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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: hobbes4444 on September 10, 2008, 11:58:18 AM
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So I did a bunch of transfers of some old analog masters about 2 years ago. After burning some test cds, I really wasn't happy with the sound I was getting. My set up is: Nak Cassette Deck 1 > Denon DE-70 EQ > Nomad JB3. Most of my old analog masters were made with a Sony lavalier mic or an ECM-909 > Sony WM-D6C, and typically needed a bit of bass boost (hence the EQ). The results of the transfer was fuller bass, but kind of harsh on the high end (I typically punched up the high end just a little on the Denon EQ, so I don't think it was the Denon causing the problem). I was thinking, maybe I needed a better A/D converter than what the JB3 has to offer to possibly get a warmer sound. So, any suggestions out there???
TIA
Dave
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i really love the results using a Bmp2+ UA-5:
Nak RX-505>Bmp2+ UA-5>harddrive
peace,
ts
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You've got a good start by using an ADC outside of your computer. I'd first try the following:
- ensure the cassette deck is in optimal condition
- adjust azimuth for every cassette deck side
- skip the in-line EQ
- use the JB3 ADC
I don't know if you'll be able to get good levels running straight deck > JB3. Try it and see. If you're able to achieve good levels, compare the master to the digital transfer. If they sound the same to you, you're in good shape. If they don't sound the same, and you want to achieve better results, come back and help us understand what you don't like about your results. The recommendations will probably be either <a> use a better / better condition cassette deck for playback or <b> use a better (preamp and) ADC. I suspect <a> your cassette deck is fine, as long as it's in good condition. One option for <b> is to use a different outboard ADC, like a UA5 (relatively inexpensive), that will allow you to adjust gain and provide higher quality ADC.
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You've got a good start by using an ADC outside of your computer. I'd first try the following:
- ensure the cassette deck is in optimal condition
- adjust azimuth for every cassette deck side
- skip the in-line EQ
- use the JB3 ADC
I don't know if you'll be able to get good levels running straight deck > JB3. Try it and see. If you're able to achieve good levels, compare the master to the digital transfer. If they sound the same to you, you're in good shape. If they don't sound the same, and you want to achieve better results, come back and help us understand what you don't like about your results. The recommendations will probably be either <a> use a better / better condition cassette deck for playback or <b> use a better (preamp and) ADC. I suspect <a> your cassette deck is fine, as long as it's in good condition. One option for <b> is to use a different outboard ADC, like a UA5 (relatively inexpensive), that will allow you to adjust gain and provide higher quality ADC.
Thanks Brian. The cassette deck is in exc condition. I do check with azimuth alignment each side, and it seems pretty spot on. I'll go back to the masters and do a straight transfer and compare at some point. I know I was able to bump up the output level on the Nak deck and/or adjust the levels on the JB3 to get into the -12 to -6 range. Should I push the levels closer to 0?
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I do check with azimuth alignment each side, and it seems pretty spot on.
How are you verifying azimuth alignment? Do the masters have the test tone from the recorder?
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If you've got an R09 (listed in your sig), I would use that for 24bit A/D, then EQ in Audacity or equivalent.
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what are your transferring? i have some ADs around here