Analog tape is definitely back. Product was never completely gone but it was close. I caught up with Doug Bernhardt, western regional sales manager for RMGI North America, our source for RMG tape in the United States.

He was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about the current state of tape:

What has the response been to being the only active pro analog tape supplier in the U.S.?

Everyone has been very supportive, and in fact enthusiastic with the reintroduction of the analog tape products. People want to know the history of RMGI from its roots with AGFA, BASF, and EMTEC. They want assurances we will continue the analog product. And our job is to create that comfort level that RMGI is here to stay.

I know there have been some issues with earlier reels of tape....what's the latest?

RMGI expected some initial issues with the move from Germany to Holland, and we have had some issues. But to their credit RMGI has been extremely responsive to our problems here in North America. They have made the necessary corrections to the product and the current inventory is performing to the high level we all had expected. There are still isolated issues, but we are dealing with them as quickly as we are aware of them. And would ask users to contact us immediately if any problem, no matter how small crops up.

Different markets are using the different formulations...what tapes are being used in your main markets?

The SM900 has been the main product of choice in the studios, as it was when it was produced by EMTEC. The SM911, which is the equivalent of the discontinued 456, has had a resounding increase in sales. And even the original AGFA 468 has been getting new users to its fold. But SM900 is still the major player in the analog world. How is the current supply in the U.S.? Our first inventory levels were based on a shared market with Quantegy. So, we were caught a little short with their discontinuation, but we again have had excellent support from RMGI. Along with an increase in our ship containers, they have been shipping by air critical product to us when needed. We seem to be working on a JIT (just in time) inventory, but we fully intend to have at least a 30+ day inventory of all required product for our dealers. We are getting close, but not quite there as yet. Demand has been intense for 1/2" product, and we are working hard to maintain inventory for immediate release.

Any parting comments?

I can't say enough about the dealers and clients positive attitude with all the changes in the analog market the last few months. We hope everyone understands we are doing all we can to satisfy all concerned. And we hope that with a little patience from all we will get back to a stable market. Where one can order, receive and record on the analog product and concentrate on just making music.

Thanks Doug for taking some time with us. We are looking forward to supplying studios and musicians with RMG...long live analog!