Re: [ARSCLIST] And more on Scotch tape

[Scott Phillips <scottp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	This nWb refers to nano-webers per meter of tape. This is sort
of the measure of magnetic flux being applied on the tape while
recording. In this context it is basically the amount of magnetism
applied to the tape at '0 Vu' on your recorder's meters. This is
established with a MRL playback calibration tape during the playback
alignment of your recorder. As a general rule, the slower the tape
speed, the lower the amount of recording level you can use and not have
higher frequency signals saturated the tape, producing distortion.
Different tape types also have different saturation flux levels, with
older tape (meaning older formulations of tape) being less capable. If
you are curious, there is a great deal of solid information on the MRL
(Magnetic Reference Laboratory) web site, if you surf around it for a
while. 

I am oversimplifying here a bit, but you should find what you need on
the MRL site.

Hope this helps...

Scott
-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Sammy Jones
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:55 PM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ARSCLIST] And more on Scotch tape

Tom,

Thanks for your input, too.

I would like the best quality I can get, however, as tape a lot more
expensive per minute than CDRs, I'll probably do most recording on 7 1/2
ips.  Maybe some 15 ips just for tests.

I don't have any noise reduction equipment for the Technics, so I'll
just be relying on the good electronics and (hopefully) good tape.

The tape isn't free, but I feel like the price is pretty good,
especially for the quantity offered.

When you say, "By the way, keep in mind recommended operating levels. I
believe you'll want to stick to 185-200 nWb for old Scotch 176/211
types, even for 206, without Dolby NR. 
For something like 911, and Richard will correct me if I'm wrong, I
think it's safe to operate at 250 nWb," are you referring to audio
levels?  I've been making sound recordings all my life, but I've just
started messing around with the Technics deck.  I feel a little foolish,
but what does "nWb"
mean and the numbers 185, 200, and 250 mean?  My VU meters only have
negative and positive decibels on them.

Thanks for your help,
Sammy