NAB or IEC standard on Revox A77, etc?

[funbebop]

Hi Tape folks,

I just got my Revox A77 tape machine back from a local shop that sold me and prepped the unit for use.  I'm new to reel to reel so I've probably got some real novice questions so please forgive my ignorance.  I've got a decent amount of NOS Ampex 641 reels and the machine has the bais set for this tape.  However, on the input selector thier is a switch for NAB and IEC; I think I should use NAB since it's supposed to be for a "north america" standard EQ setting? 

Also, if anybody could recommend some basic operating instuctions for a newbie would be really appreciated and thanked!  I mainly want to record some 1st play LP's, personal digital recordings, and some CD's to tape.  I will mostly use 7 1/2 ips, but a longer tape would be cool too for parties, etc. 

thanks so much for any replies in advance,

sincerely,

Donnie L.

[ironbut]

Hi Donnie,

I believe that the NAB/IEC switch on the front panel of the A77 is for playback only. In other words, unless you change one of the internal circuit cards (by either exchanging it for an IEC record eq card or modifying the existing card) your machine will be recording with NAB eq anyway.

Regarding the basic recording instructions, the Revox owners manuals are excellent. If you don't already have one, you can download it at HiFi Engine if you register on that site. Past that, you will need to do a little experimenting to find the best levels for the individual sources you wish to record. The dynamic range of your vinyl, cd player and especially digital recordings is going to determine the best record level. You can push most tapes/machines a little past zero VU (into the red) but how far is up to you. Some quick excursions into the red usually are acceptable. Just don't set the level so the needle does anything more than jump into the red and immediately fall back below zero. Once again, how far it can go into the red depends on tape/heads, frequency and your tolerance for the clipping that will take place. Tape clips pretty smoothly and some people like to transfer their digital files onto tape to take advantage of the quality of sound that this clipping gives.

http://www.hifiengine.com/manuals.shtml

[bobschneider]

Studer and Revox manuals are also available from the factory's web site.  The A77 owners and service manuals are there, in the "Revox" directory. 

ftp://ftp.studer.ch/Public/Products/

[gyrator]

.... I've got a decent amount of NOS Ampex 641 reels and the machine has the bais set for this tape.  However, on the input selector thier is a switch for NAB and IEC; I think I should use NAB since it's supposed to be for a "north america" standard EQ setting? 

......
sincerely,

Donnie L.

Hi Donnie,

On an normal A77 the recordings were made in NAB and you have to play the recordings in the same manner here NAB.

Further more take care about ReVox Tape 641 most of them are for the rubbish bin. They have all the same problem with polyurethan, the emulsion got softens.

An alternative choice for 641 is Quantegy 407 or an RMGI LPR35.

Thomas