The Revox PR99 is a professional version of the Revox reel-to-reel recorder family, developed for applications where dependable analogue playback and recording were important. Equipment of this type remains valuable when historical recordings need to be transferred carefully.
What is the Revox PR99?
The PR99 is a professional-oriented reel-to-reel tape recorder from Revox, associated with the Studer/Revox family of recording equipment. It built on the B77 platform while adding features and connections suited to more demanding professional use. Versions and configurations varied, so the exact machine and head configuration matter when planning a transfer.
What does full-track mono mean?
A full-track mono recording uses essentially the full tape width for one mono audio channel. This differs from half-track stereo or quarter-track consumer arrangements. A full-track tape should be played using a compatible full-track head configuration; using the wrong head arrangement can produce incorrect levels, channel information or frequency response.
Why does playback equipment matter?
Magnetic tape is an analogue physical recording. The transfer is therefore influenced by tape speed, head configuration, azimuth, alignment, equalisation, level calibration and the condition of the transport. Professional archive transfer is about reproducing the information on the original tape as faithfully as practical, not simply pressing play on any available reel-to-reel machine.
What speeds might be encountered?
Reel-to-reel recordings may be found at a range of speeds, including common professional speeds such as 7½ and 15 inches per second. The correct speed should be established from the tape, documentation or recording context before capture.
How should a PR99 tape be prepared for digitisation?
The tape and reel should be inspected before playback. Particular attention should be paid to physical damage, shedding, splices, leader condition, winding problems and signs of deterioration. If a tape presents a preservation risk, it should not simply be repeatedly played while trying to find the best result.
What is an archival audio transfer?
An archival transfer aims to create a high-quality digital representation of the source with enough technical quality and metadata to support long-term preservation and future use. A preservation master can be accompanied by a WAV or MP3 access copy depending on the collection's needs.
Reel-to-reel transfer at Oxford Duplication Centre
Oxford Duplication Centre works with open-reel audio formats and professional recording equipment. We can assess reel size, tape speed, track configuration and condition before recommending a transfer approach. For significant archives, the original reels should remain retained after digitisation as the source artefacts.
We provide professional digitisation for corporate, heritage and personal collections from our facility in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Our work covers documents and books, photographic film and glass plates, audio and video tapes, motion film and legacy digital media. The correct workflow depends on the original material, its condition and the purpose of the digitisation project.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Revox PR99 the same as a B77?
They are closely related machines, but the PR99 was developed with more professional applications in mind and included differences in connectivity and configuration.
What is full-track mono?
It is a mono recording using the full usable tape width for a single audio track, requiring appropriate full-track playback equipment.
Can any reel-to-reel deck play an archival tape?
No. Tape speed, track format, equalisation and head configuration all need to be compatible with the recording.
Should I throw away the reel after digitisation?
No. The original is an important source artefact and should normally be retained and stored appropriately.
Need this format digitised?
If you have this type of material in your collection, Oxford Duplication Centre can discuss identification, condition, handling, digital outputs and the most appropriate transfer workflow.
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