Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    Money was not the object, although the metal tape I used for Commusic
    IV did cost about 3 times as much as the XL-IIS.
    
    The metal tape records a higher dynamic range, but since most of
    the submissions were coming in on chrome and ALL of the copies were on
    chrome, the higher dynamic range was wasted.
    
    The choice of the XL-IIS was mostly influenced by the operation of my
    dubbing deck.  Most dubbing decks require that both tapes be of the
    same type (TYPE I, II and IV).  I choose the XL-IIS because it has
    the same fine bias adjustment as an XL-II, it's readily available,
    it's inexpensive, and I've had good experience with them.
    
    For *my* masters, I use my Betamax (HiFi video).
    
    	db
    deck.  Most dubbing decks require the 

    
    I agree w/ db...use VCR's for masters whenever possible.
    
    Otherwise, I like the Denon HD-8 cassette's for master's better
    than the XL-IIS's.
    
    CHeck em out, can't hurt.

    This month's issue of Consumer Reports has tape ratings as well as a
    good explanation of what they mean.
    
    Be careful looking at those charts they use though.  You have to bear
    in mind that things are not listed strictly in quality order, but
    rather in "best buy" order. 
    
    For example, a very good low cost tape might be rated higher than
    an excellent expensive tape.  However, for most people, the expense
    of a master tape is insignificant.  If you spend 50 hours working on a
    piece, are you really gonna compromise quality to save a buck or two
    on a master tape?  So you wanna look for the tape with the highest
    performance parameters.
    
    If I remember correctly, the best performing tapes were TDK SACs for 
    TYPE II tapes, and the Sony brand for TYPE IV tapes.  Those TDKs are
    also a good bargain, not much more than Maxell's typically.  
    
    The Sony metal tape however, was the most expensive tape rated, but
    even so, it was at the top of the list, which must mean that the extra
    money is "worth it".
    
    The article includes a good explanation of the bias fine tune
    adjustment.  How to set it, what to listen for, etc.  I made some
    experiments; the difference is small, but noticeable if you're looking
    for it on regular music.  If you're recording FM noise (what you use
    to calibrate for a particular tape), the difference is rather obvious.
    
    BTW, the deck used to make the Commusic tapes has really a good one.
    It has just about everything available to optimize recording including
    fine bias adjustment, HX Pro (which even the revered Nach dragon does
    not have), direct dubbing, etc.
    
    I very carefully compared the "test press" copy of Commusic V to the
    originals.   Unlike in Commusic IV, I'm unlikely to accept much blame
    for problems in the audio (and of course some have been mentioned).
    
    Generally speaking they sounded very close and problems in the
    submission tape were faithfully replicated on the test press.
    Now, it would seem that my deck distorts on PLAYBACK faster than
    some of the submittors decks (mine starts distorting at about +3 
    db, about where it should with Dolby NR).  Thus tapes recorded at
    higher levels may have played fine on your deck, but probably won't
    on many others decks.
    
    For future reference, let me recommend that submissions be recorded
    such that the peaks are at about +2 db, even if your deck can playback
    more signal without distorting.  
    
    BTW, this is not a "counter-attack" to people who have criticized the
    quality of the Commusic tapes.  I encourage such criticism, and I don't
    take it "personally" since I never sensed any such criticism was
    intended that way.  This  is merely my perception of what's going on,
    intended to be of use to future submittors.
    
    	db

    Yup, db, I have learned about the distortion problem and I have
    repented ... My Commusic VI submission(s) will be recorded at about
    0 dB versus +3 dB like ah done before.  It was good to learn this
    lesson before starting to put my album together ...
    
    Steve_who_wishes_he_had_started_with_Sony_metal_now_but_who's_using_
    IIS_and_thinks_it_sounds_pretty_good_on_his_deck_anyway

    I heard that Nakamichi tapes were on the market.  Has anyone used
    them and what is your opinion of them compared to the standards?
    
    Errol

    I once tried a Nak metal "reference standard" C-90...
    
    {yawn}
    
    ...not overly impressed, especially at the price. SA-X and UDXL-II
    do me just fine...
    
    Edd

    I have a few of the Nak metal tapes.  They're expensive and (IMO)
    aren't worth the money compared to BASF Metal.  I pretty much have
    standardized on BASF Chrome for cassettes.
    
    If you want good sound and cheap media at the same time, go for any
    decent video tape in a HiFi Stereo VCR.  Only problem is you can't play
    them in your car :-). 
    

    
    	any recommendations on a good VHS tape? While i experienced
    much broader freq response (especially at low-end) when mastering
    to my VHS (Fischer-Hi-fi, medium priced), too-much hisssss.
    
    					bs

    My recommendation is save your money.
    
    I personally don't think there's all that much difference between
    the respectable familiar (TDK, Sony, FUJI, MAXELL, Scotch, etc.)
    brands of video tape when it comes to AUDIO quality.  (Video quality is
    another uninteresting story - the main difference being dropouts.)
    
    However, if you want to "spare no expense", I'd recommend a short
    length (i.e. < T-120) Sony Pro-X.  Only place I know of that stocks
    it is Tower Records in Boston.
    
    I bought a Pro-X tape for my own mastering purposes.  My output
    is so small that I can afford to splurge on mastering tape.
    
    	db

    
    	well, i went back and looked at the owners manual and noticed
    that hi-fi was not only lower case, but in fine print. So, low-fi,
    cheap tape, and hi-hiss. rats!!
    
         i seldom venture east of lkg anymore so pro-x is out. thanx
    for the info!  BTW, is it too late to obtain commusic iv?
    
    				bs

I just picked up JVC's latest HiFi VHS deck (claims 90db+ S/N) and was 
wondering if there's been any recent improvements in VHS tape technology
(audio improvements specifically).  Db, still recommend the Sony Pro-X?  
How much $$$ and is there any place more local to Nashua that carries them now?
Any other suggestions anyone?

Dan

    A Consumer Reports tape test recommended the Scotch pro grade tape
    as the best for VHS HiFi audio recording.  I don't know how highly
    you regard CR recommendations (they consistently blast my Nikons,
    which I would die for...), but that's what they claim.
    
    Anybody know where it's possible to buy pro grade tape (in the "greater
    Maynard area)?  I can't find the stuff anywhere, in any brand, and
    am on the verge of mailordering a case of it.
    
    len (who's gone 14-bit PCM anyway).