Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site cubsvax.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cubsvax!peters
From: peters@cubsvax.UUCP (Peter S. Shenkin)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: Some Thoughts on Cassettes
Message-ID: <145@cubsvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 17-Jan-84 09:19:36 EST
Article-I.D.: cubsvax.145
Posted: Tue Jan 17 09:19:36 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 19-Jan-84 00:52:56 EST
References: <78@whuxj.UUCP>
Organization: Columbia Univ Biology, New York City
Lines: 33

As a committed cassette user, I couldn't agree more with your comments
on quality of pre-recorded cassettes.  Also, the medium is inherently
much more limited than either open-reel or vinyl discs (not to mention
the digital media that have been the subject of much discussion here
lately).  With good noise reduction one can do very well with cassettes,
especially on material which has been recorded originally with a good deal
of compression (read:  just about everything except "classical" and some jazz).
But if you take these same methods -- e. g., dbx -- and apply them to
the inherently better media, such as discs, once again cassettes are
out of the running.

I haven't experienced mechanical destruction of tapes.  This is a function
of your deck.  My Nakamichi is kind to tapes as well as ears.  Walkmen
and automobile decks may be more harsh.  ***  By the way, can anyone 
suggest a good automobile cassette deck, not too expensive?  ***

Incidentally, since I have 3 heads on my Nak I can monitor from the tape
when recording.  On about 50% of program matter (generally new pop, rock
or country albums I've purchased) I can't be sure I detect a difference
between source & tape.  My set-up is not "high-end," so with better
amp, spkrs, etc. maybe I could.  When I do detect a difference it's in
the highs:  I lose a certain "edge" to the vocals, cymbal rolls, etc.  I can
get better frequency response by recording at a lower level, but then
I lose signal-to-noise;  with highly compressed material this isn't a
problem.  For input material with a high dynamic range I usually peak
the record level higher than I otherwise would;  this compresses the
program material.  I find the loss of high-frequency responce less 
annoying than noise during soft passages.  This is a personal choice,
and is typical of the kinds of compromises cassettes put you to.


{philabs,cmcl2!rocky2}!cubsvax!peters
(Peter S Shenkin; Dept of Biol Sci; Columbia Univ; NY, NY 10027; 212-280-5517)