Any Real Need For NAB equilization?

[Jazzbo]

Good morning all,

I'm not sure about this question but I have to ask. Is there really a need for NAB eq since all of the major company's now producing reel to reel tape music make these tapes at 15ips with IEC eq. Are there any instances where the NAB eq would sound better? Thank you all for your great and informative responses.

Jazzbo

 

[Bruce B]

I would say most of the studio recordings done in the US in the 60's and 70's have NAB EQ. Yes now, since the Tape Project got rolling, most of the new releases are done in IEC/CCIR. It just all depends on what format you'll be listening to.

In a studio setting where I don't know what will be walking through the front door, I have to be prepared for anything.

 

[Asamel]

I've been told that it is best to copy in the EQ that the original tape is in. I order Ultraanalog tapes in NAB. They are available in either EQ however.

 

[Jazzbo]

Hello again gentleman and thank you for your comments. I don't know what came over me. It dawned on me that 9 or so years back when I first got a tape deck, I began purchasing 7 inch reels off Ebay. I collected about 100 tapes, but 90% of them had sticky shed problems or curled edges. Bottom line, they all had problems in some way. Eventually I realized I did now want to do the work (baking, cleaning, etc) so I trashed them. How I forgot about that episode I'll never know. Never-the-less I should have realized some of us (reel to reel tape lovers) do have some of the older stuff. Also, I now understand that newer company's producing reel to reel tapes also make some available with NAB eq. I do have 2 more questions. Has anyone been able to compare tapes produced using NAB/IEC and heard the difference? If so, was the difference major one way or the other?. Thanks all.

jazzbo

 

[Bruce B]

The major difference is the bass boost of NAB. Other than that, they are the same. I just like IEC/CCIR because it sounds better. Too much bass and some music can get muddy with no life.

HERE'S a good explanation

 

[RogerD]

I listen to the 'old stuff' all the time and it is recorded with NAB. I think the muddy bass can sometimes be an issue,but that's why I voice all my stuff and bass is well controlled and very articulate.

 

[Jazzbo]

Good Tuesday morning Bruce B and thank you for responding to my last questions. I was sure there was a difference but did not know what it was. I appreciate sir.

jazzbo

 

[Asamel]

I've also been told that you can play tapes with the wrong EQ and there is little noticeable difference. I'm sure that is considered heresy but it depends on your system and your ear. I prefer to have the proper EQ for the proper tape. You can try for a pure IEC library pretty easily these days and if you should want NAB down the line there are ways to add it.

 

[Jazzbo]

Good Tuesday afternoon Asamel,
Thanks for this comment sir. I sought of figured there might not be a massive difference between the 2 EQ's but was not sure how much of a difference there would be.

jazzbo

 

[Asamel]

Thanks Jazzbo for posting to the RtR forum with thought provoking questions!

 

[Jazzbo]

Asamel I want to thank you and all here who take the time to respond to our basic question as well as sharing your experiences with us. I have no problems admitting I am still very anxious to learn and you guys are gracious enough to teach.

Jazzbo

 

[Jazzbo]

Bruce B, I want to thank you for keeping this simple for me. I had no idea that the difference is as simple as you state. Thanks so much.

jazzbo

 

[Bruce B]

Bruce B, I want to thank you for keeping this simple for me. I had no idea that the difference is as simple as you state. Thanks so much.

jazzbo

My pleasure!