DAT-Heads Digest #737
Contents:
Guysonic's Preliminary Evaluation of Opcode's DATport ....... IT WORK'S GREAT! (GuySonic@aol.com)
The Rolling Stones & Muddy Waters (Gear119348@aol.com)
Illegal Bootlegs on EBay Comment (William Perry)
wav > mp3 encoder freeware (Jay Lyons)
eBay and contacts at the RIAA ("Mike Gentile")
FS/T:AT 822 with accesories (Dears1314@aol.com)
Dam tape broke... (Steven Kingsley)
ABB @ Beacon, Question (Steven Kingsley)
Pumping Iron (Oxide) (Yalk@aol.com)
From: GuySonic@aol.com
Subject: Guysonic's Preliminary Evaluation of Opcode's DATport ....... IT WORK'S GREAT!
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 07:50:54 EST
The DATport is the very first of a family of Opcode USB audio products
(DATport optical with Toslink I/O, DATport 20 bit A/D with analog line input,
DATport D/A with analog monitoring) to be shipped and arrived this Saturday
afternoon for evaluation. I got around to installing everything in just a few
hours after its arrival.
DATport came in a shrink-wrapped commercial box that included the DATport, a
floppy disk with drivers, a 19 page manual, and a USB port to DATport device
connecting cable. The DATport itself is housed in a sturdy U type metal box
with one rear USB connector and two front gold plated RCA jacks for the
digital audio input/output. Also on the front was a 'transmission' status
indicator light.
THE TEST SYSTEM
The only computer available with a (single) USB port is a Micron Trek laptop
configured with WIN95 (a few months or so before Micron went to WIN98 shipped
versions), but later upgraded to WIN98 (with the WIN98 upgrade product; 'new
version' labeled).
The Trek has 96 Meg EDO Ram, 233 Mhz PII, and a 3.9 Gig IDE type harddisk
that checks out as 8x CD-R burn capable with the CeQuadrat speed o' meter
program. Attached to the one of the Trek's PCMCIA slots is an Adaptec 1460B
Ultra SCSI card bus mastering adapter plugged into an AC powered satellite box
containing a 4.5G Barracuda SCSI Ultra hard disk drive and Smart & Friendly
CD-R (4x/12x).
There is also a PCMCIA 33.6 modem mostly always connected to the other PCMCIA
slot. A single S-Video Cable of 16 foot length (I know it's a bit long, but
only causes some signal attenuation) with Neutrik Phono (very precision)
connectors are attached to the S/PDIF ports of both deck and DATport. The DAT
decks used: Panasonic SV-3700 (Pro) and Sony DTC-60ES (Consumer with SCMS).
Most of the tests involved shuffling 'stored' files to/from the SCSI connected
drives and DAT decks, but used just the internal HD when recording, playing,
and editing a sound file using, Windows Recorder, Sound Forges XP or Cool
Edit 96; storing audio files on the internal IDE HD should yield identical
performance.
The Trek system is ultimately meant for doing location sound file editing and
CD-R recording. There was no practical method to get PCM type digital audio
directly into this system (like from a digitally connected DAT deck or hi-
quality outboard A/D convertor) until Opcode's DATport arrived.
Those with newer desktop computers will likely notice having two USB ports
available and now the option of using single or multiple USB devices like the
DATport as capable digital I/O sound cards that lack only the 'bit rate
conversion' ability normally found on much more costly internal PCI type
Digital I/O capable soundcard.
GETTING DOWN TO TRYING IT OUT
Installation of the drivers was fairly easy by carefully following the
instruction within the supplied manual and on the two late edition Errata
sheets that gave very complete instructions of what was needed. The DATport
needs three distinct drivers loaded (USB Composite Device, USB Human Interface
Device, and USB Audio Device) to operate, but on my system, I had to manually
initiate windows to load the other two that were missed with the 'Plug and
Play' recognition system. Getting my WIN98 system to actually recognize the
DATport early in the evaluation did take a few cycles of unplugging the USB
connector and rebooting. Once it was recognized as an alternative or
preferred audio card, there was no further problems with the device always
showing up as the an available audio device in Windows Multimedia settings or
the audio recording, playback, and editing programs installed on my system
The Trek Laptop now reliably recognizes the Opcode DATport as USB Audio Device
(2), but to get that stable recognition, connecting this USB audio device
AFTER booting up seemed to work best on my system, but I am told there are
several existing WIN98 versions and also motherboard variations and as such,
USB device recognition may act less particular to procedure on other systems.
My (now vintage) Trek system seems more prone to being a bit particular in
this regard.
A DATport Icon appears in the Windows tray area indicating WIN98 has accepted
it. Clicking the Icon brings up the DATport options window with
recording/playback sample rate (32K, 44.1K, 48K) as well as choice of 16 or 24
bit depth choices. Multiple connected DATports can be selected for recording
any of these three sample rate options, but while playback sample rate can be
different from the set recording rate of any connected DATport device, a
single working playback bit rate is set for all Opcode DATport devices
connected.
I was also able to uniquely rename the DATport to "#1 Tested Opcode" using the
'device naming' feature that allows for up to 4 (hub or separate USB port)
Opcode USB audio devices to be connected simultaneously with unique names
assigned.
Opcode's 'Instant Playback' feature eliminates a likely 3-5 second 'pre-roll'
delay in playback and is constructed as an option, (like, when would you NOT
want this seemingly important feature ON?) However, to my understanding,
you'd leave this feature always ON when using the DATport, but unchecked (OFF)
just before unplugging from it from USB port to avoid a potential WIN98 system
instability from this action.
The 'once selected' single playback and recording sample rate limitation might
be a pesky little disappointment to those with varied 32, 44.1 & 48k sampled
audio to file away or playback within a single session especially with having
just one DATport connected. It 'might' (sometimes) be necessary (depending on
your WIN98 system/version) to reload some USB drivers if WIN98 demands such,
then exit and restart windows after changing any of these working
Playback/Record DATport sample rate settings. This may be more or less true
with multiple DATport devices on line as with having multiple DATport devices
set to different session required 'recording' sample rates, just plugging into
the correctly 'bit rate set' DATport absolutely eliminates needing to reboot
for at least this reason.
It does seems less than convenient NOT to be able to 'audibly monitor' a
digital input to DATport to .wav file recording process within the WIN98
system. This was a stark contrast to the Canopus device that has its own D/A
analog output port that automatically allows this. Setting the options in
Sound Forge XP and Cool Edit 96 to list my internal sound card as the playback
device made no difference in having any monitoring ability during DATport
recording. Monitoring off the phones or line analog output of the DAT deck
does solve the need for monitoring when transferring audio to hard disk.
Opcode is going to make available a DATport with also having an analog output
port, but this is sometime in the near future.
I did notice that any unplugging or bad connection of the coax connectors
(output AND input) while playback or recording was in progress (only tested
once during an output to DAT deck function), caused the DATport's front panel
status indicator light to go out, but the output transfer still continued
anyway. This seemed a kind of connector troubleshooting feature as well as
'data in transfer' progress indication. It does seem to need both Input and
Output connections secured for the indicator to light at all. Is this just a
cable termination indicator that's only active during a transfer or is it also
looking for a simultaneous digital output from the deck during transfer to the
deck like I was doing at the time? I'm curious if there's really a need for
both IN's and OUT's be connected to something signal active for the status
indicator to light up.
AN IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT DIGITAL PATCH CABLES
It does seem very important to remind users of coaxial plug connected digital
audio devices that keeping all connections VERY CLEAN and STABLE is of utmost
importance and seems MUCH MORE critical than the transferring analog audio
signals. For best results with this, use newer very high quality RCA phono
plug video patch cords that are precision cabled with VERY SECURELY FITTING
PLUG TO DATport/DAT digital I/O jacks. Even a few microseconds of
disconnection caused by loosely fitting plugs, cable movement, or
interfering grungy coating on a connector can potentially ruin the successful
transferring an entire audio file. Use only clean, precision engineered, and
snug fitting video cables for getting the most consistent results with any
digital audio device using these type of interconnections. Optical Toslink
also needs to be grudge and dust free to give consistently good service, but
seem far easier to maintain. Toslink seems more precision engineered from the
ground up as compared to the sad state of audio/video Phono jacks/plugs that
seem 'born prone to get loose and dirty'.
On the very, very bright side, I heard audio NO GLITCHES (recording or
playback) to report 'once everything' had been selected as directed in the
instructions. This is very good to experience first time ever (for me) with a
USB audio device. The DATport is considered a professional audio device and
as such, allows working with re-recording any digital audio file without SCMS
limitations found on consumer equipment.
Now that the USB system is verified working solid on my less than State o' Art
WIN98 system. I plan to try returning (step by step) two of the less than
'optimum for windows performance' settings suggested for having optimal WIN98
USB settings. These settings (File system: "Read-ahead optimization set to
none" from full and the "Disable write-behind caching for all drives"
troubleshooting option) did seem necessary (at least in my system) for the USB
audio to work without audio recording gaps, but noticeably slows down my
already 'less than stellar performing' WIN98 system for other applications.
Rebooting is necessary when making these file system setting changes so it
would be nicer not to need to need them for solely enhancing audio USB
applications.
Congratulations to Opcode's Tom Sherman (VP of product development), and
dedicated staff on their success in producing one of the very first DAT USB
audio devices that actually works solid enough to do all the basics of getting
DAT ported digital audio files to and from a computer file and a digital audio
recorder.
I am absolutely thrilled at now having a complete and working location sound
editing and CD-R system thanks to the much awaited arrival of the DATport.
For more information about DATport, visit Opcodes Web site page at:
<A HREF="http://www.opcode.com/products/datport">Opcode Systems (USB DAT Port
Sys)</A>
Best Regards in Sound & Music Recording,
Leonard Lombardo
========================================
Sonic Studios(tm)..."Making Audio History With DSM(tm) Microphones"
TEL: 541-459-8839 /\ FAX: 541-459-8842 /\ USA Free: 1-888-875-4976
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Informative WEB SITE: HTTP:// <A HREF="http://www.sonicstudios.com">
WWW.SONICSTUDIOS.COM</A>
A better wish... "A bit of knowledge coupled to a great deal of
wisdom"
From: Gear119348@aol.com
Subject: The Rolling Stones & Muddy Waters
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 09:05:35 EST
Hi Everyone
I recently saw a clip of some film footage of Muddy and The Stones playing
together in a small club. Does anyone out there have this on video or DAT?
I'd also be interested in any Stones DAT's from the tour that just kicked-off
this week. They're doing two nights here (Wash. DC) in March and I'm planning
on taping at least one night. Just e-mail me privately if you want to trade
any of this stuff.
Thanks, Terry MacD
From: rperry@netscape.com (William Perry)
Subject: Illegal Bootlegs on EBay Comment
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 09:57:21 -0500
Folks who don't understand why DAT-heads are pissed at EBay,
I think the concern that people here are expressing is that selling of
bootlegs in such a large forum is that it is potentially damaging to the
artists involved. The problem with pissing off the artists is that they
will start to look unfavorably on the folks that tape their shows (those
that allow taping). Those bootlegs come from somewhere, after all! So
the artists decide not to allow taping any longer, and we all lose out
on
the pursuit of our hobby (passion?) just because some asshole took
advantage of the goodwill of tapers (or traders) who (unknowingly?)
traded their music to a bootlegger.
See why the folks on DAT-heads are upset?
-Russ
From: Jay Lyons <jayl@southeast.net>
Subject: wav > mp3 encoder freeware
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 10:03:27 -0500
Hi all,
I got this notice in the mail from a shareware list that I'm on...the news
was pretty good so I thought I'd pass it along.
I haven't tried this program yet, I'm d'ling it now. No, I don't work for
any of these folks and I do NOT know if the program is really any good.
UAOR, it sound like a good thing so I just wanted to share it with some
friends ;-)
here's the info I got
====== ======== ======== ========
MAKING WAVES
If you're searching for a versatile audio utility that looks every bit as
good as it sounds, then check out the sensory sensation known as
NexEncode Studio. This multipurpose music player sports an attractive
interface and features an advanced encoder that can convert WAV files
into MP3 format and vice versa. Meticulous MP3 encoding means that you'll
have to wait a little longer for the finished tracks, but the sound
quality provided by NexEncode is worth the wait. The program's interface
can easily change its look and shape, and the artistically inclined will
be keen to tinker with the prepackaged skin editor. Other features of
NexEncode include support for multiple CD-ROM drives, an ID3 tag editor
to label your collection, and the ability to incorporate plug-ins to
further enhance the program's functionality.
FACT FILE:
Program name: NexEncode Studio
Version: 2.0
Size: 3,050K
Developed by: Team Nexgen
License: freeware
Requirements: Windows 95
Get the perfect mix:
http://www.shareware.com/DD/sw/0,156,0127-1-003,00.html
From: "Mike Gentile" <mgentile@hotmail.com>
Subject: eBay and contacts at the RIAA
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 07:14:49 PST
Hi all. Just incase anyone is interested, here are some e-mail
addresses of people working at the RIAA if you would like to contact
any/all of them about the situation at eBay:
hmccaffrey@riaa.com
btenor@riaa.com
awalsh@riaa.com
lpelliccia@riaa.com
hrosen@riaa.com <-This is Hillary Rosen, president of the RIAA
fcreighton@riaa.com
tsites@riaa.com
badbeat@riaa.com <- The RIAA's anti-piracy/anti-bootleg "hotline"
jganoe@riaa.com
amorrison@riaa.com
dincorvaia@riaa.com <- legal counsel for the RIAA
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
From: Dears1314@aol.com
Subject: FS/T:AT 822 with accesories
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 10:26:16 EST
I have a brand new, used probably three times, AT 822 stereo condensor mic for
sale or trade. I have been told to ask about 220 dollars for it, so that is
what I am asking. I would also consider trading it for a used portable deck,
if anyone was interested in such a deal! The mic has two sets of cables,
manual, spec's, clips, etc. QWrite me personally if interested...
Daryan
reason for selling..upgraded a while back, and have no use for this mic!
From: Steven Kingsley <steven@airsys.net>
Subject: Dam tape broke...
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 10:49:02 -0500
For the first time, while cloning a show the other day I had a brand new
blank tape break. A Maxell hs4 something... new, labelled. I unpacked the
tape before I used it too. (always do) It hasn't happened since, but I am
wondering, could the tape itself have been defective?
Might my Denon DTR80-P be at fault? What would make a tape break? too much
tension? Thought that was why I unpack them. Is this something where I
should actually send the tape back to the vendor? What would YOU do?... I've
never had to send a tape back to the vendor. Do you think it's something
they would replace?... or do I just eat it?
It ain't the money I'm worried about here, just concerned if this is
indicative of a repair I'm ABOUT to need.
Steve
From: Steven Kingsley <steven@airsys.net>
Subject: ABB @ Beacon, Question
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 11:01:28 -0500
I've been there the last 3 years, but this year my tix are in the balcony. I
know the Allman Brothers allow taping from any seat, but is this true for
the Beacon Theater? Anyone run a rig in the balcony for the ABB runs there
in the past? or should I plan on patchin' outta someone on the floor?...
Help! I need to eat sum peaches.
Steve
Dat List At: http://www.airsys.net/dat
===============================================
"I haven't committed a crime. What I did was
fail to comply with the law."
- David Dinkins -
From: Yalk@aol.com
Subject: Pumping Iron (Oxide)
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 10:57:25 EST
<<Some of the cassettes are quite old, but for the most part, have held up
pretty well. A few of them have a
problem at the beginning of the sides with the high-end coming in and out,
like someone is
running an EQ slider up and down. I believe I have heard this phenomenon
called "pumping.">>
If they were really old, a few ideas come to mind. First, some decks used the
infamous dbx noise reduction scheme. This would sound like the music was
through a telephone and pump like hell withour a decoder. And even with a
decoder, it would pump and breathe.
If not, perhaps it was recorded on a deck that had ALC? Some decks had that
"feature" that could not be turned off.
I know of no aging process that would cause this, except perhaps for edge
"cupping". As the binder looses its moisture, the mylar or polyester base
shrinks, causing the edges to cup. This causes the tape to mistrack as it
passes the playback head and deliver "wooshing" , strange crosstalk, phase
anomolies and such.
Regards,
Klay Anderson
klay@klay.com
http://www.klay.com
1.800.FOR.KLAY
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