On 2011-12-21 11:57 AM, Goran Finnberg wrote:
> Those that dreams about using L or R only listening intently for the lowest
> noise and distortion can keep on dreaming while I just sum to mono as this
> ALWAYS produces the best result.
Hi, Goran,

I know that you are talking about discs here (grooved media) and that is
fine. I also know that you know (or have your own version of) the following.

I would like to note for the casual reader that this does not always
apply for tape. The basic equations (i.e. theoretical equations) work
the same way, but tolerances and misalignments make the final decision
far more complex, especially with slower speeds and narrower tracks
(e.g. cassettes, especially).

Often, better results can be had with a full-track mono head on
full-track material than with an NAB or DIN stereo head. In some
instances (especially at slower speeds) a narrower head may provide
better results on a full track tape if the tape is badly slit or warped.

Cheers,

Richard


--
Richard L. Hess email: [log in to unmask]
Aurora, Ontario, Canada (905) 713 6733 1-877-TAPE-FIX
http://www.richardhess.com/tape/contact.htm
Quality tape transfers -- even from hard-to-play tapes.