Best cassettes for multi track recorders

[tiny_tove]

related to this useful topic: https://special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=13022.0

I was given for free a beautiful Tascam porta studio two.
I had it fixed and clean for 130 euro and now I am ready to work on it, so I need from you some suggestions:

- examples of cassettes to work with? - brand, length and type- many told me TDK SA 60, but any alternative is welcome
- where to buy decent stocks in Europe without spending a kidney?
- is re-recording on same tapes ok?
- anything else to consider?

[tisbor]

It's really tough now, prices suck.
Some godforsaken stores and flea markets might still have old unsold stock in mama italia. There's an old hi-fi store right here in Bologna that has pretty much infinite stock of high end blank tapes but usually it's pricey.
I'm always on the hunt for old blank tapes, and I believe Claudio/MM is too.

As for quality (not something i strive for usually) and specific brands at this point beggars can't be choosers, try out whatever you find imho.

If you're a pig like me re-record on whatever for maximum filth

[moozz]

I have bought previously used tapes in larger quantities (20+) from ebay or other similar auction sites. Sometimes great deals there. My ears are not hi-fi enough to hear any issues really. Rarely there are some issues, like just yesterday I was recording on tape that looks like it is from the '70s and I could record only on tracks 3-4, 1-2 staying mostly mute. I already thought my Tascam is starting to die on me but no, I tried recording with another tape ('90s TDK) and all the glorious clatter is there on tracks 1-4. If occasional "issues" like crumpled tape are real issues for you then by all means look for unused tapes but if you find the possible unpredictability kinda charming then I'd say at least give used tapes a go.

[Commander15]

I'd recommend BASF Chrome Extra II tapes for multitrackers. High quality stuff with low noise floor, really takes a beating.

[Stipsi]

Sony ux pro

[lacross]

I owned a Dragon back in the day. Also a Nak 150 "portable" which I sold and replaced with a Sony TCD5 which was my go-to bootleg machine. I replaced the Dragon with a Denon DRM3 which also had an auto alignment system. I bought the whole Denon Class A components system and still have it. Still sounds great.