Akai M8 Calibration

[skybite]

I have an Akai M8 that sounds awesome. I really like how terrible the transport is, with constant flutter and dropouts.

However, I have a problem with the stereo balance.

When I go through the preamps, the sound is somewhat brighter in the left channel and has a bitt more bass in the right channel. I have tried swapping all the tubes between the preamps, but it doesn't seem to change anything. I have also recapped both preamps.

When I go through tape, it's worse. The right channel is less dynamic, has less high end and more low end, and is somewhat lower in volume.


Any suggestions on where I should start?

 

[radardoug]

Get a manual, a test tape, some tools, and go at it!

 

[skybite]

Get a manual, a test tape, some tools, and go at it!

Thanks for the reply!


For calibrating the tape part, I concur. However, I would like to address the differences in the preamps, and I can't find anything useful in the manual.

 

[radardoug]

What I said before is what you need to do. Once you have the right test gear, you can go through the preamps and see what you need to change.
Or take it to a professional.