Tape Project Forum

Tape Project Albums => Saxophone Colossus => Topic started by: Ben on January 14, 2009, 02:05:41 PM

Title: Mono playback
Post by: Ben on January 14, 2009, 02:05:41 PM
What is the best way to set up for mono playback of Saxophone Colossus
?
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: High and Outside on January 14, 2009, 03:05:54 PM
We are making this one on two-track equipment like all the other releases, but with the mono signal on both channels. It was our assumption that most people would just want to thread it up on the system they always use, sit back, and enjoy. So that's what I suggest you do.

If you want to go to more trouble, you can route the left channel to both your speakers and just listen to that. Then, when you have someone special in to show off your stereo, you can route the right channel to both speakers instead, and play them some thing that's NEVER BEEN LISTENED TO BEFORE!
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: xcortes on January 14, 2009, 04:25:15 PM
How about listening to one channel only in true mono? Since I saw a couple of mono tapes were coming I started experimenting with mono lps's (including OJC's version of Brilliant Corners) and I just love it that way. Sweet spot is as big as the house. Even when listening from other rooms sound is very nice. I wish I had more mono music!
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: ironbut on January 14, 2009, 04:52:22 PM
One of my prize recordings is an original mono (1957?) of "Kind of Blue". The surface noise is a little higher than the other gazillion releases of the record I have but it sure sounds sweet! You don't get the feeling that Evans is playing in the other room (slight exaggeration) like on the stereo versions.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: steveidosound on January 14, 2009, 11:21:15 PM
We are making this one on two-track equipment like all the other releases, but with the mono signal on both channels. It was our assumption that most people would just want to thread it up on the system they always use, sit back, and enjoy. So that's what I suggest you do.

If you want to go to more trouble, you can route the left channel to both your speakers and just listen to that. Then, when you have someone special in to show off your stereo, you can route the right channel to both speakers instead, and play them some thing that's NEVER BEEN LISTENED TO BEFORE!


Well, there you have it from THE authority (or one of three).
I am kind of happy that I didn't say anything different ! :>)

My only other concern was that someone would think it a good idea to combine both tracks electrically via a mono switch somewhere in the system before sending it to one or both speakers. That - in my opinion - would still be a mistake as any minor phase shift because of playback head alignment would become apparent, especially at high frequencies. You wouldn't probably notice this unless it was really gross (and it shouldn't be if you used your alignment tape) if you played it as as stereo tape and let the channels combine in your listening room as Paul first suggested.

The reason that a mono switch DOES work for mono records is that the lateral groove cut by a mono cutter is exactly a mirror image on both sides, so any differential between the two sides of the groove is out of phase noise which cancels out. There really can't be a phase shift unless your cartridge is radically skewed in the headshell and not tangent with the groove.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: oneobgyn on April 09, 2009, 10:08:39 AM
I've received the first nine of Series one. Just curious if anyone has received #10 yet?
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: Ben on April 09, 2009, 11:29:07 AM
Right now I am waiting for two tapes ... One  is lost in the mail somewhere
and the other is just out of Canada Customs. All I can say is I am expecting
#10 soon after this lot gets in.


Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: docb on April 09, 2009, 12:05:59 PM
TP-010 is on hold for a bit while we wait for a new shipment of album boxes to arrive by slow boat.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: oneobgyn on April 09, 2009, 12:07:48 PM
Dan

I sent you a PM several weeks ago re the Repro amp and have never heard back from you.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: dwilawyer on July 14, 2009, 06:31:31 PM
TP-010 is on hold for a bit while we wait for a new shipment of album boxes to arrive by slow boat.

Any word on those boxes?  Still waiting for Creek Bank and this one.  You can send the me the reels now and the boxes when ever they come in.

Travis
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: dwilawyer on July 15, 2009, 03:53:45 PM
I guess even more good news, just heard that a whole bunch, if not all, of TP10's were being shipped today.

Travis
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: docb on July 15, 2009, 05:46:16 PM
We managed to get 20 out today. A shipment of flange screws came in late today, and the crew got a bit behind schedule. We can only manage packaging about 50 albums per day when it's all running at 100%, so based on the total number of subscribers it looks like they will be shipping out TP-010 tapes every day until sometime early next week.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: ironbut on July 15, 2009, 06:02:25 PM
Damn those flange screws!!

I'm gonna have a little chat with Barack and see if we can do something about these flange screw/barrel bolts droughts. I don't see any reason why the National Guard can't distribute them anywhere in the county at a moments notice. I mean, after all, we're the ones who paid for those CH-47 Chinook helicopters!
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: mikel on July 15, 2009, 10:06:00 PM
We managed to get 20 out today. A shipment of flange screws came in late today, and the crew got a bit behind schedule.

as i'm Charter #34 i suppose that delays my TP-010 another day. i got (flange) screwed. :0)

i guess i'll have to settle for the British Open, Le Tour, or watching the Mariners back in action tomorrow night. i'll survive.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: docb on July 15, 2009, 10:25:38 PM
Don't change your plans just yet, Mike. Your album did indeed go out today, I just checked the shipping log. The first few serial numbers are ours, so we shipped numbers out past serial #20 today. Some guy named Koto was in that shipment too.

Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: ironbut on July 15, 2009, 10:54:15 PM
Yeaaaaaaaaah!!!!


Um,.. don't be surprised if you hear a loud "Thum-thum-thum" from overhead and a big bag crushes the old pickup tonight.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: mikel on July 16, 2009, 08:01:55 AM
Don't change your plans just yet, Mike. Your album did indeed go out today, I just checked the shipping log. The first few serial numbers are ours, so we shipped numbers out past serial #20 today. Some guy named Koto was in that shipment too.

thanks Doc, i'll be ready if it arrives today.
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: mikel on July 16, 2009, 07:58:36 PM
TP-010 arrived. packaging, box, art work.....everything looks first class...as always.

i have some fresh Alaska Salmon on the barbie; as soon as dinner is over it will be out to the room for a listen.

i'll open a new thread for first listening impressions.....great start to the evening....
Title: Re: Mono playback
Post by: docb on July 16, 2009, 11:15:37 PM
Thanks Mike,

The cover art was kind of a challenge on this one. I scanned the cover of an early (original?) issue LP. You may note that the color and contrast are rather different than the kind of washed out gray-blacks with aqua background you see on the CD artwork. I could push one of the auto level/color/etc. buttons in Photoshop and get the same result, but my cover is a closer representation to how the original cover that we borrowed looked, and I think it has a richer feel to it. The back cover of the original is pretty forgettable, but I tried to be as true as possible to the original layout while incorporating our credits.