Re: arsclist Assistance for Armenian Ethnomusicology Archive

["Richard L. Hess" <ArcLists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike Richter and I find ourselves on the same side of this issue, I think.

The bulk of my transfers are done to CD-R and are done outside of a 
computer by using (specifically) Sony CDR-W33 stand-alone audio recorders 
that (despite some material to the contrary) do NOT require audio-only 
blank discs. I have two of them and make two transfers simultaneously.

I have long stated that the most difficult part of the transfer is proper 
analog reproduction.

Let me repeat:

The most difficult part of the transfer is obtaining proper analog 
reproduction.

Knowing record head azimuth, and, by implication, setting reproduce head 
azimuth are crucial in obtaining good, clean transfers.

While I hate to sound like a snob, there is probably no better reproducer 
for cassettes than a Nakamichi Dragon. Service and parts might be 
impossible in Armenia, but are still easy in the U.S., with a Nakamichi 
Factory-authorized depot in Long Beach, CA. I can vouch for their 
capabilities. Why this deck is attractive is that it's the only 
non-automotive cassette deck that sets the reproduce head azimuth based on 
the cassette in the machine. And IT WORKS!

Also, again not wanting to sound like a snob, a high-end pro reel deck  and 
someone who understands how to use it is crucial to the quality of the reel 
transfer. There are many fine decks out there, but I have found, when 
available in good condition, nothing beats the price/performance points of 
Sony APR-5000s. I have now purchased six of them and have not spent more 
than $500 for any single one, including two recent purchases of almost 
unused units. I also have a Studer A810 coming to me--as a gift from a 
generous benefactor.

These machines can be found at fire sale prices.

One of the important items is to make sure that the heads match the tape.
A 4-channel 1/4-inch throwaway (but gentle) machine can tell more about 
what's on a tape quicker than any other method that I'm aware of. I have 
the luxury of an Otari MTR-10 4ch in this application, but there are other 
Sony, Teac, and Otari machines that are smaller and could be used.

As to the details of discs, I'll leave that to others, but certainly they 
present their own series of challenges.

I think I could teach a knowledgeable, willing-to-learn, English-speaking 
engineer what they need to understand about analog tape reproduction in 
less than a week. I would expect that person to bounce other non-mainstream 
challenges off me via email later. While I'm not volunteering to do that, 
I'm trying to make the point that it's a learnable skill.

I think I've addressed some other options in another email.

This is important stuff.

Cheers,

Richard


Richard L. Hess                              richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Glendale, CA USA                           http://www.richardhess.com/
Web page: folk and church music, photography, and
                 broadcast engineering

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