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All of my experience has been with old Ampex recorders, but I am considering purchasing another 2 track while prices are at their current levels. (I really don't think that they can go any lower, and if other "vintage" gear is any indication, they could get much higher very quickly.) While the deals are available, I'm thinking about getting a more modern machine, like an Otari MTR12 or Studer A80. But many of the bargains are for machines that include a time code track. I'm not involved in film or video production and don't think that I would ever have any use for time code. But I'm wondering if there are any negative attributes related to the time code feature? Are 2 track recordings made on at time code equipped deck any different than typical 2 track recordings? Is there any problem when playing back on a machine without the time code feature? Or is the time code track somehow produced without affecting the standard audio tracks?Thanks.
Steve
lex125@pacbell.net
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digital? I'm still not sure about transistors....
Follow Ups:
If you must do this then stick with in-line center track heads for the time code with servo capstan motors. Studer would be the front runner. The center track head could possibly add some crosstalk noise to the other channels. But it's low grade. Time code syncing can be a Pandora's box if you're interfacing with computers. Invest in a good SMPTE time code generator/converter like the Mark of the Unicorn. Get the most up to date model. Don't try and find an old SMPTE generator/reader that is not midi convertable. The best! James
Only thing I would add to the above, is that you should be able to find plenty of cheap R/R recorders without timecode. My guess is that you are looking at pro audio visual dealers, rather than pro audio. People are throwing out 2 track machines all over the place, and most for really silly money. I would strongly advise you to buy the best you can afford, as repairs will be significantly higher than the cost of buying the machine in the first place.Regards
Roland
On 2-tk + TC machines, the centre channel means that the guard bands eat into channels 1&2 ever so slightly. This probably results in a no more than 1dB worsening of the signal-to-noise ratio and is a very acceptable tradeoff. However, timecode tapes played back on non-timecode headblocks have little or no guard band to speak of, and the crosstalk is worsened. -However, 2-track + timecode tapes with no timecode recorded, when played back on non-timecode machines, will also result in an acceptabe, dB-or-so reduction in S/N.Machines of the type that I've used & worked with extensively? -Studer A810, Studer A820 and Otari Mx-55's.
Machines I'd recommend? -Studer without question. -The A810 is very capable (probably better than all its competitors) and the A820 is simply unapproachable. -The A820 which we had back in the UK needed to be driven with TTL-level (5V) timecode signal, and this did indeed catch a number of engioneers out! however, I don't think that they were all like that, and it's a 1-chip, $5 solution if you ever do encounter the problem! ( I recall that there might have been a TTL TC input option, but most machines might well not have had it.)
The A810 also was wonderful but didn't take spools larger than 10.5 inches, and had no 1/2" headstack option. -Both machines use (this is from memory, now!!!) absolutely separate timecode record and playback heads, with a shared 3-track erase head. -This absolutely and totally eliminates in-head crosstalk, and gives the machines a colossal advantage. -I used the Otari a few times, but never took an interest in it because the crosstalk at low levels simply couldn't compete. Here at work, we have two of them in retirement and can honestly say that I wouldn't reommend that anyone buy them!
-Interestingly, Studer get around the difference in timing between the different head positions by using a "delay & read-forward" system that is corrected for the different tape speeds, and even in varispeed!!! -It's mind-numbingly complicated, but it also means that the output timecode is not simply played out, but actually re-generated clocked against a PLL fed by the original timecode. -Any small dropouts are thereby handled quite effortlessly, and level fluctuation simply is not an issue. -The output signal is rock steady until the original becomes unreadable.
If you can afford one, get the A820. -If 1/4-inch only and 10.5-inch spool size are not limitations, the (less expensive) A810 will give wonderful service. Otherwise, you're looking at Otaris and the like. -There's a fairly big gap between the number ine manufacturer and all the rest!
... I know where there are a number of timecode upgrade kits for the A810s, but without headstacks! -not much use without the head stacks!- but I looked into converting them into LTC reader/displays... never had enough time, though!
Keith A.
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