Higher speed
Often improves high-frequency headroom and reduces the relative effect of some tape defects. It consumes more tape and does not guarantee better bass or a better recording.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA / 03
Tape speeds
More tape per second. Less time per reel.
| Speed | Metric | Common use | 762 m · one pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1⅞ ips | 4.76 cm/s | Speech / long duration | 267 min |
| 3¾ ips | 9.525 cm/s | Domestic recordings / some albums | 133 min |
| 7½ ips | 19.05 cm/s | Home hi-fi / vintage albums | 67 min |
| 15 ips | 38.1 cm/s | Studio / modern tape editions | 33 min |
| 30 ips | 76.2 cm/s | Selected studio work | 17 min |
The trade-off
7½ ips
A practical choice for many vintage albums and home recordings. A good source and calibrated transport can produce excellent results.
15 ips
A common contemporary commercial tape format. Choose it because your editions require it, rather than assuming it fixes every source limitation.