jvonoldershausen
The channel imbalance that you notice is due to the cartridge. I have seven carts that range from -.6 to +1.1 dB.(left) If you can’t balance it in the phono preamp (like I can) you will have to do it with the record settings. (Unless your goal is to preserve imperfection) Take a test record with stereo balanced pink noise or a mono LP to get a feel for the offset required. I used to record LPs setting max levels for the loudest part of the side (some search required) and then just let her rip.
Do you have peak LEDs with your VUs? If so it’s easier to set max level. Try some recording some acoustic like guitar or piano and see how much flashing (saturation) your ears can handle. Remember that loud signals also cause "print through." There is always a trade off between tape noise on the floor and distortion on the ceiling. Your job is maximize the fit in between, balanced. You can mitigate this with a dBx compander or dBx ll but this is a trade off also.
If you use dBx ll you ALWAYS need it for playback which is a p.i.t.a. because they used cheap ass switches that often fail for one or more channels.
I also used to record the needle drop and go back and record mute over it up to the start of the program.
Make sure you hand demag the heads often or you will end up with DC "bias" on your tapes. Either routinely or upon checking with a magnetometer. DO NOT lay tapes on speakers (same thing) A splicer is recommended for maintenance (leaders etc.)
If you do much recording I recommend you become familiar with setup, and acquiring test tapes - setup is dynamic. My deck has test tones built in.
https://rsdacademy.net/textbooks/AnalogCircuits/Part6/PageSetup.php?Page=41&FileName=AnalogAudio....
Have fun.
The channel imbalance that you notice is due to the cartridge. I have seven carts that range from -.6 to +1.1 dB.(left) If you can’t balance it in the phono preamp (like I can) you will have to do it with the record settings. (Unless your goal is to preserve imperfection) Take a test record with stereo balanced pink noise or a mono LP to get a feel for the offset required. I used to record LPs setting max levels for the loudest part of the side (some search required) and then just let her rip.
Do you have peak LEDs with your VUs? If so it’s easier to set max level. Try some recording some acoustic like guitar or piano and see how much flashing (saturation) your ears can handle. Remember that loud signals also cause "print through." There is always a trade off between tape noise on the floor and distortion on the ceiling. Your job is maximize the fit in between, balanced. You can mitigate this with a dBx compander or dBx ll but this is a trade off also.
If you use dBx ll you ALWAYS need it for playback which is a p.i.t.a. because they used cheap ass switches that often fail for one or more channels.
I also used to record the needle drop and go back and record mute over it up to the start of the program.
Make sure you hand demag the heads often or you will end up with DC "bias" on your tapes. Either routinely or upon checking with a magnetometer. DO NOT lay tapes on speakers (same thing) A splicer is recommended for maintenance (leaders etc.)
If you do much recording I recommend you become familiar with setup, and acquiring test tapes - setup is dynamic. My deck has test tones built in.
https://rsdacademy.net/textbooks/AnalogCircuits/Part6/PageSetup.php?Page=41&FileName=AnalogAudio....
Have fun.