# MaraTapeCal — Mara Machines Tape Calibration

> Automated analog tape machine calibration guide with visual aids. (iPhone/iPad app by Chris Mara.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maratapecal/id1397567357 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Chris Mara](https://appshunter.io/developer/1397567356)
- Category: Reference, Music
- Price: $24.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.1 · 172 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-07-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-15
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maratapecal/id1397567357/reviews.md

## What is MaraTapeCal?

MaraTapeCal makes calibrating an analog tape machine fast and easy. Learn how to calibrate an analog tape machine just like the Mara Machines technicians do!  Offered by Mara Machines (the authority on MCI tape machine restoration) MaraTapeCal is a step by step guide to calibrating analog tape machines of all types.  Simply answer questions about tape formulation, tape speed and MRL reference level, then the app automatically calculates bias level and elevation level taking out the guesswork or confusing charts.  
In app purchases include ‘personal shopper’ links to the same equipment Mara Machine technicians use.

You’ll be a pro in no time with MaraTapeCal!

-step by step guide made for beginners and seasoned pros alike
-photos of actual tape machines that highlight which buttons to push
-photos of actual tape machines that highlight which pot to adjust
-in depth alignment technique that will allow your tape machine to sound it’s best
-quick alignment ‘touch up’ option between full calibrations
- Personal Shopper available via in-app purchase to help you quickly source calibration tools if you need help finding them

## Key features

- Step-by-step calibration guide
- Visual aids with photos
- Automatic bias and elevation calculation
- In-depth alignment techniques
- Quick alignment touch-up option
- Personal shopper for equipment

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $24.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Personal Shopper | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maratapecal/id1397567357/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Complete and utter rip off

*2026-06-05*

States it can help you set up any analogue machine. Not true. Instructions are vague. Top half of instructions fall outside of my phone screen boundary. Absolutely insane why did I just spend money on this. Please for the love of god.

### 5/5 — MCI Alignment App!

*2022-07-31*

I can’t believe I only just discovered this app! Thank you so much for creating such a useful studio reference tool!

### 5/5 — Great Record / Repro Level Calibration Procedure Reference

*2020-08-28*

The Mara Tape Cal app is an easy quick reference for calibrating MCI and other pro analog tape machines. I use it to calibrate the correct input and output record levels for recording at 30ips on ATR Mastering Tape. This app provides clear step by step instruction on the analog tape record and playback level calibration procedure for pro tape machines.

### 5/5 — This is a Huge Help

*2020-08-03*

I am still somewhat new to the world of tape machines and this app make the process so much easier.  It walks you through each step and includes pictures and videos of actions need to get your machine calibrated.

### 5/5 — MaraTapeCal App

*2020-07-23*

I love this app. It saves me tons of time and money. I can now quickly and accurately align my analog tape machine in half the time it use to take me. It also has been a great teaching tool as the more I use the app the more I understand how my tape machines works and how to best align
It. In addition, the importance of keeping my tape machine properly aligned, to improve the fidelity of my recordings, cannot be overstated. The app does just that. A must for anyone who has a tape machine who wants a return on their investment.

### 1/5 — $25 for some inaccurate pictures

*2019-06-03*

Please don’t make something an app that doesn’t need to be. And don’t charge $25 for it - it comes off as greedy. My assistant and intern have to buy it just to calibrate my tape machine. That’s $75 right there. What? I paid ~ $6k for my machine, so it’s be cool if you just had a little PDF on your site. 

The fact the app is inaccurate is maddening. The pics are wrong and not my machine at all. It makes the calibration process more confusing - defeating the purpose of the app. 👎🏻

**Developer response:** t stu,

Sorry to hear you're disappointed. Our feedback on the app's price has been very positive.  The app saves users hundreds of dollars in technician fees and allows an interactive step by step guide to calibrating a tape machine.  The user inputs (tape speed, MRL, etc) that tailor each calibration walk through cannot be offered in a PDF.  We split the photos between the two Mara Machine models we offer, and there are in-app videos to explain this.   Most people have been thrilled at how simple the app is to use, and its value.  Perhaps try it again!

### 5/5 — Really Needed This

*2018-06-30*

Very well done and very clear instructions. I have an MCI JH110 so this will come in very handy. Unfortunately there is no sound on the video so hopefully Chris Mara will see this review and will have that fixed.

## Frequently asked questions about MaraTapeCal

### What is MaraTapeCal?

MaraTapeCal is a reference application designed to guide users through the process of calibrating analog tape machines. It offers step-by-step instructions and automatic calculations to simplify complex adjustments.

### How does MaraTapeCal calculate calibration levels?

MaraTapeCal automatically calculates bias and elevation levels by taking user input on tape formulation, tape speed, and MRL reference level. This removes the need for manual chart interpretation.

### Is MaraTapeCal suitable for beginners?

Yes, MaraTapeCal is designed for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The step-by-step guide and visual aids make it accessible for those new to tape machine calibration.

### Can I purchase equipment through MaraTapeCal?

Yes, MaraTapeCal offers a 'personal shopper' feature through in-app purchases. This allows users to find and purchase the same equipment used by Mara Machines technicians.

### What devices does MaraTapeCal support?

MaraTapeCal is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### What is the price of MaraTapeCal?

MaraTapeCal is a paid application priced at $24.99.

### How often is MaraTapeCal updated?

The latest version of MaraTapeCal is 1.06, and it was last updated on July 25, 2018. The app was initially released on July 25, 2018.

### Does MaraTapeCal have ads?

No, MaraTapeCal does not contain advertisements.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.06 — 2018-07-25

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

"Personal Shopper" in app purchase available to help you quickly source our preferred tools for aligning your tape machine.

### 1.04 — 2018-06-13

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-15.*