Teac A-2340 - Skillful Setting of Recording Level

SKILLFUL SETTING OF RECORDING LEVEL
Two important factors are required in a good sound tape. A properly recorded
tape should provide a broad frequency response with a minimum of noise and
distortion. Although the frequency response is actually determined by the
tape deck performance characteristics and quality of the tape used, variation
of the recording level has a great affect on the end result.
In order to make a recording with mimimum noise, it is desirable to record
at the highest possible level just before distortion is introduced. Even
then it is not always necessary to record at the maximum volume level of the
music or to maintain the level meter indication at the dividing line between
the red and black zone (0 VU). It must be kept in mind that any tape will
suddenly increase in distortion, and recording sensitivity of the high notes
will slightly decrease when the recording level exceeds a certain point.
For this reason, a standard level of 0 dB is established with an ample margin of
safety taken into consideration. In actuality, it is best to become fully
acquainted with the performance of the tape and the deck you are using before
determining the operating level.
Experimentation while using the "monitor" feature will quickly acquaint you
with the best recording level for the type tape you are using.
Relation of noise to recording tape
Regular tape Low noise tape
Level meter reading Saturation point of tape
Standard i ;
= 10 cevel ; The inherent noise level is low
; in the tape itself of a low norse
Dynamic Range tape compared to conventional
standard types and moreover,
: since the saturation point 1s
an ie slightly higher, the recording
Residual sé of level can thus be raised by the
rae 4 tape and amplifier |: 224: ag Same amount