braxus
05-21-2008, 08:36 PM
I started using the current production of Maxell XL-II tapes. Mine are 90 minute. Anyway I've noticed a few things with it. The tape inside seems like its thinner then older production (same tape as 100 minute maybe?) as it doesn't wrap around as much as before. Also I had a few dropout sections in the tape while recording. And speaking of that my bias level was always at 2 oclock with these tapes. Now the current version is at 10 oclock which means its a totally different tape and it doesn't take the record level as high since it distorts much sooner now. Not impressed. We all know how cheap the shell is. And even the case is cheaper. Maxell had always had a circular protrusion for the hubs, now its just a thin chunk of plastic. I hear from Maxell it won't be long before this tape is totally discontinued around the world.
Speaking of recording- when recording with Dolby Off, how high in levels do people get before distortion sets in on high energy music? I was barely able to get up to -2db on my meters. Normally on chrome with Dolby S I can go up to 2 to 4 db. Im aware turning Dolby Off is more demanding on tapes, but is this normal to be 6 db down compared to Dolby on?
Lets also note the XL-II days are numbered as if not already is close to being discontinued.
Speaking of recording- when recording with Dolby Off, how high in levels do people get before distortion sets in on high energy music? I was barely able to get up to -2db on my meters. Normally on chrome with Dolby S I can go up to 2 to 4 db. Im aware turning Dolby Off is more demanding on tapes, but is this normal to be 6 db down compared to Dolby on?
Lets also note the XL-II days are numbered as if not already is close to being discontinued.