recording level vs. EQ curve

[Muckelroy]

Random tip I learned today-

Because of the nature of magnetic tape, the closer you get to 0dB while recording, the more the high end rolls off, and the more the low-end gets emphasized.

With a properly aligned deck, this effect starts to become audible at about minus 7 or 8dB on the meters.

So, for instruments that consist of nothing but sibilant high end (tamborines, hi-hats, wind chimes, what-have-you etc.) try not to let it peak over -10dB while tracking. That'll keep the tape coloration at a minimum, to avoid a "honky" sounding artifact, in instruments that aren't supposed to sound "honky" or warm.

There may be extra noise, but who says you have to slam the tape every time?

[Kasey]

very, very interesting tip - thank you!