Now, you only see these things in movies! When I put the Powerhouse Radio website back online in 2021, I needed a reel-to-reel machine to digitize old audio tape reels and cassettes so you could hear some magical history.

This beautifully refurbished, vintage Teac 3300 - 10.5 inch reel wonder arrived in New Jersey from California in late 2024. Before this machine, I had an Akai X-200D - 7 inch (only) reel-to-reel that I acquired off eBay in 2021.

As a teenager, I used a Lafayette RK 710 solid state reel-to-reel tape recorder to sample the best of AM & FM broadcasting. I mention this machine in my Powerhouse Radio Book (see my author website for book details).

Does it Work?

When I took the Teac 3300 out of the box, I wanted to test it immediately to check if the seller's promise of a refurbished machine was an honest evaluation.

In the picture are two MacBooks: a MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air. I plugged the Teac 3300 into a small amplifier, then into a small mixing console that is  primarily used out in the field.

Two mini speakers were plugged into the amplifier.

Everything worked perfectly. No audio distortion from this reel-to-reel dinosaur. Mechanically it is solid. Aesthetically the look is pristine. The box was Grandma tested for dirt. It has a super clean gleam!  

As a warning, if you need to hunt for a used reel-to-reel recorder, make sure you do your research and vet carefully what you are attempting to purchase.

Usually, look for these:

• Lots of well shot pictures of the item
• A very long detailed description
• Full disclosure about any defects!
• Many positive reviews about the seller

If all pass the smell test, I'm sure you'll get a boost in the trust factor for the possible transaction.

How is Digitizing Done?

Audio or musical features will jump from the tape / audio machines, possibly with the help of a mixing console, into the computer domain of MP3, MP4, or WAV files.

WIFI can be used for some transfers. Most of the time cables get the job done, along with digital editing software for audio or video.

We offer the produced versions when you hear or see them online!

Thankfully, I did not have to return this 40 pound Teac 3300 machine back to California, but anyway, I saved the box it came in. Lucky me! 

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