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To: edheads-digest@smoe.org
Subject: edheads-digest V1 #42
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edheads-digest         Sunday, August 30 1998         Volume 01 : Number 042



                               Today's Subjects:
                               -----------------
  Re: EFO:The Mystery of Taping- Explained!                 [EFOcrew@aol.com]

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Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998 18:48:53 EDT
From: EFOcrew@aol.com
Subject: Re: EFO:The Mystery of Taping- Explained!

In a message dated 98-08-28 01:02:23 EDT, you write:

<< The 100th generation copy will be 
 identical to the first.  Imagine if it weren't - suddenly there would be
 information missing from this very e-ma
  >>

Did you omit the "il" from e-mail on purpose?  You jokester, you.


>   Also, there are very few soundboards which have RCA outputs.  If it has
>them, it is probably a piece of ____. (CB comment)

<<If you have a choice between RCA and 1/4" outputs, it's not necessarily an 
easy choice.  Yes, the 1/4" output is likely to be the better sounding one,
mainly because it's quite possible that the RCA outputs are stepped down
to -10dB reference.  Basically there are TWO separate line level standards:
+4dB for pro gear, and -10dB for consumer gear.  Most 1/4" and XLR outputs
will be +4 or switchable.  Most RCA will be -10dB or switchable.  So while
the RCA signal might be going through a pad (to reduce its level to the 
standard that your VCR will be happy with) it's likely the one that will
give a more acceptable level.  If Bob or CB are giving you a feed, they'll
probably do their best to give you what you'll need.  Many boards can be 
set to consumer levels, or the output you get might actually have its own
level adjustment dial.>>

I'll admit I'm not fluent in taping, but an XLR should be the best signal
simply because it is balanced (+, -, ground).  I don't know if there's any
difference between the 1/4" and RCA connections besides signal strength (+4dB
and -10dB).  
- -CB 

<<Just because a board has a pair of RCA tape outputs certainly doesn't make
it garbage.  There are many truly excellent soundboards out there that have
a tape loop.  Sure, you'll probably get better sound quality from a 1/4"
or XLR main out, or an AUX send if its available and the soundperson will
go to the trouble for you, but the RCA might be the one that gets you the
better levels for consumer gear.  If you've got someone like Bob or CB
giving you a patch, take their advice.>>

True, an RCA output does not make a board a piece of garbage, but the boards
Bob and I drool over and really enjoy mixing on don't even have 1/4" outputs.
The REALLY nice consoles have EVERYTHING balanced (XLR or even multi-pin).
Bob and I do not see this quality of gear very often, but I still don't see
too many good sound boards which have RCA outputs.  Please name a few if you
know of any...

As for the rest of the advice given by Jason (too much to re-post), it sounds
great!  I don't know a lot about VCR's or digital formats.  I know it's
SUPPOSED to be infalliable, but like my computer at home, I don't think it
truly is.  I have had problems with those double density diskettes.  May have
been a Mac thing though...Thanks for the detailed info!

CB

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End of edheads-digest V1 #42
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