For a truly portable (as opposed to 'transportable') recorder, I  
concur with others that the Ampex 601 might be adequate.

A machine to absolutely avoid would be the Ampex PR-10.  (A later  
version whose model number I cannot recall was manufactured with  
'solid-state' electronics.)  My experience is that even with a great  
deal of care lavished upon it, one could not be made to pull tape past  
the heads in a stable fashion.

In my opinion, a Nagra IV represents THE golden age in analog  
recording.  Through the 1980s, NPR engineers often used them (and even  
more frequently their mic preamps) when making studio recordings.


-Jan Andrews

==========

On 7 Mar 2009, at 17:20, Mahern, Paul Cantwell wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
>
> I have a client that is looking for a vintage tube powered open reel  
> tape machine that is in good enough condition to take on the road  
> and make recordings for his next record. A full track 1/4 inch would  
> be best. Does anyone know of someone who sells or rents these in top  
> condition . This is a major recording artist that is looking to make  
> a record with one microphone and a tape deck.
>
> Very Best,
>
> Paul Mahern