I have to disagree on the correct method for azimuth. In my opinion there is only one reliable method for any recorder with more than 1 track. That is to use a dual trace oscilloscope in the normal mode, and display two channels, one on each trace. Then adjust azimuth so that the two waveforms line up. Using level alone only works on a mono machine. The level method can result in the phase performance being compromised. Note that in record mode, the record head azimuth if done in selsync, and the azimuth if recording through the machine and replaying, can be different, as the level of bias on each channel can affect where on the recording head the recording process takes place. Also note that reproduce eq will affect azimuth setting. Thats why the process of alignment should be repeated until all factors line up correctly, azimuth, 1 K level, and high frequency level. On a multitrack machine, there can be errors in the way the head is manufactured, so azimuth should be checked on multiple tracks. Just using track 1 and track 24 on a 24 track is not sufficient.