Ampex ATR-102

The Ampex ATR-102 is the tape machine where mixes went to be finished. Unveiled at the AES convention in Los Angeles in 1976 as the two-track member of Ampex’s ATR-100 series, it is often called the most accurate analog tape recorder ever built.

History and specs

Ampex made roughly 3,000 ATR-100 series machines before production ended in 1982. The ATR-102 runs at up to four speeds, from 3.75 to 30 inches per second, and a plug-in headblock lets engineers switch between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch tape in minutes; ATR Services also builds 1-inch two-track conversions. Its pinch-rollerless, servo-controlled capstan and reel transport gives extremely low wow, flutter and speed drift. It entered the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2005.

Mixdown, not tracking

Unlike multitrack machines such as the Studer A800 or Otari MTR-90, the ATR-102 is a two-track stereo deck. Studios used it for final mixdowns and mastering, printing the finished stereo mix to tape before it went to be cut, and broadcasters used it as a reference machine.

Buying one today

Early units had reliability issues, but later machines are highly prized, and restored ATR-102s remain premium studio and collector items. ATR Services (Mike Spitz) keeps the machines running and offers updated versions. Universal Audio’s Ampex-authenticated ATR-102 plugin models 1/4-, 1/2- and 1-inch heads with several tape formulas.