Levels to tape

  • Thread starter Thread starter man-bot
  • Start date Start date
man-bot said:
My test tape is 250 nWb. To set up for +6 operation I need to put the test tape on and set the repro level to -3 when reproducing the 1kHz tone. I have always set to 0vu off the text tape as I i was running 406.
Click to expand...

Not exactly. Test tape only sets the output level for reproducing. You want to adjust the output to show 0VU when reproducing level-set tone from your test tape, not -3VU. Don't do anything different with the test tape.

The more important stage for what we are doing here is where you set the record level. Record level calibration comes last after input/meter calibration, repro level and eq, bias tuning/trap adjustments (not usually necessary), and bias level set in that order.

Once you have calibrated the meters of the MS16 to register 0VU when inputting a +4dBu 1kHz signal (1.23V AC), and you have calibrated the reproduce level set tone from the test tape to register 0VU on the meters, then you do the record level calibration to register, what? Yes...0VU on the meters. Everything should be at 0VU. You are basically doing the factory specified calibration procedure (0VU registers for +4dBu input at 1kHz, and 1kHz level set tone reproduced from a 250nWb/m test tape). What's the difference then? What's special about what you are trying? The factory procedure assumes a +6 tape. You are using a +3 tape, the 406. Everything you send to tape is 3dB closer to that tape's maximum operating level (MOL...the level at which test tone produces 3% harmonic distortion i.e. analog shizzle) as compared to what you would have if you had a +6 tape loaded. On top of that I suggested setting peaks (assuming no dbx being used) at +3 to +6VU. Those meters are averaging meters. You should have peak program material saturating the tape producing harmonic distortion.
 
OK - I get what you have so kindly laid out for me about 95%. Where I'm stuck is that 250nWb/m correlates to a +3 operating level does it not? At the moment I have my machine setup exactly as you outline above.

For +6 operation would I not put the test tape on (which is 250 nWb/m) and set repro and sync levels to -3?

Beyond that everything else is as you outline above.
 
Common misconception: standard fluxivity setup for a +6 tape is NOT at +6 (320nWb/m). Standard setup is 3dB less than the tape's rated Standard Operating Level (SOL). Yes I know "SOL" stands for something else. Industry standard is to setup the machine for 0VU and fluxivity at -3dB of the SOL for the given tape. 250nWb/m is the standard fluxivity for +6 tape. 170nWb/m is the standard for +3 tape.
 
OK - thanks!

Essentially my machine is set up for +6 then and I've been running +3 tape... so no changes there.

I appreciate all the time spent here - thanks for the help.
 
That's exactly right.

So hit the levels higher and see what you get. If you like higher peaks then you can go back through the level calibration so 0VU represents YOUR 0VU.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top