Tape Trail

Adjusting bias on Yamaha KX-R470 by ear and other questions.

71.162.104.92

Hi,

I recently picked up a Yamaha KX-R470 which allows for fine tuning of bias. The deck is only a two head unit however, so adjustment must be done by ear.

I'm using Maxell XLII-S tapes--the manual doesn't indicate what brand tape was used to calibrate the deck.

What does one listen for when adjusting bias? The manual says to attenuate high frequencies when distortion is noticeable and to increase the high frequencies when they are absent, but that's all. I've played with the bias adjustment a bit and there's definitely a change in the sound, what I'm wondering is on what basis does one determine when the bias setting is correct. This is a two head deck so I can't monitor during record.

The deck is in pretty good shape-I found it on Craigslist for $25.00. I also found a very good Nak BX-100 at the local Goodwill for $20.00 (no bias adjustment). The Yamaha has an auto-reverse head which is convenient.

Any opinions on which deck would be the best choice for recording?

As I'm writing I'm wondering what upgrade path would others take--is 3 heads a forgone conclusion?

I used to tape quite a bit in the past until my last deck, a Sony TC-FX520R, was dropped quite a few years ago. I've had the reel to reel bug for a while and recently picked up an Akai GX-625 reel to reel, but that has wow and flutter issues--cassette seems a less finicky alternative to non-vinyl analog.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks.

Follow Ups:

best way I found.. - ppopp 16:44:43 07/14/07 (0)

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