Simul-sync volume Too Low

[SteveM]

Does anyone know what would cause the volume to be so much lower in simulsync position compared to normal playback position? There is no mention of setting it up the simul-sync playback in the manual AT ALL. I have this problem on my 3340 which is 3 heads.

Also, when it's in simul-sync, are you then monitoring off the record head for the time delay? I used to know how that worked but I've forgotten.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

I believe the lower level was set up to help minimize the effect of adjacent channel bleed through and feedback when over-dubbing. TASCAM didn't truly address that issue until the newer 30 series recorders came out which offered a fuller level of fidelity while overdubbing.

And yes, while overdubbing, you are working off the record head, otherwise the time delay off the repro head would throw off your timing on playback.

Cheers!

 

[SteveM]

Thanks Jeff!

They must have improved it soon after that. This is the a3340 and even my 2340sx has a louder simul-sync than this does. But as a deck it sounds great.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Thanks Jeff!

They must have improved it soon after that. This is the a3340 and even my 2340sx has a louder simul-sync than this does. But as a deck it sounds great.

True! The a3340 was a great sounding deck! I used to own one before I moved on to my 8 and 16 track decks, the 38 and MS16.

About the level difference between the two, I seem to remember that the 2340SX was a 7.5 ips deck and as such, they may have been able to squeeze a bit more sync level out of it because of the slower speed not producing as strong a signal in regard to the nwb/m spec. Not 100% sure about that though.

Cheers!

 

[rickb]

Have you noticed a big loss in sync from previous usage of the deck or has it always been that way? I ask as the 3340 series is a wonderful deck...but the sync function playback was less than stellar. My experience with the deck, granted back in the 70's, the sync playback fidelity was degraded and output in sync was pretty low…pretty much inherent with the deck. Sync function is essential however for monitoring recorded tracks while laying down the next track(s) because the record head on the tracks selected did function as playback, keeping the tacks in "sync" so Ghost is right on there. Very low output and poor fidelity overall is what you should expect, but hey anything, regardless of the sync fidelity, to multi-track at home is awesome. Essentially, you can hear the recorded tracks when switched into sync mode via the headblock switches, but with poor output and fidelity. Turn the deck’s output control knobs up to monitor in your headphone sync cue feeds or ride your mixer faders to cue higher. The lack of fidelity can't be overcome unfortunately. As more advances in the electronics were subsequently incorporated over time, particularly with the later Tascam multi-track machines, the fidelity/output in sync increased dramatically. The 30 series Tascam units use the same heads for record and playback so level/fidelity is really the same regardless of mode. Many Tascam 38 users actually mix down in sync mode from the record head vs. utilizing the payback head so what went on tape is picked up by the same head and therefore minimizes tracking errors, etc. I'd keep on tracking with the deck, deal with the sync issues and enjoy the results with the fantastic machine you have. BTW...with the individual switchable channel modes on the 3340, you can select the channels independently for sync or playback, something that can’t be done on the Tascam 22-4 or 30 series. We did some cool slap-backs and echos on the 3340 with a Model 2 mixer by manipulating/patching the 3340/Model 2 inputs/outputs and riding the mixer faders for those effects, sometime even bringing in the recorded channels, being careful as we could for massive feedback loops!…another story (the Tascam 22 and 30 series can do this on the initial track but not on subsequent). So, wish I still had a 3340, experiment and enjoy!

RB

 

[SteveM]

Thanks Rickb for the feedback. I love the sound of this deck. I've had the 38 and I prefer this one. The sync is ridiculously low though. As of late I've been trying it with dbx with wonderful results, better than the 38 (to me) but it becomes even more of a problem because of the interaction of the dbx with the level so low in sync. It's still workable I'll just have to crank it up. I actually bought this non-working and got it working so I never knew it before this to see any degradation. I also have a slight problem with the erasing if you know anything about how to remedy that. There's more of an impression left after erase on this deck than any other I've had. I've calibrated it a few time and it seems to get better but still not as good as I'd like it. I can still work with it.