TAPE MACHINE ALIGNMENT

Preparation:

1. Clean machine 
2. De-magnetize (optional - make sure machine is turned OFF) 
3. Clean machine again 
4. Prepare Record Pad at the END of a new reel if required, head/tail
   leadered.

Alignment Procedure:

1. Repro Level
	Tone: 1 kHz
	Tone Source: Test Tape
	Monitor Source: Repro

	Purpose: To adjust output of Repro Amp so that 0 dB VU
	         playback of a 1 kHz signal equals a known level of 
		 magnetism.

		 185 nW/m2 = 0 dB
		 250 nW/m2 = +3 dB
		 320 nW/m2 = +5 dB
		 370 nW/m2 = +6 dB

2. Sync Level
	Tone: 1 kHz
	Tone Source: Test Tape
	Monitor Source: Sync or Auto

	Purpose: To adjust output of Sync Amp so that 0 dB VU playback         
		 of a 1 kHz signal equals a known level of magnetism.

3. Repro High Frequency
	Tone: 10 kHz
	Tone Source: Test Tape
	Monitor Source: Repro
	Purpose: To adjust the Repro Amp for flat frequency response 
		 from 1 kHz to 10 kHz and beyond.

4. Sync High Frequency
        Tone: 10 kHz
        Tone Source: Test Tape
        Monitor Source: Sync or Auto
        Purpose: To adjust the Sync Amp for flat frequency response 
                 from 1 kHz to 10 kHz and beyond.

5. Repro Low Frequency
	Tone: 100 Hz
	Tone Source: Test Tape (postpone this step if using MRL tape)
	Monitor Source: Repro
	Purpose: To adjust the Repro Amp for flat frequency response 
		 from 1 kHz down to 100 Hz and beyond.

6. Sync Low Frequency
        Tone: 100 Hz
        Tone Source: Test Tape (postpone this step if using MRL tape)
        Monitor Source: Sync or Auto
        Purpose: To adjust the Sync Amp for flat frequency response
                 from 1 kHz down to 100 Hz and beyond.

7. Bias/Overbias
	Tone: 10 kHz
	Tone Source: Oscillator
	Monitor Source: Repro while recording
	
	Purpose: To overcome inertia for optimum low amplitude 
		 response. Overbias according to the specifications of
		 your tape manufacturer.

8. Input Level
	Tone: 1 kHz
	Tone Source: Oscillator
	Monitor Source: Input (don't record)

	Purpose: To adjust Input Amp so that a 0 dB VU signal from the 
	         console equals a 0 dB VU input monitor on the tape 
		 machine.

9. Record Level
	Tone: 1 kHz
	Tone Source: Oscillator
	Monitor Source: Repro while recording

	Purpose: To adjust Record Amp so that a 0 dB VU signal from 
		 the console records with just enough magnetism that 
		 the tape plays back at 0 dB VU, which was referenced
		 to the Test Tape in step 1.

10. Record High Frequency
	Tone: 10 kHz
	Tone Source: Oscillator
	Monitor Source: Repro while recording

	Purpose: To adjust the Record Amp for flat frequency response
		 from 1 kHz down to 10 kHz and beyond.

If you skipped steps 5 and 6, do them now while recording 100 Hz from 
the console and monitoring the Repro Head.

11. Print Tones (30 seconds each of 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 Hz. Head/tail 
    leadered at beginning of tape.)

12. Turn oscillator OFF!

13. Take all tracks out of record ready.

14. Clean machine again.