T+A Elektroakustik CC 820 M user manual Explanation of terms, useful information

Explanation of terms, useful information

Automatic calibrator (ATC)

The CC 820 M is equipped with a computer-based tape calibrator (Automatic Tape Calibration). The computer checks the sensitivity of the tape material in the machine at three frequency ranges (500 Hz, 5 kHz and 12 kHz), then adjusts the machine's settings to provide an optimum linear frequency response when making a recording.

Bias

The bias level (pre-magnetisation) is set to an optimum level by the automatic tape calibrator, but it can also be adjusted manually. The bias setting determines the level of the high-frequency part of the overall sound when a recording is made.

Copyright ©

Many recordings and pieces of music are protected by copyright, and taping them is only permissible if the rights of third parties are not affected. For further information on this subject please refer to the Copyright Act 1956, the Dramatic and Musical Performers Act 1958, and the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and 1972.

Digital tape counter

The digital tape counter fitted to the CC 820 M calculates the current tape position by monitoring the rotational speed of the left-hand and right-hand reels. Slight variations relative to real time are possible.

Dynamics

Music recordings sound especially lively if the dynamic range is wide. The dynamic range is the difference in level between the very quiet and very loud passages. For this reason the recording level must be adjusted so that the loudest passages are within the dynamic range of the tape material, otherwise the result will be distortion. Set the record level carefully!

MPX filter

If you wish to record stereo transmissions from an FM tuner, the MPX filter must be switched on if the tuner used contain an MPX filter. This filter suppresses the inaudible carrier frequencies at 19 and 38 kHz in the tuner signal, which would otherwise lead to distortion in the re-cording.

Record level

The recording level must be adjusted so that the loudest passages are within the dynamic range of the tape material otherwise the result will be distortion. On the other hand, the recording level must not be set too low, otherwise tape hiss will be obtrusive in very quiet passages. The CC 820 M can display the peak input level on the screen, and you can alter it.

Tape type

The CC 820 M detects the type of tape in the machine automatically by means of code slots on the rear face of the cassette shell. It then sets the bias and equalisation levels to match the tape. The type of tape has a considerable influence on the quality of the recording. In general terms chrome and metal cassettes provide higher fidelity than standard ferric oxide cassettes.

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