Dear All,
As far as I can see recording from digital masters is the only sensible way forward for consistent tapes.
We tried making a digital M400 but rejected it on the grounds that it sounded wrong when playing multiple notes. We also found that reproduction of Fairlight sounds were better than from a digital sampler (which is ironic).
Other reasons such as the unique way that even the same note will be slightly different on each playing have been pointed out in previous posts.
Norm