Grundig TAPE WINTER 1969

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tape recorders

autumn/winter 1969

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The ABC
ofTape
Terms

GRUI'IDICI

Accessories : Additional equipment to extend
the facilities of a tape recorder (see accessory
page)

Automatic Recording Level Control:
(see Magic Ear).

Automatic Stop: Electrical switch which
stops the spools automatically when the
end of the tape is reached (this also applies
to fast wind and rewind).

Double-Play Tape: (see long-play tape).
Dynamic Range: The relationship between
the maximum (undistorted) and minimum
volume. It is measured in Decibels" (ab-
breviated dB). The smallest change in volume
audible to the human ear is 1 dB. The best
Grundig machines have a dynamic range of
50 dB or more.

Erase Head: Small electro-magnet which
is fed from a high-frequency current to
erase a recording. After erasing. the tape-
or track-is ready for a new recording.
Both actions are usually carried out in one
operation.

Four-track Operation: This allows record-
ing along four adjacent tracks. each one
having a width of 39 thou. of an inch. This
gives twice the operating time of the twin-
track machine. but requires a specially
selected tape.

Frequency Response: This is the range
between the lowest and highest notes
reproduced by the recorder. Their vibrations
are measured in cycles per second (technical
abbreviation Hz).

Long Play Tape: This is approximately
0.4 thou. of an inch thicker than the double-
play tape thickness of approximately 1 thou.
of an inch. A 7-inch spool holds 1,800 feet
of long-play tape or 2,400 feet of double-
play tape. Use of double-play tape cor-
responds to an increase in playing time over
long-play tape 33:}%.

Magic Ear: This is an automatic recording
level control, whereby no manual adjustment
in recording level is required. The device.
standard on many Grundig models, contains
a memory or delay system to retain the many
moods of speech and music. The results are
perfect recordings even under difficult
conditions. Unlike other automatic systems.
the Grundig Magic Ear enhances reproduction
and does not lead to distortion of sound.
Magic Eye: Shows the recording level.
The optimum recording level setting is
found just before the two illuminated sectors
of the Magic Eye meet.

Moving Coil Meter: Like the magic eye.
the moving coil meter shows the recording
level. Here a pointer moves across a scale
or dial. The point for optimum recordings is
clearly marked and the pointer should never
exceed this particular level.

Monitoring Via Tape: Apart from the
usual monitoring system, a check of the
playback quality when making recordings
that cannot be repeated is often necessary.
The monitoring facility via tape of some
Grundig recorders with separate recording
and playback heads enables the user to
check the playback quality while he is
actually recording.

Mono: Abbreviation for monophonic. as
distinct from a stereophonic system. i.e. only
one amplifier channel is in use.

Multi-Disc Safety Clutches: These were
developed by Grundig to safeguard the
extra-thin tape material which is used for
four-track working. The multi~disc clutches
limit excessive tape pull in all forms of
operation and prevent tape loops.

Playback Head: Small electro-magnetwhich
is influenced by the magnetic impulses of a
recorded tape. These are amplified and fed
to a loudspeaker which converts them into
sound waves. The playback head is often
combined with the recording head.
Pressure Tape: This ensures intimate
contact between tape and head to produce a
playback performance free from "drop-outs".
The pressure system. developed by Grundig
and consisting of a velvet-like pressure tape.
extends the life expectancy of the magnetic
heads and safeguards valuable tape materials.
Recording Head: An electro-magnet which
impresses magnetic information in the
magnetic coating (iron oxide) of the tape
when recording. It is usual to combine
the recording head with the playback head.
though certain Grundig models are fitted
with separate recording and playback heads.
Running Time: This depends on the
length of tape and the tape speed. A speed
of 3% i.p.s. gives twice the running time of
the 71.; i.p.s. speed. and 1-3,- i.p.s. four times
the running time.

Stereophony: This is a twin-channel
recording and playback system. All Grundig
stereophonic machines are suitable for mono-
phonic (single channel) operation as well.
Superimposition: This allows the addition
of a second recording on to a previously
recorded tape. When superimposing, the

erase head (if the recorder its (lirnmninw twrl
and the first recording is slightly mlntml
in strength. After superimposition liotli
recordings are incorporated on the same
track.

Tape Speed: This conforms to International
Standards and governs the movement of the
tape when recording or playing back.
Usual speeds are 7%, 3% and 1g- inches per
second. An increase in tape speed improves
playback quality. Top grade Grundig recorders
operate at all three speeds.

Temporary Stop: This allows an immediate
stop while recording or playing back.
After releasing the temporary stop or pause"
control, playback or recording continues
immediately.

Tone Control: A variable resistance to
emphasise or diminish high or low notes
to meet individual requirements.
Wow/Flutter: These are small variations
in tape speeds. Bad wow or flutter causes
intermittent pitch variations. The superb
design of top-grade Grundig recorders
using special motors. large fly-wheels.
precision drive units and pressure systems.
guarantees a performance to studio standards.

A Simple Guide
to Good
Recording

Every Grundig is issued with easy-to-follow
instructions. When recording here is a simple
guideto follow:

Speech: Hold the microphone 1 to 2 feet
away.

Piano: About 4 to 6 feet to the right of the
keyboard and perhaps 2 feet above its level.
Guitars and Other String Instruments:
The minimum distance depends on the size
and loudness of the instrument. 2 to 4 feet
from the neck of a guitar or violin, for example.
is usually correct.

Woodwind and Brass Instruments:
Position the microphone about 3 feet from
brass instruments. To record woodwind
instruments. reduce distance slightly.

How To Deal With Echoes: The ideal home
recording studio should be fitted with thick
rugs, carpets, curtains and other soft
furnishings. This is because hard surfaces
reflect sound waves so that they enter the