T+A Elektroakustik CC 820 M, Manual

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38
Explanation of terms, useful information
Automatic calibrator (ATC)
The CC 820 M is equipped with a computer-based tape
calibrator (Automatic Tape Calibration). The computer
checks the sensitivity of the tape material in the machine
at three frequency ranges (500 Hz, 5 kHz and 12 kHz),
then adjusts the machine's settings to provide an
optimum linear frequency response when making a
recording.
Bias
The bias level (pre-magnetisation) is set to an optimum
level by the automatic tape calibrator, but it can also be
adjusted manually. The bias setting determines the level
of the high-frequency part of the overall sound when a
recording is made.
Copyright ©
Many recordings and pieces of music are protected by
copyright, and taping them is only permissible if the
rights of third parties are not affected. For further
information on this subject please refer to the Copyright
Act 1956, the Dramatic and Musical Performers
Act 1958, and the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and
1972.
Digital tape counter
The digital tape counter fitted to the CC 820 M calculates
the current tape position by monitoring the rotational
speed of the left-hand and right-hand reels. Slight
variations relative to real time are possible.
Dynamics
Music recordings sound especially lively if the dynamic
range is wide. The dynamic range is the difference in
level between the very quiet and very loud passages. For
this reason the recording level must be adjusted so that
the loudest passages are within the dynamic range of the
tape material, otherwise the result will be distortion. Set
the record level carefully!
MPX filter
If you wish to record stereo transmissions from an FM
tuner, the MPX filter must be switched on if the tuner
used contain an MPX filter. This filter suppresses the
inaudible carrier frequencies at 19 and 38 kHz in the
tuner signal, which would otherwise lead to distortion in
the re-cording.
Record level
The recording level must be adjusted so that the loudest
passages are within the dynamic range of the tape
material otherwise the result will be distortion. On the
other hand, the recording level must not be set too low,
otherwise tape hiss will be obtrusive in very quiet
passages. The
CC 820 M can display the peak input
level on the screen, and you can alter it.
Tape type
The CC 820 M detects the type of tape in the machine
automatically by means of code slots on the rear face of
the cassette shell. It then sets the bias and equalisation
levels to match the tape. The type of tape has a
considerable influence on the quality of the recording. In
general terms chrome and metal cassettes provide
higher fidelity than standard ferric oxide cassettes.