REEL-TO-REEL TAPE ACCESSORIES — THE BUYER’S GUIDE
A good reel-to-reel tape recorder is only part of the analogue experience. The right accessories make the machine easier to use, safer for valuable tapes, and far more enjoyable to own.
Whether you use a Studer, Revox, Technics, Pioneer, Otari, Akai, Sony, TEAC, Tandberg or another open-reel machine, this guide covers the most useful accessories worth buying, what they do, and what to look for before spending your money.
1. EMPTY REELS
Empty reels are one of the first accessories most reel-to-reel owners buy.
Common sizes:
● 5-inch
● 7-inch
● 10-inch
● 10.5-inch / 26.5 cm NAB
For serious 15 ips listening, 10.5-inch reels are especially popular as they hold longer lengths of ¼-inch tape.
Plastic reels
Pros:
● Lightweight
● Affordable
● Easy to find
● Good for everyday use
Cons:
● Less rigid than metal
● Can warp over time
● Less premium appearance
Aluminium reels
Pros:
● Strong and rigid
● Better tape protection
● Premium look
● Ideal for master tape copies
When buying aluminium reels, ensure they are flat and balanced to avoid vibration or tape edge issues.
2. NAB HUB ADAPTERS
Large professional reels use NAB centres instead of smaller Cine-style hubs.
A NAB adapter connects the reel to the machine.
A good adapter should:
● Lock securely
● Run perfectly concentric
● Hold without wobble
● Be easy to fit/remove
● Avoid scratching reels
● Match the machine properly
High-quality aluminium and precision-machined versions are recommended, especially for Studer, Revox, Otari, and Technics RS-1500 series machines.
3. REEL CLAMPS
Some machines use clamps instead of NAB adapters.
Always use the correct system for your deck.
A loose reel can slip during fast wind, while over-tight clamping can damage the hub.
4. REEL SPACERS
Small but important accessories placed between reel and reel table.
They help:
● Improve alignment
● Match different reel manufacturers
● Prevent tape edge rubbing
Especially important for valuable master tapes.
5. LEADER TAPE
Non-magnetic tape used at the start and end of reels.
Benefits:
● Easier threading
● Protects recorded tape
Common colours:
● White
● Red
● Blue
● Green
● Yellow
● Clear
Used for identifying reels, sides, or sessions.
6. SPLICING TAPE
Used for joining magnetic tape.
Never use household tape.
Proper splicing tape:
● Leaves no residue
● Protects heads and guides
● Maintains long-term stability
7. SPLICING BLOCK
A precision tool for cutting and joining tape.
Types:
● Straight cut
● Angled cut (preferred for audio)
Angled splices give smoother audio transitions.
8. NON-MAGNETIC EDITING BLADE
Use a sharp, clean blade designed for tape work.
Never cut tape directly on the machine.
9. TAPE STORAGE BOXES
Essential for protecting valuable tapes.
Protect from:
● Dust
● Light
● Damage
● Unwinding
Store reels vertically like books.
10. PROFESSIONAL RECORDING TAPE
Use high-quality tape from trusted manufacturers.
Common types:
● RTM SM900
● RTM SM911
● RTM LPR35
● RTM LPR90
Always ensure your machine is correctly calibrated for the tape type.
11. TAPE CLEANING SUPPLIES
Essential for maintenance:
● Isopropyl alcohol (high purity)
● Lint-free swabs
● Cleaning sticks
● Microfibre cloths
Clean:
● Heads
● Capstan
● Guides
Be careful with rubber pinch rollers.
12. HEAD DEMAGNETISER
Removes unwanted magnetism from tape path parts.
Must be used carefully:
● Keep away from recorded tapes
● Follow instructions exactly
Incorrect use can cause damage.
13. TAPE HEAD INSPECTION TOOLS
Useful for checking wear:
● Magnifying glass
● Inspection loupe
Look for:
● Grooves
● Flat spots
● Wear
● Corrosion
14. CALIBRATION TAPES
Essential for accurate setup.
Used to check:
● Level
● Frequency response
● Azimuth
● EQ
● Channel balance
Must match:
● Speed (7.5 / 15 ips)
● EQ standard (NAB / IEC)
● Track format
15. TAPE TENSION GAUGE
Used by technicians to measure tape tension.
Important for:
● Proper winding
● Reducing wear
● Transport accuracy
16. DIGITAL TACHOMETER
Used to check speed accuracy during servicing.
17. WOW & FLUTTER TEST EQUIPMENT
Used for precise measurement of speed stability.
Checks:
● Motors
● Capstan
● Bearings
● Belts
18. PINCH ROLLER ACCESSORIES
Critical for tape movement.
Good rollers must be:
● Correct size
● Proper hardness
● Smooth and undamaged
Bad rollers cause:
● Speed issues
● Tape damage
● Wow and flutter
19. REEL TABLE & HUB PARTS
May include:
● Brake parts
● Bearings
● Springs
● Reel tables
Always match exact model specifications.
20. DUST COVERS
Protects machine from dust and debris.
Materials:
● Acrylic
● Fabric
● Vinyl
Never cover a hot or running machine.
21. MACHINE STANDS & RACKS
Important for heavy machines.
Options:
● Studio stands
● Rack systems
● Isolation platforms
Ensure strong support and ventilation.
22. HEADPHONE AMPS & PREAMPS
Some users prefer external preamps for better sound.
Requires correct setup:
● Gain matching
● EQ alignment
● Proper grounding
23. INTERCONNECT CABLES
Common types:
● RCA
● XLR
● DIN
Use good-quality cables and avoid long unbalanced runs.
24. XLR TO RCA ADAPTERS
Used between professional and domestic gear.
Ensure correct signal level matching.
25. REEL LABELS
Important for organisation.
Include:
● Artist
● Album
● Speed
● Format
● Date
● Tape type
26. TAPE LIBRARY CATALOGUE
Helps manage large collections.
Track:
● Titles
● Formats
● Condition
● Notes
27. REEL CARRYING CASES
Protect tapes during transport.
Look for:
● Strong build
● Moisture protection
● Secure fit
28. TAPE COUNTERS
Mechanical or digital counters help locate audio quickly.
29. REMOTE CONTROLS
Some machines support wired remotes for transport control.
30. CUSTOM REELS & DISPLAY ACCESSORIES
Includes:
● Aluminium reels
● Custom finishes
● Display stands
Aesthetic upgrades that must still be mechanically safe and balanced.
WHAT TO BUY FIRST
1. Quality empty reels
2. NAB adapters or clamps
3. Fresh tape
4. Leader tape
5. Splicing tape
6. Splicing block
7. Cleaning supplies
8. Storage boxes
9. Dust cover
10. Calibration tape
WHAT NOT TO BUY CHEAP
Avoid low-quality:
● NAB adapters
● Calibration tapes
● Splicing tape
● Pinch rollers
● Demagnetisers
● Transport parts
Cheap parts can damage expensive tape.
BUYING USED ACCESSORIES
Check carefully for:
● Warping
● Wear
● Cracks
● Damage
● Residue
Calibration tapes should be treated with caution if age or condition is unknown.
15 IPS MASTER TAPE SETUP
Recommended essentials:
● 10.5-inch aluminium reels
● High-quality NAB adapters
● Reel spacers
● Archival boxes
● Cleaning tools
● Correct calibration tape
● Good pinch rollers
● Inspection tools
FINAL RULE
The best accessory is one that protects the tape and keeps the machine running correctly.
Reel-to-reel is a mechanical format.
Everything matters:
Reels.
Hubs.
Tape path.
Heads.
Alignment.
Maintenance.
Storage.
Take care of it properly, and it will reward you for decades.
LONG LIVE ANALOG - REEL TAPE FOR LIFE.
Sound of Tape - www.thesoundoftape.com
