Teac A-3300S - Level Setting; Setting the Recording Level; Setting the Playback Level

Level Setting
Correct level setting of the MIC and LINE Input Controls
will assure full frequency response, maximum dynamic
range, minimum amount of tape noise and the least possible
distortion in your recorded tape. This is based upon the
nature of magnetic recording tape which has a useable re¬
cording range as shown in the chart below.
Saturation
Useable
Range
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i
T U V u
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v u
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•aU V u
-40 VU
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V U
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. Noise
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Useable
Range
Conventional Tape Low Noise/High Output Tape
When the input level (an audio signal of a specified voltage)
is very low or weak, it must compete with the hiss and
noise always present at the same low level on the tape.
Stronger input levels are recorded above this tape noise and
tend to cover or “mask” it so you hear only the desired
sound during playback. If the input level is too high, it
enters the region shown at the top of the chart, which
represents the limits of the tape. The result it known as
“saturation distortion”, and is heard as a garbled or harsh
sound. The dynamic range available is found between this
distortion at the high end and the noise at the low end. As
the chart also shows, there is a difference between
recording tape. The tape on the left is representative of
conventional or normal recording tape. To the right is the
improved kind of low noise/high output tape.
Input Level Controls (MIC and LINE) are used to match
the strength of the input signal to the requirements of the
tape. If the input signal is a little too strong, these controls
must be adjusted to reduce it to prevent distortion. If the
signal is a little too weak, the controls must be set to
increase the preamplification for raising the signal above the
tape's noise level. Of these two limits, the distortion caused
by high level inputs is used as a reference for setting the
controls. Generally speaking, the shaded area at the upper
(right side) of the VU meters’ scale indicates that distortion
levels are being approached. This area begins at 0 VU.
During quiet portions, the meters indicate almost no signal.
As the ideal is to record all these different parts of the
program without distortion of the loud parts or losing the
purity on the quieter parts, the recording level must
consider both limits.
Setting the Recording Level
a. Begin recording with the MIC and LINE Input Level
Controls at the 9 o’clock position or below. If the input
is only from microphones, keep the LINE Controls fully
to MIN. If only LINE Inputs are used, keep the MIC
control fully to MIN. Use SOURCE Monitor.
b. Gradually raise the level by turning the controls clock¬
wise while observing the Meters. (Friction coupling
moves both channels’ controls simultaneously.)
c. Stop raising the level when either channel indicates
slightly over 0 VU on the loudest passages.
d. If there is more than 1 or 2 VU difference between
channels, hold the knob for the high-reading channel
stationary, and increase the low-reading channel to the
same level. Balance the channels to the same peak
reference levels.
e. Generally speaking, you should not re-set the level unless
the Meters indicate too low or too high as follows:
1. After changing records or sources.
2. During a selection, if the meter goes excessively into
the red area, the level should be reset and the
recording should be restarted using the new level
setting.
3. While monitoring off the tape during recording, the
level should be raised if soft, quieter passages are
covered by tape hiss.
f. If you must reduce or change the level while recording,
move the controls slowly and gradually to prevent
sudden changes in the recording. These changes would
be heard as an annoying jump or drop during playback.
Setting the Playback Level
The OUTPUT Level Control regulates the audio level to
your stereo amplifier and also the listening level to your
headphone, allowing you to monitor the level and quality
of the sound fed to the amplifier. When listening through
an amplifier, it is best to have the tape deck’s output
approximately the same as the original recording level.
a. Set the MONITOR Switch to TAPE.
b. Set the OUTPUT Level Control to approximately the 2
o’clock position.
c. Begin Playback by depressing the ► Button.
d. Adjust the OUTPUT Level Control so that the loudest
passages on the tape indicate approximately 0 VU.
e. Make all listening volume adjustments (for loud speaker
output) by changing the stereo amplifier’s volume
controls.
f. Further changes to the OUTPUT Level Control are not
needed unless the VU Meter pointers greatly exceed
ovu.