you to accrue points which you can exchange for a gift certificate. This gift certificate can be used for anything in the online store, as well as duplication services.

Terms

Blank audio cassettes are custom-manufactured. With exception of defects, lost items, or product error, they are not subject for refunds and are final sale. Minor scuffing and scratching during transport may occur, and will not affect the recording or playback quality.

Duplicated Cassette Packages

Duplication.com are professionals at manufacturing cassette packages, perfect for indie artists and major labels alike! You'll receive high quality recorded cassettes with full print and packaging. Click here to receive an instant quote, customized to your exact needs.