Quote:
Originally Posted by dazzlevision
...The frequency response plots will also be a useful benchmark during my tests now the new head is fitted...
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Yes they should be a good reference. Notice Tutchings first tests just the playback response, probably using a highly accurate calibration tape.
Confirming playback response is within spec was always recommended. Only then, using the deck's own playback as the reference can we measure record performance.
I have proper expensive calibration tapes from manufacturers, but to basically check the high frequencies off the tape are actually getting through, I've long used another method. I use a blank, unrecorded tape and use its background hiss as source. It's a quiet hiss so the deck's playback electronics cant afford to be too noisy. On a good deck we should be able to hear/measure/display on a screen, this tape hiss above the deck's own preamplifier background noise.