DAT-Heads Digest #137
Contents:
Microphone FAQ needed (Tom McGee)
RE: taping Ben Harper/Greyboy Allstars (Keith Carroll)
Re: ISO-Info on Opt->Coax convertor ("B Baier")
Re: D6 and Dolby (Mark McHarg)
Size Does Matter (Yalk)
Re: D6 and Dolby (Mark McHarg)
Re: Need help with some terminology ("B Baier")
Sound pro Chip - with SPDIF 44,1 in/out (Arie den Dulk)
2 things (AZawodny@mobile.bam.com)
Re: CD Logos (Michael Hanson)
Assorted DAT machine questions (Nick Hickman)
I listened to 12-1-96 last night (pkmin@rsc.rockwell.com)
MasterDAT sale, extended ("Art Munson)
Saw Docs at Irving Plaza (Music Arcade)
Casio DA-R100 portable DAT (JOE)
Re: Digest #134/ Opt > Coax (Brent5552)
re: Stealthing Tips (Mazur)
5/8/77 Teidrich Tree FAQ wanted (DJaySteve)
Clarifying the DAT Store "Loaner Policy" ("Gary Davis")
CD player with digital out (Beast914)
Did you know that 58% of all tape backups fail? (pkmin@rsc.rockwell.com)
Record vs Playback Errors (BARRY Barnes)
From: mcgee@caiwireless.net (Tom McGee)
Subject: Microphone FAQ needed
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 08:21:49 -0500
I've been unable to connect to the host listed as having the microphone FAQ.
Is this available elsewhere?
From: Keith Carroll <kcarol2@gte.net>
Subject: RE: taping Ben Harper/Greyboy Allstars
Reply-To: kcarol2@gte.net
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 08:45:57 -0500
master gardner wrote:
Hello,
I was wondering if anybody has has any luck on taping this current
tour.
I'm seeing them this Monday at the Vogue in Indianapolis. I really want
to tape Greyboy but am not interested in recording Ben Harper. The
Neumann U87's I'd like to run are the furthest thing from stealthy.
Has anyone tape Greyboy but not Ben Harper?
Thanks for the help,
Bill Gardner
=======================================
i taped Greyboy a couple of weeks ago without any problems - just asked
the guitarist and he was cool with it. i also taped at the vogue last
fall when moe. was there and there wasn't any problem, they just want to
check your equipment to make sure you're not bringing in a piece.
happy taping...
keith
--
e-mail: kcarol2@gte.net or soulfish@hotmail.com
webpage and dat list:
http://www.geocities.com/bourbonstreet/4036
From: "B Baier" <baierb@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: ISO-Info on Opt->Coax convertor
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 06:14:48 PST
In DAT-Heads Digest #134, Ollie <BirdSongII@aol.com> wrote:
>I hear there is a convertor for opt to coax. I am not sure but I
>think oade makes it. Either way let me know.
I'm not sure if Oade makes one, but at least two others do:
- Fostex makes the COP-1 convertor. (but it's not on their
Web site) Klay sells it.
- Core Sounds makes a convertor. Try http://www.panix.com/
~moskowit to get more data.
The big difference between the two is, I believe, that with the
Fostex, if optical is input, you only get coax output, and vice
versa. The Core Sound box provides both optical and coax outputs
regardless of whether optical or coax is the input.
Bruce Baier
baierb@hotmail.com
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
From: Mark McHarg <MGM@symbionics.co.uk>
Subject: Re: D6 and Dolby
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 14:22:21 -0000
Philip Childress <philip@plee.com> wrote
>I have been considering purchasing a Sony D6 with Dolby C to
>be used for location recording of live performances.
>If I get the DAT, then that
>will leave maybe $200 for the front-end stuff. If I get the Sony D6,
>that leaves $450-$500 to spend on microphone equipment.
There are a few issues here:
1) I think most of us agree that mic quality is more important than the
deck and that mic placement is even more important. From this
perspective the D6 is a good choice for those on a budget.
2) I have the original WM-D6 and this might have changed with the D6C,
but it seems to me that the D6 is heavily record-optimised. It makes
quite acceptable recordings, but its playback is less than exciting. If
the D6 is your only quality cassette machine, this will severely
compromise the quality of sound you can expect using Dolby, since
noise-reduction algorithms tend to exaggerate deficiencies in tape (or
deck) response.
3) While some people love Dolby, others loath it. The best objective
reason I can offer for not using Dolby on your masters is that there are
a lot of collectors (both analogue and digital) who won't be interested
in trading for them.
Best of luck,
Mark
From: Yalk <Yalk@aol.com>
Subject: Size Does Matter
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 09:27:03 EST
<< The deck has a digital mini-plug (3.5mm) that is
>(I think) one way only (output?).>>
It is a "micro" or 2.5mm tip-sleeve plug. 3.5mm is the "walkman" style.
Panasonic included an adptor cable to RCA.
Regards,
Klay Anderson
http://www.klay.com
1.800.FOR.KLAY
From: Mark McHarg <MGM@symbionics.co.uk>
Subject: Re: D6 and Dolby
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 14:32:52 -0000
Sorry if this appears twice. It bounced the first time.
Philip Childress <philip@plee.com> wrote
>I have been considering purchasing a Sony D6 with Dolby C to
>be used for location recording of live performances.
>If I get the DAT, then that
>will leave maybe $200 for the front-end stuff. If I get the Sony D6,
>that leaves $450-$500 to spend on microphone equipment.
>Dolby C program material recorded and played-back
>through the same machine would deliver a useful dynamic range for my
>purpose. This should be the case when I recorded from the D6 to the A/D
>on the computer sound card (rated 90 db, perhaps it is).
There are a few issues here:
1) I think most of us agree that mic quality is more important than the
deck and that mic placement is even more important. From this
perspective the D6 is a good choice for those on a budget.
2) I have the original WM-D6 and this might have changed with the D6C,
but it seems to me that the D6 is heavily record-optimised. It makes
quite acceptable recordings, but its playback is less than exciting. If
the D6 is your only quality cassette machine, this will severely
compromise the quality of sound you can expect using Dolby, since
noise-reduction algorithms tend to exaggerate deficiencies in tape (or
deck) response.
3) Don't expect to really get 90 dB S/N from your soundcard's A>D
converter. There's too much radiated electrical noise in the typical PC
environment.
4) While some people love Dolby, others loath it. The best objective
reason I can offer for not using Dolby on your masters is that there are
a lot of collectors (both analogue and digital) who won't be interested
in trading for them.
Best of luck,
Mark
From: "B Baier" <baierb@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Need help with some terminology
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 06:40:16 PST
In DAT-Heads Digest #135, Paul Soderman,
<Kidpocono@aol.com> writes:
>I've been poring over info, here and on Websites/newsgroups/FAQ,
>regarding CD-R. With respect to various sound card/computer inputs,
>and even the HHB CDR deck I've read about, there have been references
>to different types of outputs/inputs:
>SPDIF and AESEBU. I'm eventually going to look for a card, or deck,
>that permits me to make 44.1 clones directly from either the coax or
>optical digital outs from my Sony DAT deck, but I can't figure out
>how these would be classified. Thanks for any help.
Here is a brief rundown of the digital formats:
- S/PDIF (Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format) is the consumer
standard for digital audio connections. It is capable of
carrying Start_ID's and other subcodes along with SCMS copy
protection data. It uses two types of cabling.
- Coaxial. Uses a 1/8" RCA jack that looks just like analog
audio conectors. Usually the jack (not the plug) is orange
colored. You should use a "video-grade" RCA cable to connect
coax digital components.
- Optical. Uses plastic fiber-optic cable to transmit. Comes
in two shapes of connector.
- TosLink (Toshiba?). Uses a special jack that looks like:
-----
| |
| o |
| |
\ __/
- 1/8" round. Developed by Sony for MiniDisc and portable
units. Uses a round plug and the jack looks just like
a Walkman headphone plug.
- AES/EBU (American Engineering Society / European Broadcast Union)
is the professional digital standard. It doesn't carry SCMS, but
it doesn't carry Start_ID's either. It uses 3-pin XLR cables.
Based on your post, your Sony probably has S/PDIF cause it has an
optical output. Besides, if you put Start_ID's on a DAT, then used
AES/EBU to transfer it to a CD-R you'd have to put in track marks all
over again. Hope this is the info you want.
Bruce Baier
baierb@hotmail.com
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
From: Arie den Dulk <adendulk@casema.net>
Subject: Sound pro Chip - with SPDIF 44,1 in/out
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 17:06:45 +0100
I recently upgraded my computer by purchasing an Eaglemax PC Main Board,
a 200 MMX intel CPU and 32 MB of memory.On the board is mounted a SOUND
PRO sound card chip. The mainboard , without CPU and memory, is priced
at around $130. It supports thes following features:
Sb 16/Pro compatable with stereo voice up to 48 khz samplingrates, HRTF
3D positional Audio technology.
Windows Sound System v2,0 compatible ,Accelerates Direct sound 3D in
Win95, and Windows 95/3.1 and Dos drivers supported.
Supports 44.1 K digital audio (SPDIF) in/out, HSP-23 wavetable
synthesizer, full duplex 16-bits CODEC with filters, and high quality 3D
sound (om/off controllable)
Device supports SB16, WSS and Game
stereo mixer supports analog mixing from CD-Audio and line in and
digital mixing from Voice, FM/Wave-table, and digital CD-Audio.
There are two set of 2 pin connectors for digital i/o on the board
near the chip. I have not made a digital connector yet, but when I have
made one, I'll post my findings on this list.
Has anyone seen another main board with the SOUND PRO chip?
Arie den Dulk
From: AZawodny@mobile.bam.com
Subject: 2 things
Date: 19 Mar 98 10:58:54 EST
1. I got the Sam Ash catalog in the mail. They have the audacity to offer
TDK audio DATs for $12 for a 120 minute tape. And get this, they started
selling HHB DATs now, and they are the same price!! The industry standard
(HHB) the same price as the industry rag! For a store that can sometimes
have good prices (i paid $725 for my DA20 there) they are sometimes way out
of line. Shit, J&R sells TDK DATs for $6 ea.
2.From: "B Baier" <baierb@hotmail.com>
> A "pro" CD player will likely have AES/EBU out, but it will
> be fairly expensive. Also keep in mind, AES/EBU does not
> transfer CD track-marks or Start-IDs. They're just not part
> of the digital AES/EBU bit-stream.
While the AES/BEU standard may not call for CD Q codes to be passed in the
data stream, my California Audio Labs CD transport does indeed pass Q code
(CD Start IDs) via its AES/BEU interface as that is what I use to connect
to my DAC. I the go from the DAC rec out to my DA20 which reads the Q
codes. I have confirmed this works with live CDs that otherwise would not
cause a Start ID to generate on the DAT deck because of zero gaps in
between songs. YMMV but using AES/BEU apparently does not allows preclude
the loss of track IDs. I assume this varies by equipment.
AZ
From: Michael Hanson <mihanson@mailbox.syr.edu>
Subject: Re: CD Logos
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 12:05:23 -0500 (EST)
Hello,
On the subject of labeling CD-R's, in the April '98 issue of
RECORDING there is an ad for a CD labeling kit on p. 34. A web site
listed for this kit is www.neato.com and a phone of (800) 984-9800. This
issue also has a review of the AKG c480b. A nice review, but critical of
the cost.
Mike Hanson
<mihanson@mailbox.syr.edu>
DAT list on request.
From: nickh@wordcraft.co.uk (Nick Hickman)
Subject: Assorted DAT machine questions
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 17:16:59 +0000
Hi!
I'm in the process of selecting DAT machines for two separate roles and
have a number of questions. I've tried asking the relevant manufacturers
and UK distributors but so far only Sony UK have bothered to reply at all.
I'm hoping that some readers of the list who use the various machines may
be able to answer my questions.
The machines I'm interested in are as follows:
Panasonic SV-3800
Sony PCM-R300 and PCM-R500
Tascam DA20 MkII and DA30 MkII
I realise that these devices fall into two distinct market categories, but this
is quite intentional.
My questions are as follows:
1. Can the machines be set to automatically pause when a Start ID is
encountered whilst playing?
2. Can the machines be set to pause after searching for a Start ID?
3. Can the machines be set to "Skip play", to use Skip IDs to search for
the next Start ID and to *pause*?
4. Can the machines search to a specific numbered Start ID?
5. Can the machines display error rate information?
6. Do any of the above functions require use of the remote control?
7. Are the machines provided with a wired or wireless remote control, or
are such remote controls available as options?
8. How accurately can Start IDs be positioned?
9. Can the shuttle wheels on the SV-3800, R500, and DA30 be used for
cueing at a speed slower than normal and then leave the device paused?
What speeds are available when using the shuttle wheels?
I'm not sure whether the information will be of wide interest to the list, so
replies by private email may be best. I'll happily pass on any information
received to anyone else interested.
Thank you.
Nick
From: pkmin@rsc.rockwell.com
Subject: I listened to 12-1-96 last night
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 09:27:34 -0800
It had been a while. While it isn't the super gooey (we're talking Pauley
Pavillion here), I will still put it up with anything from the section.
Just had to mention this for those of you that may already have it. No,
its hardly a dank dat. But yes for that night I think its as good as
anything....
Pete
From: "Art Munson <Cassette House"
Subject: MasterDAT sale, extended
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 11:40:04 -0600
Hi Folks,
Due to the many requests we are extending this sale until Friday the 20th.
Check out http://www.tape.com/datheads.html
Thanks
Art
**************************************************************************
* Cassette House Blank DAT tape - CDR's - Cassettes *
* Order 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week! *
* Voice:800-321-5738 * Fax: 800-848-5738 * Web Site: http://www.tape.com *
* e-mail:art@tape.com Direct Line 615-952-4993 *
**************************************************************************
From: tsemans@mindspring.com (Music Arcade)
Subject: Saw Docs at Irving Plaza
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 12:57:39 -0500
Did anyone, by chance, happen to record the Saw Doctors performace at
Irving Plaza in NYC on ST. Patrick's Day?
If so, PLEASE contact me.
Thanks,
Tom
"I was walkin' down Main Street
Not the sidewalk but Main Street
Dodgin' traffic with flyin' feet
That's how good I felt..."
...Neil Young
See my website at: http://www.mindspring.com/~tsemans/musicarcade.html
From: JOE <JOE@zyscovich.com>
Subject: Casio DA-R100 portable DAT
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 98 13:06:00 -0500
Hi,
My friend had a Casio DA-R100 portable DAT for sale, that i might purchase,
does anyone have any info or specs on this deck?
thank
Joe
From: Brent5552 <Brent5552@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Digest #134/ Opt > Coax
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 14:51:56 EST
In a message dated 98-03-19 11:34:57 EST, you write:
<< From: BirdSongII <BirdSongII@aol.com>
Subject: ISO-Info on Opt->Coax convertor
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 13:14:21 EST
I hear there is a convertor for opt to coax. I am not sure but I think oade
makes it. Either way let me know.
Ollie >>
Len (CoreSound) also makes a box for Opt > Coax. I believe they run $95.
--D
From: Mazur <robertm@sherwoodforestfarms.com>
Subject: re: Stealthing Tips
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 11:54:47 -0800
>From: Jay Lyons <jayl@mailhub.southeast.net>
>Subject: re:Stealthing tips
>I find that putting stuff in the waist band of my shorts or
pants and then
>putting the fanny pack over that,this way they check the
fanny pack's
>contents instead of groping you.
>It can be a lot of fun letting your deck run as you walk
out of a show. My
>friend has great recordings of himself buying a veggie
burrito in the lot
>after a Dead show.
I don't know if I'm promoting something you guys don't want
to read, but I LOVE to read these stealthing stories.
Unfortunately I do not record at the shows, so to hear these
tales of taping is very entertaining! Maybe someone should
put together an issue of stealthing experiences...
Rob
From: DJaySteve <DJaySteve@aol.com>
Subject: 5/8/77 Teidrich Tree FAQ wanted
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 15:01:07 EST
I just received this tape and remember a FAQ that Tiedrich had for these
tapes. Can anyone foward this or tell me where to find it. Thanks. Steve
From: "Gary Davis" <gdavis@loop.com>
Subject: Clarifying the DAT Store "Loaner Policy"
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 12:13:28 +0000
Re: Erik Brady's post on the DAT Store's loaner policy.
First, the way Brad at the DAT Store treats some customers (not to
mention his friends) is very rude and there's no excuse for it -- we
appologize!
BUT -- the DAT Store's free loaner policy is for local retail
customers only. The low prices offered to DAT-Heads do not include
loaner units. In Erik's case, he had gotten a special deal from
Michael, which was even lower than the usual low DAT-Heads price
(I believe he got the D100 at Sony price-sheet cost, as an appology
for previous bad treatment from Brad).
Anyone who would like to pay $100 extra for their unit is welcome to
a loaner if it breaks during warantee -- any takers? (I thought
not).
P.s. We are working every day to make Brad nicer...
--Gary
From: Beast914 <Beast914@aol.com>
Subject: CD player with digital out
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 15:19:46 EST
Marrantz has units that have digital Coaxial outs. I have a CD63 and its
great. A very fine unit with coaxial output.
From: pkmin@rsc.rockwell.com
Subject: Did you know that 58% of all tape backups fail?
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 12:32:26 -0800
So I'm surfing the web looking for info on Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc and
come across one of those totally jerous (jerous is a word I just made
up--it means heinous on a higher level), obnoxious microsoft windows
looking advertisements for a company called @backup. It states "58% of
tape backups fail". So I called and asked where they come up with this
number and the guy pauses for a moment and says. "From a casual survey".
I ask him what the survey size was and he has no idea. So I send the
following.
To: marketing@atbackup.com
cc:
Subject: Where do you get your 58% as the % of tape backups failing?
Hello,
I am interested in your product but skeptical. I was planning on
buying a tape backup but now have doubts as to the reliability of tape
since it is mechanical in nature and mechanical things tend to wear, etc.
Before I pursue any further, I would like to know where you get your *58%*
of tape backups will fail though. Is it really this bad? I want to
protect my data in a reliable way.
Thanks
Pete
Seeing as Dat/DDS tape is a form of computer backup, I look forward to
their response!
From: BARRY Barnes <barry@sbe.acast.nova.edu>
Subject: Record vs Playback Errors
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 16:03:29 -0500 (EST)
Can someone explain why my Denon DTR-80 will play back tapes with no
problem, but when recording the tapes come out full of errors? I've been
told the heads are worn out. So is the error correction doing a great job
during playback but not in use during record?
============
Barry Barnes
Professor of Organizational Behavior
School of Business and Entrepreneurship
Nova Southeastern University
barry@sbe.nova.edu
============
** FOR YOUR REFERENCE **
To unsubscribe from this digest, please send email to
dat-heads-request@fedney.near.net with the word unsubscribe on
a line all by itself. If your email address has changed, you may
(optionally) specify 'unsubscribe oldaddress@olddomain' on a line
by itself -- an example is "unsubscribe liam@mit.edu." Problems or
questions about a subscription should be addressed first to dat
-heads-request@fedney.near.net, and then if needed postmaster@fedney.near.net,
never the list itself.
You can submit a message for inclusion in the next digest via this address:
Internet: dat-heads@fedney.near.net
Archives of DAT-Heads digests and related files are available on
the DAT-Heads home page:
http://www.eklektix.com/dat-heads/
End of DAT-Heads Digest
******************************