0 INTRODUCTION
For a given tape and biasing condition, the ratio of the maximum
signal flux at a given wavelength, to the noise flux at that wavelength,
is fixed by the characteristics of the tape. But (assuming equalization
for flat overall response) the division into recording (pre-emphasis)
and reproducing (post-emphasis) will determine whether the highlevel high-frequency signal spectrum is of large amplitude, with a
concomitant large noise spectrum amplitude; or vice verse. One
approach to this division (used by McKnight and Hille [1]) is to
consider the signal and noise spectra of the various comrnercial
recordsthat is, mechanical disc records, or tape records on open reels
or in cartridges or cassettes. On this basis, the authors conclude that
the present NAB equalization at 15 in/s has much too great a highfrequency signal spectrum at high levels, and an excessively large high
frequency noise spectrum. They suggest a post-emphasis transition
frequency of F = 12 500 Hz (as opposed to the NAB value of 3150
Hz). This would reduce the high frequency saturation signals spectrum
and the high frequency noise spectrum both by about 10 dB at 16 kHz.
Author's manuscript of a paper presented at the 45th Audio Engineering Society Convention, Los Angeles, 1973 May 15...18. Corrected text
modified from AES Preprint 920.
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2) The required pre-emphasis would have a transition frequency of 8to 10- kHz, giving a saturation signal spectrum which is greater at high
frequencies than the original (1950) NAB-equalized system, and not
requiring special care in the studio to avoid high-frequency
overloading while recording the master.
3) The standardized flux versus tape wavelength would be the same
for 3.75-, 7.5-, and 15-in/s. Thus, one test tape could be used at all
three speeds. While not a necessity in any way, this is sometimes a
convenience, especially in cross-checking equipment and test tapes.
The other biasing criterion, used for instance in the current German
Standard on tape testing [4] is derived from that bias which gives
minimum modulation noise, which is also close to the point giving
minimum distortion. These points come when the bias is increased
somewhat over that for maximum recording sensitivity at long
wavelengths; it corresponds to an overbias such that the recording
sensitivity at 10 kHz and 15 in/s is reduced by approximately 2 dB.
This type of overbiasing has long been used in the magnetic film
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6 Recommendations
Given the mastering tapes used in 1973 (3M 206, Ampex 406),
and the level monitoring system (a flat-response standard volume
indicator), the present NAB-standard tape flux versus frequency
(transition frequencies of 50 Hz and 3150 Hz) and reference fluxivity
(185- to 200-nWb/m) are far from optimum.
New values of transition frequency F = 0 and 6300 Hz, and
reference fluxivity of 250 nWb/m, are proposed. These will give a
high-frequency noise improvement of 4- to 6-dB, a general signal level
increase of 2 dB, and elimination of low-frequency overloading.
Change from the present reference fluxivity and the NAB
equalization require only a readjustment of presently available gain
and equalization controls, and, for some equipment, the removal of one
RC circuit.
The Scully 280 B recorder/reproducers employ a plug-in
equalization card which may be set up for the new equalization. A test
tape is available from Magnetic Reference Laboratory, having the
proposed equalization and reference fluxivity. In lieu of this, one may
simply play a 7.5 in/s NAB- equalization test tape at 15 in/s, and set
the equalization for constant output for frequencies of 500 Hz and
above. The 250 nWb/m reference fluxivity may alternately be achieved
by setting the reference fluxivity of 200 nWb/m recording on other
MRL test tapes to read -2 dB on the volume indicator; or the
operating level tone of Ampex or STL test tapes to -2.8 dB; then set
the recording calibration so the SVI reads 0 dB when the recorded tone
causes the SVI to read 0 dB in reproduction.
REFERENCES
[1] J.G. McKnight and P.F. Hille, Master-tape Equalization
Revisited, AES Preprint Nr. 856 (1972 May).
[2] J.G. McKnight, Flux and Flux-frequency Measurements and
Standardization in Magnetic Recording, J SMPTE 78, 457-472 (1969
June). See Sec. 3, Frequency Response and Equalization.
[3] J.G. McKnight, The Case Against Low-frequency Pre-emphasis
in Magnetic Recording, J AES 10, 106-107 (1962 April).
[4] Recording Performance of Magnetic Tapes for Sound Recording,
German Industrial Standard DIN 45 512, part 2. (1970 May).
[5] J.G. McKnight, Operating Levels in the Duplication of Philips
Cassette Records, J AES 15, 454, 456 (1967 October).
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