Setup Calibration Kit for Studer 1/4" A810 Tape Machines

CALIBRATION KIT for A810

Nagravox Calibration Kits different to what you might expect. A lot more than just a calibration tape!

Developed over the last 3 years specifically for discerning audio enthusiasts and professionals. The rationale is to provide an appropriate set of tools, instructions and media to test, calibrate and setup a specific model Revox or Studer machine properly. Three resources based on the three fundamental chains of signal processing. 

* INPUT OUTPUT CHAIN   * PLAYBACK CHAIN   *RECORD CHAIN

A cheap short generic reel of tape recorded by an enthusiast to try and make some money from his tape machine on eBay is not realistically going to help you  setup and calibrate your machine properly. Calibration is the final step and is not just a process of throwing on a playback tape, tweaking some trimmers and hoping it will all come together. All 3 chains must be considered singly and then together. You also need to understand what gear and instruments are needed and how to use them. Awareness of modern tape formulations, relevant steps, differences, peculiarities and nuances of a particular model, later factory updates not in factory manuals and hints and tips based on experience make calibration and setup a science and not a hit and miss affair.

The Nagravox calibration kit is designed to setup and calibrate your machine fully and properly. Each kit is tailored for a specific machine and your tape type preferences. Feel confident that your machine is setup and performs the way it was designed and manufactured.

PLEASE NOTE:  This kit is for the professional Studer machines model A810 1/4" machines that require a variable number of playback chain calibration tapes corresponding to the the various speeds and equalisation options. The A810 had a great many possibilities form 2, 3 and 4 speed as well as single or dual equalisations. 

NAB Equalisation always applies to 3.75 "/sec and AES equalisation to 30 "/sec. So for these there is only 1 speed / equalisation. For the speeds 7.5"/sec and 15"/sec you can have either NAB or IEC (CCIR) equalisation.

HS versions will have 10.5" tapes

Some variation combinations may not be applicable and a price will not be shown and you wont be able to select it for purchase.

Nagravox Setup and Calibration kits include:

• Playback calibration tapes for each speed and equalisation.
• New fresh record setup tape for calibrating the record chain
• A set of detailed instructions, explanations, required equipment (which are not too onerous nor expensive), diagrams and check sheets SPECIFIC to your particular model machine. These are based on Revox Studer manuals, Factory Tech Bulletins, industry best practice and Nagravox’s own experience repairing, updating and restoring tape machine’s.

You need to decide:
• Speed version - either 2 speed NS, 2 speed HS, 3 speed or 4 speed
• Equalisation
• The tape type and formulation you will be using to set the machine up for. We recommend SM900  but can accommodate SM911, LPR35, LPR90, SM468, ATR Master and ATR MDS36. (All currently manufactured new tape). 

The playback calibration tape/s are long length on a 7" special somewhat 'ugly' blue reel (so it cant be mixed up or easily recorded over in error) and includes a plethora of appropriate length tones (the important ones are in minutes not seconds!) at calibrated levels with full commentary and explanation. Everything on the tape relates back to the calibration manual notes and explanation. 30"/sec playback tape are on  a 10.5" plastic reel

The Record chain tape is a brand new full length 7" tape of the type you will set your machine up on. For HS versions the record tape is a 10.5" pancake.

Instruction Manuals are requested and sent to you via a download service as a pdf.

Do you want add a second machine model or equalisation speed or want to set up on multiple tape types?  We offer extra add-on kits for purchasers of this full kit which provides additional options and usability to this base kit in an economical bundle. (some variations (there are many) may not be applicable)

SOME GUIDELINES ON TAPE TYPE

Sometimes you may have to use tape that perhaps your machine was not set up on. I make the following comments, bearing in mind 'you dont get something for nothing' and these are rough guidelines.

• SM900 and LPR90 have the same magnetic properties as does SM911 and LPR35. So setting up on one is applicable to both alternatives respectively.
• Due to the higher 'magnetic density' of SM900 / LPR90   using LPR35 and LPR90 interchangeably will be problematic but not impossible.
• SM900 /LPR90 is a superior tape in my opinion. SM900 is obviously far more durable than the thinner long play variant LPR90. (Similar comment applies to SM911/LPR35). Again, in my opinion, I suggest the following rough use guidelines for 1/4" tape
• Re-recording over  SM900 / SM911 - 15x    LPR35/LPR90/SM468  8x
• Playing pre-recorded. This is dependent on machine but generally I would apply the following: 
• early Revox 36 series & early Studer C/J37 machines  80 - 150x     
• Revox A77, B77, PR99 mk1/2 150 300x,  
• Revox PR99 mk3, C270, A700 and all Studer machines  200 - 400x 
• If you will use mainly LPR35/SM911 and occasionally SM900/LPR90
• Calibrate and setup on SM911/LPR35
• Increase max recording level  by +3 Db for SM900/LPR90
• If you will use mainly SM900/LPR90
•     Calibrate and setup on SM900/LPR90
•     Reduce max recording level by -3 Db for SM911/LPR35 
• SM468 is again another case. If you mainly use SM468 then you should calibrate for it exclusively and occasionally if you use
• SM911/LPR35 - you could, increase max recording level by ~ +2 Db
• SM900/LPR90 - you could increase max recording level by ~ +4 Db