Topic: Cassette Transfers?

[Colin Liston]

Okay, I have a NAK DR-3 cassette deck and I want to transfer my master cassettes.

Should I go:

DR-3 > V3 > digi out > R-44 for 16/44 or 24/96

DR-3 > AD1k digi out > R-44  for 16/44

If I am using the V3 do I just add gain like I would if I was using mics? 

[darby]

if you use your V3, don't forget to set the internal jumpers for 20 dB attenuation
I did some of my cassette masters last year
using my Tascam 112MKII (balanced out) > V3 (SPDIF) > HD-P2@ 24/48
and really liked the results

[Colin Liston]

if you use your V3, don't forget to set the internal jumpers for 20 dB attenuation
I did some of my cassette masters last year
using my Tascam 112MKII (balanced out) > V3 (SPDIF) > HD-P2@ 24/48
and really liked the results

What happens if I don't do that?

[darby]

I'm not sure about your NAK, does it have balanced out?
the output levels on my Tascam thru the XLRs is TOO hot for my V3
but after switching the pads, it functioned just the same as running mics in

I have a question... why don't you master your cassettes on your Korg @ 1bit/ 2.8?

[dorrcoq]

Definitely go 24 bit, 96 kHz maybe isn't needed.

[TNJazz]

I have a question... why don't you master your cassettes on your Korg @ 1bit/ 2.8?

winner winner chicken dinner

[spyder9]

1)  Find an useless cassette and do a recording test with the various combinations of your gear.  I think you'll be surprised on which combo sounds best.   

2)  Definitely go 24 bit.

[boojum]

A cassette recording has limited dynamic range at best.  Additionally the sound was not stellar, even in the best of cases.  16/44 could be overkill.  You could capture it at 24/192, but all you will have is a very big file containing a copy of a so-so recording.  You cannot make the copy better than the original.  But don't let that stop you if you want to do it.

Found this with a quick Google:

"Compact Cassette tape performance ranges from 50 to 56 dB depending on tape formulation, with Metal Type IV tapes giving the greatest dynamic range, and systems such as XDR, dbx and Dolby HX noise reduction circuitry increasing it further. Specialized bias and record head improvements by Nakamichi and Tandberg combined with Dolby C noise reduction yielded 72 dB dynamic range for the cassette."


This is the theoretical max, which translates to 12 bit digital.  If you used state-of-the-art hardware and software when you made the tapes you might approach this 72dB range.  Did you?

[sunjan]

i would run dr3 > v3 (analog out) > 2402 > p2 @ 24/96, or mr1k @ 1/5.6

you must realize though that the biggest impact on the sound will be proper azimuth adjustment during playback.  you can easily dial it in with a jeweler screwdriver and headphones.

What he said.
Make sure your screwdriver is not magnetic, it could zap the tape. If you're paranoid, track down a plastic screwdriver.
Some users here felt that it was easier to calibrate the azimuth monitoring on proper speakers - others prefer headphones. Try both...

Regarding bitrate, I'm in the 24/48 camp. Boojum is right in theory, but let your ears be the judge. If you intend to do any editing in post, 24bit gives you more leeway. That's my layman's interpretation. I have a feeling Dsatz said something about this before, but I can't find the thread.

[Belexes]

The Nak DR-3 doesn't have a manual azimuth adjustment knob?  My DR-1 does.

[Brian Skalinder]

The Nak DR-3 doesn't have a manual azimuth adjustment knob?

Nope (have one sitting on my desk right now from recent transfers).  But it's easy to do as raoulduke noted.

[ts]

The Nak DR-3 doesn't have a manual azimuth adjustment knob?  My DR-1 does.

I used a Nak CR5A for my transfers and had to pull the cassette door off and use a plastic screwdriver.

Nak CR5A>V3(analog out)>722@24/96. Adding gain on the V3 and 722 at 0. I suppose if I had a Korg I would have used it instead.

Don't listen to spyder, he's always been anti V3

[tilomagnet]

if you use your V3, don't forget to set the internal jumpers for 20 dB attenuation
I did some of my cassette masters last year
using my Tascam 112MKII (balanced out) > V3 (SPDIF) > HD-P2@ 24/48
and really liked the results

What happens if I don't do that?

Leave the attenuation jumpers at 0 db. The DR-3 has ordinary unbalanced RCA outs and you'll have to add ~ 15 db gain on the V3 (from my experience running Naks > V3 for transfers) to get good levels. Attenuation is definately not needed.

[Colin Liston]

if you use your V3, don't forget to set the internal jumpers for 20 dB attenuation
I did some of my cassette masters last year
using my Tascam 112MKII (balanced out) > V3 (SPDIF) > HD-P2@ 24/48
and really liked the results

What happens if I don't do that?

Leave the attenuation jumpers at 0 db. The DR-3 has ordinary unbalanced RCA outs and you'll have to add ~ 15 db gain on the V3 (from my experience running Naks > V3 for transfers) to get good levels. Attenuation is definately not needed.

Thanks everyone has been very helpful.

[Frequincy]

I've recently done some cassette transfers from my Nak Dragon>Monster SudioLink RCA to TS Cables>Digi 003@24/48kHz. The results aren't too bad. I went for the higher bit depth and sample rate for later processing in protools.

The Dragon is a beauty for azimuth adjustment.