Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24 download

I just downloaded this set. Thank you!
This is a lot friendlier hosting site than "4shared."

Knowing it's a 40+ year old recording and FM sourced, which has its inherent limitations, it sounds pretty decent.

You use the Edirol for the AD conversion. Is there a reason for that? Why not use a sound card (higher end USB or PCI/e)? Are the ADCs in the Edirol really that good?

What is the Sony tape used? SLH/ULH?
I hear some noise modulation (e.g., Trk 3 first minute). Is there any noise reduction used or does the Revox have a sliding bias?

There are a few more questions on my mind, but I'll let them mature a bit first and give the "reel" a few more listens.

Again, thanks for the up and sharing some rare footage.

RE: Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24, posted on July 27, 2011 at 18:29:19

Regor Ladan
Audiophile

Posts: 2156
Location: Flushing, NY
Joined: August 28, 2010

Glad you enjoyed!

Questions, questions!

Here are some answers:

Yes, the Edirol (now Roland), is that good. Super short signal path, low noise etc. I decided on this method after comparisons to much more expensive solutions. I have received recordings in trade made with this device and was always impressed.

I had nothing to do with the tape choice. My father recorded this on Sony tape he purchase in the 60's. Most of the tape she bought were Scotch, then late in the 70's, Maxell.

Lastly, there is no noise reduction or any processing used at all.

The Revox has a choice of Input, IEC, or NAB playback,.

RE: Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24 download, posted on July 27, 2011 at 19:40:01

IslandLizard
Audiophile

Posts: 31
Location: Baltimore, MD
Joined: July 17, 2011

Thanks for some clarifications. I've heard live recordings from the Edirol, and know the mics and positioning are key to better sound. The ADCs are not the limiting factor there.

Now using the Edirol for archive digitalization gives the story another twist. I'll have to check the Edirol specs again.

I use a Samson H4 for "field" recordings, but would be hesitant using it for line-input AD conversions (Opamps etc.). I tend to rely on my M-Audio Delta Audiophile 2496 for AD or DA conversions.

I understand you had nothing to do with tape choice. There was quite a selection around those days (among the usual suspects such as BASF, AGFA, 3M, Ampex, and Maxell, "Sony" arose with SLH and later ULH which did sound really good, but developed mechanical problems later (SLH first, which was later replaced by ULH, being even worse mechanically with the backcoating sticking to the magnetic front-side). I read the mile-long thread on that issue...

I was wondering why the one-shot deal on recording from these old tapes.

What is causing the noise modulation? Noise level is louder on soft passages, then reduces when the RMS rises. Not just perception, I hear the breathing.

Thanks for shining any light on these.

RE: Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24 download, posted on July 27, 2011 at 19:54:00
IslandLizard Audiophile Posts: 31 Location: Baltimore, MD Joined: July 17, 2011	Sorry, the previous message did not insert correctly into the thread. It was a reply to Regor's first answer.

RE: Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24 download, posted on July 27, 2011 at 20:11:47

Regor Ladan
Audiophile

Posts: 2156
Location: Flushing, NY
Joined: August 28, 2010

Don't underestimate some of the portable digital solutions. While on paper they may seem to have limitations, they have many advantages...

No power supply, very short signal paths, and very quiet.

I had Kimber make me a custom Mini GQ cable with silver conductors.

As I mentioned, only a few of the 50 or surviving tapes my dad left were one plays. Just a handful had tape stretch, flaking, and other nasties.

As far as any noise..also remember my A77 is 35 years old. All original parts, and well used.

RE: Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24 download, posted on July 29, 2011 at 02:51:14
fmak Audiophile Posts: 13158 Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002	Nice clear recording; puts some commercial 'transfers' to shame. Thanks. Try 176.4 or 192k; they'll be even better!

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Beethoven 9th PSO, Steinberg, 1970 FM)Revox 96/24 download

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