Precision Playback Systems for Analog Master Tapes
Since 1987
If you seek to build the world’s best tape playback machines, you’d be wise to start by studying the finest tape recorders ever made. Studer's legendary A80 saw eighteen years of continuous production (1969 - 1987). Visit our History page for more background.
Adolph Thal Audio Engineering builds modern, state-of-the-art analog magnetic audio tape reproducers optimized for archival transfer, restoration and critical listening applications. Our reproducers are based on the legendary Studer A80 and A820 tape transport mechanisms, which we exactingly re-manufacture in our own facility.
Focused on Playback
ATAE Model One and Model Two analog magnetic audio tape reproducers are designed to meet the dual requirements of uncompromisingly accurate sonic reproduction together with responsible heritage master tape conservation.
Playback Optimization
ATAE reproducers are dedicated playback platforms designed to recover the maximum information from analog master recordings while adding the lowest possible distortion.
Preservation-Oriented
First do no harm. To support the conservation of aging and fragile archival media, our tape transport mechatronic modifications are expertly engineered to dramatically reduce tape stress and wear.
Studer-Based Systems
ATAE reproducers are built upon the legendary Swiss-manufactured Studer A80 and A820 analog tape machine platforms, re-purposed with our specialized mechanical and electronic upgrades.
Uncompromised Playback Quality
Nearly four decades of continuous mechanical and mechatronic refinement to our transport platforms together with on-going evolution of analog magnetic audio tape playback electronics have made ATAE reproducers synonymous with the state-of-the-art for sonic accuracy in audio tape playback. Our exactingly re-manufactured, high-precision Studer A80 transports can today deliver the lowest time-base distortion of any analog magnetic audio tape transport ever manufactured. Fitted with our SHRO head blocks with calibrated azimuth adjustment and your choice of playback electronics, an ATAE Model Two can deliver the highest obtainable quality of sonic reproduction for the most critical archival transfer and restoration workflow.
What Professionals Say
"It is only because of the meticulous services of Adolph Friederich (“Fred”) Thal of ATAE that we've been able to remanufacture our Studer A820 machines into ATAE reproducers with their precision SHRO headblocks, calibrated azimuth adjusters and audiophile quality tape head preamps."
Eric Jacobs — The Audio Archive
"Fred Thal is among the most knowledgeable individuals I know when it comes to analog tape recording and reproduction."
Mark Waldrep, PhD — Audio Technology Educator and Author
"Fred Thal of ATAE is the world's expert on Studer tape machines."
Gearspace Forum