Re: [ARSCLIST] oscilloscope

[chris2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

The value given to utilizing an oscilloscope and aligning to an MRL is far too
little here.

Firstly, aligning to an MRL ensures proper functioning of the playback device
prior to performing a transfer. A very important thing indeed, particulary in
the realm of preservation.

Secondly, it provides a point of reference for documentation. If you have to
apply an azimuth or level offset how else do you notate it in a meaningful way
without aligning to an MRL? Noting a +3dB offset in reference to a 7.5 ips, 250
nWb/m MRL gives information regarding the degree of the offset and a way of
backtracking to the source from a digital file or repeating it if necessary.
It's an industry standard reference. Without the reference any notation is
arbitrary and meaningless.

I would argue that

1. It is a must that you have an oscilloscope in your studio.

2. Get an outboard scope. Much finer detail and easier to read. I have a dual
2GHz machine and I still prefer the analog to the software. You can certainly
get by with the software scope but my preference is to have an outboard analog
scope.


Best Regards,

Chris

Chris Lacinak
Director of Operations
VidiPax
450 West 31st St.
4th floor
New York, NY 10001
212-563-1999 xt. 130
chris@xxxxxxxxxxx


-----Original Message-----
From: Goran Finnberg [mailto:mastering@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 1999 4:33 PM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] oscilloscope


Richard Hess:

> One other thought--calibrating for azimuth off a test tape is pretty
> useless in an archive situation with all the variations of azimuth in
> the collection.

Yes, a big knob sitting on top of the calibrate azimuth screw so you can twiddle
it EVERY time ANY tape is played is a must.

Anytime.

Any calibration with a calibration tape is useless as the azimuth on the
recorder can be anyplace.

Also test tapes don´t agree as regards azimuth.

--
Best,

Goran Finnberg
The Mastering Room AB
Goteborg
Sweden

E-mail: mastering@xxxxxxxxx

Learn from the mistakes of others, you can never live long enough to
make them all yourself.    -   John Luther



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