3. AD/DA converters are not all the same. If cheap interface then components surrounding converters will be cheap too. I've been running external DAC's for hifi since early 90's and modified and exchanged all capacitors with astonishing result.
Overall though, I think the procedure over to tape and back change sound more than converters matter. Just take the measures below.
If an interface with only headphones out, I would look at getting an interface with ordinary line outs too.
- and ability to adjust levels out to -10 dBV which is close to what tape machines are made for around 0.3V.
Phones out are cheapest possible chips and the rest, so degradation of sound itself.
I used a reel-to-reel in the 80's and some advice
- clean heads and capstan and stuff in band transport thoroughly
- deflux heads, see to that remaining magnetism in heads are removed, it cumulate over time
- it's a very simple procedure make all the difference if not made for a while
- a defluxer at least used to be rather cheap, $30 or something.
- adjust bias for the very tape brand you are using
Adjusting bias means record 1 kHz sine and 10 kHz sine at the same level.
- play back and they are to be the same level
- adjust bias until this procedure is working, some pot inside or outside depends on machine
This means your frequency response will be as good as it gets for that very tape you are using.
- yes, it's very different each brand and worth the trouble
If any selectors for chrome or metal tape and such, I would do bias without those activated first. It's getting the foundation to/from tape right mostly.
- but if those adaptions does degrade quality, do bias with those activated too according to tape used, all chrome tapes are not made equal
Overall though, I think the procedure over to tape and back change sound more than converters matter. Just take the measures below.
If an interface with only headphones out, I would look at getting an interface with ordinary line outs too.
- and ability to adjust levels out to -10 dBV which is close to what tape machines are made for around 0.3V.
Phones out are cheapest possible chips and the rest, so degradation of sound itself.
I used a reel-to-reel in the 80's and some advice
- clean heads and capstan and stuff in band transport thoroughly
- deflux heads, see to that remaining magnetism in heads are removed, it cumulate over time
- it's a very simple procedure make all the difference if not made for a while
- a defluxer at least used to be rather cheap, $30 or something.
- adjust bias for the very tape brand you are using
Adjusting bias means record 1 kHz sine and 10 kHz sine at the same level.
- play back and they are to be the same level
- adjust bias until this procedure is working, some pot inside or outside depends on machine
This means your frequency response will be as good as it gets for that very tape you are using.
- yes, it's very different each brand and worth the trouble
If any selectors for chrome or metal tape and such, I would do bias without those activated first. It's getting the foundation to/from tape right mostly.
- but if those adaptions does degrade quality, do bias with those activated too according to tape used, all chrome tapes are not made equal
Statistics: Posted by lfm — Sun Feb 16, 2025 2:39 am