Can output level on tape machines be adjusted?

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BobbyRay
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Can output level on tape machines be adjusted?

Post by BobbyRay » Fri Nov 11, 2016 8:20 pm

I have been recording to a Tascam TSR-8 reel to reel tape machine for many years and my machine finally quit on the tail end of a 9 month project. The playback seems to have failed, was told it's most likely the capstan motor that stopped working properly. I purchased another TSR-8 in an attempt to keep the project going and finish. Now my previously recorded reels all play back with lower output level on the newer machine. The meters all read about 3-4db lower on playback of the working tape machine.

Can my current tape machine have the track levels increased internally somehow? There are no input or output level adjustments on the exterior of the machine.

Could I just swap the playback/record head with my old machine to correct the problem? It seems like it just plugs into a wiring harness.

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Nick Sevilla
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Post by Nick Sevilla » Fri Nov 11, 2016 11:04 pm

Hi,

It can be calibrated, but not "externally". In the back, you find a circuit card with all the alignment for recording and playback.

Do you have the operation manual and service manuals? They explain in detail what you need to do.

Also, do you have a test tape with tones?

Cheers
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.

BobbyRay
gettin' sounds
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Joined: Fri May 16, 2003 1:07 pm

Post by BobbyRay » Sat Nov 12, 2016 5:02 pm

Hi.

I do have the manual.

I do not have a test tape though. Would the test tape be specific to my machine?

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Nick Sevilla
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Post by Nick Sevilla » Sat Nov 12, 2016 7:51 pm

BobbyRay wrote:Hi.

I do have the manual.

I do not have a test tape though. Would the test tape be specific to my machine?
Yes.

MRL makes test tone tapes for most any tape machine:

http://mrltapes.com/

Alternately, maybe someone here can make a copy, if they have one. Long shot, but worth asking...

Cheers
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.

BobbyRay
gettin' sounds
Posts: 131
Joined: Fri May 16, 2003 1:07 pm

Post by BobbyRay » Sun Nov 13, 2016 10:50 am

Thanks.

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