Re: How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias? - MHugo - Tape Trail

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Re: How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias?

In Reply to: How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias? posted by Redbook on February 4, 2006 at 18:26:31:

TDK D vs Maxell UR. I would agree with Kieth on the durability front, although if using good decks, they should no place undue stress on the tape itself. Maxell UR, along with JVC G1 are in the upper ranks for toughness. Bear in mind, calibration nothwithstanding, some decks have an affinity for certain tapes due to many characteristics that are not specifically adjusted for when tweaking for bias, level and sensitivity. However, as a general rule I would say they are quite similar with TDK D having the edge in terms of sparkle, life and energy. Maxell UR is quieter though (lower bias noise), and equally dolby friendly, making it a natural choice for classical music. TKD D has a better mid and high frequency MOL, so if you are recording without dolby and consequently pushing recording levels slightly higher, I would use that for pop, synthesized music, rock, metal, jazz etc. Maxell would get the nod for blues, classics, reggae and so forth. As you suggest, you are using a more high-end deck, so these selections are not super-critical as no doubt, you have calibration facilities to hand. Being a tape collector and quite acquisitive, i would buy and use both, learning and enjoying their relative merits.
Some clues for free!! If you have a modern Pioneer deck with Dolby S, auto cal a TDK D and record some well mastered contemporary music. Even without dolby S, results will be exceptional.
If using a Nak, set bias at approx 10 o'clock, left of the detent, and set recording levels for peaks at +1dB. Record with or without NR. Terrific stuff!!
Good luck!!
Marc

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - TDK "A" vs. "D" Type I tapes .. how exactly are they different? Is either supposedly better than the other? Thanks! ( - Damián 05:28:03 02/02/06 (8)

Re: Thanks, both of you .. however, I was referring to plain "A" tapes .. not "SA" or "AD". Like this one- - Damián 07:40:25 02/02/06 (0)

Re: TDK "A" vs. "D" Type I tapes .. how exactly are they different? Is either supposedly better than the other? Thanks! - bobp 06:24:36 02/02/06 (0)

Re: TDK "A" vs. "D" Type I tapes .. how exactly are they different? Is either supposedly better than the other? Thanks! - soundnut 06:17:10 02/02/06 (5)

Re: TDK "A" vs. "D" Type I tapes .. how exactly are they different? Is either supposedly better than the other? Thanks! - MHugo 05:16:04 02/04/06 (4)

Re: Thanks everyone, and specially MHugo.. great info! (nt) - Damián 03:14:27 02/05/06 (0)

How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias? - Redbook 18:26:31 02/04/06 (2)

Re: How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias? - MHugo 23:10:57 02/04/06 (0)

Re: How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias? - Keith H 19:56:52 02/04/06 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: How does Maxell UR compare to TDK D normal bias? - MHugo 23:10:57 02/04/06 (0)

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