Otari MX-5050 Mini Pro

Service training binder · Part 5 · scan pages 41-52

Workshop Slides — Recording Theory

TAPE FLUX LEVEL↑ TOP

NAB and IEC tape flux levels in nWb/m, with dB steps between them and the VU-meter peak indication point⤢ zoomNAB and IEC tape flux levels in nWb/m, with dB steps between them and the VU-meter peak indication point

Ideal Operational Amplifier↑ TOP

Op-amp symbol⤢ zoomOp-amp symbol

  • Open Loop Gain : ∞ (Infinit)
  • Imput Impedance : ∞ (Infinit)
  • Output Impedance : 0 (Zero)
  • Band Width : ∞ (Infinit)
  • Noise : 0 (Zero)
  • Slewing Rate : ∞ (Infinit)

Active Balanced Line Input↑ TOP

Active balanced line input circuit with three op-amps, and its balanced transformer equivalent⤢ zoomActive balanced line input circuit with three op-amps, and its balanced transformer equivalent

Active Balanced Output↑ TOP

Three active balanced output drive conditions and their transformer equivalents⤢ zoomThree active balanced output drive conditions and their transformer equivalents

Advantages

  • Harmonic distortion
  • Phase modulation distortion
  • Radiated stray-field
  • Common mode rejection ratio
  • Frequency responce

Phase Shifter↑ TOP

Phase shifter op-amp circuits with the phase formula, and record/playback phase response versus phase compensation⤢ zoomPhase shifter op-amp circuits with the phase formula, and record/playback phase response versus phase compensation

Standard Reproduce Time Constants↑ TOP

Tape Speed (ips, cm/s)Time Constant (µs)Standard
30 ips (76 cm/s)17.5AES, IEC 2
30 (76)35IEC 1
15 (38)35IEC 1, CCIR, DIN
15 (38)50+3180IEC 2, NAB
7.5 (19)70IEC 1, CCIR, DIN studio
7.5 (19)50+3180IEC 2, NAB, DIN home
7.5 (19)50NAB cartridge
3.75 (9.5)90+3180IEC, NAB, DIN
1.875 (4.75)90+3180IEC, NAB, DIN
1.875 (4.75)120+3180Cassette (ferric oxide)
1.875 (4.75)70+3180Cassette (chrome & metal)

Playback equalization curves for the standard time constants⤢ zoomPlayback equalization curves for the standard time constants

Influence of Record Bias Depth↑ TOP

  • Distortion
  • Frequency Responce
  • Dynamic Range (Linearity)
  • Signal to Noise Ratio

↓ Sound Quality

Bias curves at 1 kHz and 10 kHz for narrow and wide gap heads, with peak and recommended bias points⤢ zoomBias curves at 1 kHz and 10 kHz for narrow and wide gap heads, with peak and recommended bias points

Gap Width VS Bias Characteristic

Electrical Performance Characteristics↑ TOP

Ampex 406/407 and Grand Master tape data — effect of bias on recording parameters, distortion vs. output, and input-output characteristics⤢ zoomAmpex 406/407 and Grand Master tape data — effect of bias on recording parameters, distortion vs. output, and input-output characteristics

Gapless/Seamless Recording↑ TOP

Head block layout showing the distance D between erase and record heads on the tape path⤢ zoomHead block layout showing the distance D between erase and record heads on the tape path

δT = D (cm) / Tape Speed (cm/s)

D = 3.0 cm

Tape SpeedδT
30 ips (76.2 cm)39 ms
15 ips (38.1 cm/s)79 ms
7.5 ips (19.05 cm/s)157 ms

Erase & Record Bias Timing Chart↑ TOP

Erase and record bias timing at punch in and punch out for the conventional and gapless/seamless record sequences⤢ zoomErase and record bias timing at punch in and punch out for the conventional and gapless/seamless record sequences

RECORDED SIGNAL PATTERN ON THE TAPE (I) (CONVENTIONAL RECORD SEQUENCE)↑ TOP

Erase, record bias, and recorded signal on the tape for the conventional record sequence, with overlap and gap regions⤢ zoomErase, record bias, and recorded signal on the tape for the conventional record sequence, with overlap and gap regions

RECORDED SIGNAL PATTERN ON THE TAPE (II) (GAPLESS/SEAMLESS RECORD SEQUENCE)↑ TOP

Erase, record bias, and recorded signal on the tape for the gapless/seamless record sequence, with old and new recordings meeting cleanly⤢ zoomErase, record bias, and recorded signal on the tape for the gapless/seamless record sequence, with old and new recordings meeting cleanly