Tape transfer-Phase Issue

[craigmorris74]

I run a small label that is reissuing a project be a 70's rock band. We located a master tape, and a transfer was completed in an NYC studio. However, the engineer noted that the signal on the left channel was lower than the right channel. His guess was that the tape head of the recorded was different than that of the playback machine. He also said this problem could affect the channel balance and cause phase problems.

I was wondering if there was a technique or plug-in that I could use to check for a phase problem and fix it if neccesary before going any further with mastering. Any tips appreciated.
Thanks,
Craig

[Waltz Mastering]

That can be fixed in re-mastering providing it wasn't the transfer machine that was out of whack.

TW

[Paul Gold]

I would have the engineer compare the tape to the record. If the record is the benchmark he should be able to tell if the channel balance is off. You should have a calibrated turntable to do this.

I assume there were no tones on the tape. If the tape was obviously pulling to one side it's an easy enough fix. It should be done on at the transfer stage to keep the noise floor similar on both channels.

[wado1942]

He should have adjusted the playback deck to match the tape. If the problem is very minor, you may be able to compensate with a slight EQ and possibly a delay as small as a 1/4 sample. Otherwise, it needs to be retransferred with greater care.

Generally if one channel is lower than the other, it's because the zenith is wrong or perhaps the tape and or head was dirty. It's also possible that the record machine was at fault and none of the dozen people or so who approved it caught the problem.

[mpdonahue]

More than likely the tape was played back on a machine with the wrong head for the tape in question. My suspicion is that the tape is actually a 1/4 track tape being played back on a 1/2 track head. This will give the exact symptoms you describe.
My advice is to seek out a professional that works with tape on a regular basis. That person should have the tools to look at the magnetic pattern on the tape to determine tape format and the correct machine/head combination to play it back.
All the best,
-mark

[GYMusic]

Yes... the latest version of Audition has a phase corrector plug. But, the most successful way is to get the heads aligned correctly in the first place at the transfer stage.

[loujudson]

Originally Posted by mpdonahue

More than likely the tape was played back on a machine with the wrong head for the tape in question. My suspicion is that the tape is actually a 1/4 track tape being played back on a 1/2 track head. This will give the exact symptoms you describe.

All the best,
-mark

Actually quite the opposite! 1/4 track stereo played on NAB 2 track head will have the left at full level and the right down a few dB, between -4 and -10.

Been there, done that, many times.

Have the tape transferred by Richard L. Hess's Tape Restoration Resources

L

[Greg Reierson]

Originally Posted by GYMusic

Yes... the latest version of Audition has a phase corrector plug. But, the most successful way is to get the heads aligned correctly in the first place at the transfer stage.

I tried a demo but could not get the phase correction tool to work. Have you tried it?


GR

[jamesp]

If I'm uncertain of the format of a quarter inch tape then I'll put it on my Fostex E8 8 track machine. I can see the format instantly from the meter pattern. A Magnasee device would probably be cheaper though.

Cheers

James.

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by craigmorris74

I run a small label that is reissuing a project be a 70's rock band. We located a master tape, and a transfer was completed in an NYC studio. However, the engineer noted that the signal on the left channel was lower than the right channel. His guess was that the tape head of the recorded was different than that of the playback machine. He also said this problem could affect the channel balance and cause phase problems.

I was wondering if there was a technique or plug-in that I could use to check for a phase problem and fix it if neccesary before going any further with mastering. Any tips appreciated.
Thanks,
Craig

If this was actually a 1/4 track stereo tape being reproduced on a 1/2 track head (highly doubtful) the right channel would be down, not the left. It would also be hissy, highly likely at 7-1/2 ips (another clue) and likely on a small reel. Magnasee would tell the tail.

You'd have to tell us if there were test tones and so on to help the engineer do his job and if he manually adjusted the azimuth in mono, checked his own zenith, tape to head contact with a flashlight and a magnifying glass, tensions, eliminated everything at his end, etc.

BK

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by bob katz

You'd have to tell us if there were test tones and so on to help the engineer do his job and if he manually adjusted the azimuth in mono

That's key right there, if not the most common oversight, in my experience.

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by Boomshanka

That's key right there, if not the most common oversight, in my experience.

If the master is stereo, after you peak the HF in mono, the best way to fine-adjust the azimuth is to listen to the difference (left minus right) signal and adjust to null out anything panned to the center. This is actually more accurate than just using the mono sum.

While azimuth can be corrected after the fact in digital, there is no substitute for getting it right in the transfer.


DC

[space2012]

Originally Posted by craigmorris74

I run a small label that is reissuing a project be a 70's rock band. We located a master tape, and a transfer was completed in an NYC studio. However, the engineer noted that the signal on the left channel was lower than the right channel. His guess was that the tape head of the recorded was different than that of the playback machine. He also said this problem could affect the channel balance and cause phase problems.

I was wondering if there was a technique or plug-in that I could use to check for a phase problem and fix it if neccesary before going any further with mastering. Any tips appreciated.
Thanks,
Craig

can you upload some .mp3 files of the original song recorded from 12" LP or cassett, and the original master recently transfered.?

[mpdonahue]

Originally Posted by loujudson

Actually quite the opposite! 1/4 track stereo played on NAB 2 track head will have the left at full level and the right down a few dB, between -4 and -10.

Been there, done that, many times.

Have the tape transferred by Richard L. Hess's Tape Restoration Resources

L

Ahhh, but my question is- what is the likelihood that the "NYC Studio" would have a 1/4 track machine and no 1/2 track machine? I would usually assume the opposite.

All the best,
-mark