Reference level for repro head Studer A80 mk2 24 track.

[skaren]

I need some help deciding what my reference level should be for a Studer A80 mk2 24 track.

If I want to use the maximum level for 499 tape which is 520 Nw/m2 = +9db and my test tone tape is an Ampex 406 200 nWb/m = +1db should my meters read -8db when setting up the repro head?

Please let me know if I have got this wrong.

Many thanks

 

[Walrus]

Yes that is correct. However, the meter does not have a "8" on the scale, so I would suggest setting for +8dB i.e. -7 on the meter, and raising the input signal 1dB.

 

[skaren]

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion!

 

[radardoug]

I would suggest you try it at + 5 first, by pushing it so hard you will run out of headroom. The electronics is capable of working at elevated levels, so once you get a feel for it you can always push the tape harder by increasing the input. At +9 you will be crushing things for sure.

 

[pucho812]

FWIW I never found a reason to go beyond +6 alignments

 

[kambo]

i am gonna get 1" 8 track one of these days  8)