High pitch at 7 1/2 ips.

[afinepoint]

Heres a problem maybe someone can answer. I am recording at 15 ips - I have to. The reason is that at 7 1/2 there is a noticable high pitch sound mainly in the right channel. I have tried altering the position of cables, microphone placement, input levels, and tape settings but can not eliminate it. The tape I am using is Quantegy 457 or 456 - I have to look it up and the heads were demagnitized. I want to keep the tape moving at the higher speeds for good frequency response. The open reel is a Technics 1500US.

The microphone is an AT 822 powered mic. The pre-amp is an AudioBuddy. The source is live violin.

Sincerely,

Reg

 

[ssscientist]

Did you get that deck cleaned and calibrated after you bought it? I read thru the three pages in the microphones forum and couldn't find anything there about that very important step...

The problem you are having could be from any number of things from calibration problems to magnetic buildup to dirty tape heads. Analog tape decks can be wonderful things if they get the proper care - without it, they deteriorate quite quickly.

 

[afinepoint]

SS,

The heads are clean and demagitized. The tape is new. The deck was serviced some time ago but not calibrated to my knowledge. I have asked around and callibration has not been a prominent concern. It is hard enough to find someone who can do basic service on these machines. The closest "expert" is 800 miles away. This machine is too big too heavy and too old to risk another long trip.

Since calibration has been brought up once more I will again look around for someone closer.

At least the higher speed works which is a good thing. Having the 15 ips OOC would be like having the top gears broken in your sports car.

Thank you for your advice. I will try to find someone in this city who knows about/how to calibrate open reel recorders.

Should you care you can read the long version of my project titled "Which mic to buy?" in the microphones forum.

Reg