Half Speed

[speakerman1]

What speed should I record at? If faster is better why do I pay more for LPs recorded at half speed?

[niklasthedolphin]

I quote from somewhere on the net now:

"- Half Speed Mastering. Half speed mastering refers to the speed of mastering the original recording onto the master lacquer, which is then used to make the masters that press each LP. Many standard LPs are mastered at standard speed, which means that the master tape moves at the same speed as the original recording session and the master lacquer moves at 33 1/3 rpm. In contrast, it is also possible to run each of these machines at half speed. As a result, there is twice as much time for the cutting stylus to cut every possible detail and delicate groove modulation, resulting in LPs where you can hear details and nuances on your favourite albums that you never heard before. Furthermore, mastering at half speed uses less power and as a result the cutting head amplifiers use only one fourth as much power, resulting in much greater head room, better dynamic range, frequency response and lower distortion. This is another reason why resulting audiophile LPs can sound much closer to the sound of the original recording in comparison to standard LPs."

It's easier than explaining myself.
;-)

"dolph"

[speakerman1]

I just recorded a cd @ 7.5 and got distortion at my peaks; but when i recorded @ 3.75 i didn't have the distortion. why?

[niklasthedolphin]

I just recorded a cd @ 7.5 and got distortion at my peaks; but when i recorded @ 3.75 i didn't have the distortion. why?

Good question.
I can't for certain say why since I was not presently involved in the gig, but I asume it has something to do with input level and maybe in combo with the frequency response at the two different speeds.

"dolph"

[TheReeler]

I just recorded a cd @ 7.5 and got distortion at my peaks; but when i recorded @ 3.75 i didn't have the distortion. why?
If I understood correctly, you are trying to record from CD to open reel tape, and when you use the higher speed, you get distortion at the same levels while at low speed doesn't.

It could be a problem of EQ calibration...

[speakerman1]

yes exactly

[niklasthedolphin]

If Equalization is needed alligned to the speed, then don't let out allignments of bias and rec level for the speed in question.

However, saturation of tape differs from speed to speed, hence don't rely on the same line input.

"dolph"

[TheReeler]

I don't understand exactly what you mean. There's different internal controls for calibrating playback and record EQ, and I think they are different for each speed.

[niklasthedolphin]

I don't understand exactly what you mean. There's different internal controls for calibrating playback and record EQ, and I think they are different for each speed.

I do not know what machine is in question.
I merely talk generaly about allignments here.
On my R2R are EQ and Rec Level for each speed, for each channel and for PB and rec seperately. Bias is for each speed and for each channel.

All of these can have influence on the issue in the OP.................not the opening post, sorry, but in the post where distortion issues are mentioned.

But I also still would pay attention to what I wrote in the other posts as possible solutions on the issue.

"dolph"

[TheReeler]

Now I understand what you want to mean and I'm agree, bias setting is different too in each speed and could cause the problem... I really don't know which of those two things can be causing the problem, but isn't logical to get more distortion at a higher speed.

Have you tested with a different tape?

[speakerman1]

yes i have used virgin ampex and tdk. both times @ 7.5 i get distortion especially on the bass.

[niklasthedolphin]

yes i have used virgin ampex and tdk. both times @ 7.5 i get distortion especially on the bass.

It's not easy to pinpoint the reason of your distortion.
We gave you some clues but if your machine has worn down heads, faulty circuits or mechanical issues..............well then it can be almost anything causing it.

Try to eliminate at least those things we mentioned and find out if it solved it.

I don't even see anywhere in the thread where you tell us what machine it is?

"dolph"

[speakerman1]

Akai GX265 D