Analogue Production / Tape Project tape playback

[preilauskas]

Hi,
I am new and proud owner of a refurbished Revox B77 (15ips / 2 track).
Right now I have a few test tapes, which were recorded by the seller, so I just have to listen to something, but I feel the need and want to check The real Deal - 15ips master tapes.
My Revox is calibrated to RTM SM911 tape. Since I'm new, I really don't understand if calibration to specific tape matters only for recording or also for playback. That means, if, let'say, I buy 15ips tape from Tape Project or Analogue Productions - will it play correctly, or I need to know the specific tape model in which you recorded and I need to recalibrate my machine?
Thanks in advance, and please don't judge me - I'm new to Reel to Reel

 

[astrotoy]

Tape calibration is for recording, not playback. You do need to have the proper equalization for playback. In the case of Tape Project and Analogue Productions (and just about all of the newer 15ips 2 track commercial tapes) the EQ is IEC (also known as CCIR). If you are playing older 7.5ips commercial tapes, those are almost always NAB EQ. I don't own any Revox or Studer machines, so I don't know whether the various versions have switchable EQ.

Larry

 

[Foxbat]

The EQ type of the particular machine is printed on the white label next to the power connector. As Larry said, most present day vendors use the IEC, but some still will do NAB, and some - specifically, UltraAnalogue - actually prefer it.

So first find out what your deck is, and then order accordingly, as there is no switch on B77.

 

[Pacha]

There are some after market boards for the B77/PR99 that offer switchable EQ for record and playback.

Audvance Audio

Amplification with the most natural and uncoloured sound imaginable

audvance.com

I hope posting the web site is okay?

 

[Robert Young]

I have recently ordered one of the boards and a front panel NAB/IEC switch from Audvance for my 15ips/2-track B77. Will report on it once it's been installed!

 

[Bruce B]

Tape calibration is for recording, not playback. You do need to have the proper equalization for playback.

I totally disagree with this statement. When I receive a new tape, Yes... EQ..... AND speed, levels and azimuth, according to the tones. It makes a world of difference... you go from good sounding tape to Euphoria.....

Don't let anyone tell you different.....

 

[jonathanhorwich]

I totally disagree with this statement. When I receive a new tape, Yes... EQ..... AND speed, levels and azimuth, according to the tones. It makes a world of difference... you go from good sounding tape to Euphoria.....

Don't let anyone tell you different.....

Bruce, normal tape listeners won't take the trouble (if they even know how) to adjust Azimuth for each tape though it is ideal. I only do that for a tape I'm producing. But listening for pleasure I don't go through that much just to enjoy. You're right it makes a difference sometimes but most including myself won't go that far in throwing a tape on the deck. And I have found many of the tones on tapes not accurate or matching my decks as to volume. Might just be me. Hope this helps.

 

[Bruce B]

Bruce, normal tape listeners won't take the trouble (if they even know how) to adjust Azimuth for each tape though it is ideal. And I have found many of the tones on tapes not accurate or matching my decks as to volume. Might just be me. Hope this helps.

I want the best playback and not cut corners...

The tones are for the tape you're playing... not the deck!

 

[jonathanhorwich]

I want the best playback and not cut corners...

The tones are for the tape you're playing... not the deck!

Got it and thanks.

 

[astrotoy]

Bruce, thanks. However in my experience, the vast majority of prerecorded commercial tapes don't have test tones. A few have 1Khz tones.

 

[dminches]

I totally disagree with this statement. When I receive a new tape, Yes... EQ..... AND speed, levels and azimuth, according to the tones. It makes a world of difference... you go from good sounding tape to Euphoria.....

Don't let anyone tell you different.....

Bruce, when you have some free time (ha ha), it would be great if you could make a video of how to calibrate azimuth using test tones.

 

[microstrip]

Bruce, thanks. However in my experience, the vast majority of prerecorded commercial tapes don't have test tones. A few have 1Khz tones.

If you use an oscilloscope to see both channels output phase a 1KHz tone is good enough to align the azimuth.

 

[Bruce B]

If you use an oscilloscope to see both channels output phase a 1KHz tone is good enough to align the azimuth.

Yes.... but 10k would be even better!!