While we've found the "soft" distortion issue to be true ( only
intermittently) with the D7/D8 technologies, it seems to go away with
the later M1 models.
Bernie
>I recall a number of dat people complaining about what you describe
>but could only find one example quick:
>
>
>To quote another web site and a different author. I think sonic
>devices:
>
>"The TCD-D8 resists infrequent overloads of short duration with good
>performance. However, frequent constant VU REC levels above -12dB
>produces an audible 'soft' distortion (very audible above -6dB VU).
>Sony still recommends that VU peak indications (during recording) be
>best kept to -12dB to avoid momentary 'overload' distortions.=20
>
>It does seem that keeping the frequently occurring program peaks at -
>12dB produces the best sounding recording with D7/D8 DAT decks.
>This -12dB VU recording limit for best quality sound recording is
>apparently consequence of +4 hour penlight cell power recording time
>and a 'consumer' design approach that still allows Real Professional
>Quality (RPQ) in a pocket sized affordable DAT DECK if only the
>recordist allows for these known limitations.
>
>D7/8 RECORDING TIP #3: When in MIC (H) Sensitivity position (the
>mic. preamp. Hi-Gain setting), avoid preamplifier overload distortion
>by switching to (L) SENS (low preamplifier gain) when the manual REC
>LEVEL knob indicates (4) or below; meaning the input signal is too
>great. At 1st opportunity, switch to (L) Low gain position and
>advance the REC LEVEL knob to (~7) for proper VU peaks at -12dB.
>NOTE: MIC SENS must be set properly for all MIC inputs (not Line),
>even when in ALC position.
>
>Other notable features: Date/Time Tape Encoding and Auto Level
>Control (ALC) with (2)two modes: Voice or Music. The music setting is
>unprecedented as it works for some music types quite well. [NOTE: MIC
>SENS. (H)/(L) is always manually set] This means that from Rock to
>Brazilian to Reggae you could forgo monitoring the VU level. The
>very fast attack/very slow release music ALC setting is sufficient to
>keep 'level-pumping' inaudible with rhythmic music only; that is, a
>quick/constant bass beat but, not for most jazz and not at all for
>classical type music. Reports of audible 'distortion type effects'
>when using the music ALC setting on the previous D7 model suggests
>caution in using any ALC for best overall recording quality.
>However, the Voice ALC setting is perfect for news reporters,
>interviewers, and documentary researchers who cannot allow the
>distraction to monitor VU recording levels.
>
>ALC SUMMARY: ALC reduces signal peaks to well below -12dB (as
>indicated by the VU); not at the -12dB I would manually choose for VU
>peaks. Also, some recordists tried music ALC setting and report
>audible 'distortion' that's not heard in manual.=20
>
>Remember: ALC function is strictly for the recordist's convenience
>when viewing VU levels is too distracting or impractical. "
>
>
>--- In "haughki" <>
>wrote:
>> hi all
>>
>> i'm a musician/composer who's very new to nature recording, and
>i've
>> run into a distortion issue. i'm using a sony d8 DAT with a
>straight
>> line in from my rhode nt4 condenser stereo mic, a dedicated XY
>> cardioid coincident pair.
>>
>> i did some recording recently with this setup, just walking around
>> with cans on, mic in hand. now, when i use this setup and manually
>> increase the record levels to greatly "magnify" the ambient sound i
>> get an odd distortion: not clipping (the levels are clearly fine,
>> between -24 and -12 db and it doesn't *sound* at all like
>clipping),
>> but a quick, stuttering momentary dropout. you can find an example
>> here:
>>
>> http://www.hadal.org/misc/distortion.zip
>>
>> it's especially pronounced when using the high sensitivity preamp
>> setting on the D8. i'm assuming this has something to do with
>> cranking up the levels so high; i've certainly never had the levels
>> set so high for music recording, and i've never heard this sound.
>i
>> just want to confirm that my gear is not somehow defective....
>>
>> any ideas?
>>
>> thanks
>>
>> hawkeye
>
>
>
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