Ideally capturing the track exactly as it was recorded in mono is the best 
approach. But with the Microcassette format  the very slow speeds (half of 
standard Phillips cassette speed or even a quarter) means there will be 
considerable AZIMUTH DRIFT, and the slower the speed and the wider the track 
the worse it is. A similar problem afflicts VHS and Beta linear mono sound 
tracks which are relatively wide and the slow speeds make azimuth alignment 
critical. Fortunately though, the video machines have better transports, 
which makes azimuth drifting less of a problem.  For various reasons, 
Microcassettes  running at 15/32 ips are perhaps the worst case scenario for 
azimuth drift.

So I prefer to split the capture into two tracks using a stereo cassette 
head. That then allows use of an Azimuth Corrector software tool to time 
align the two tracks before summing to mono. The  lost information in 
between the stereo head gaps should normally be more than compensated for by 
more consistent mid and treble response, due to the better azimuth tracking.

Tim Gillett

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Corey Bailey" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2018 12:43 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Processing micro cassette audio using iZotope RX5


> One thing I wanted to point out about the rehousing of Microcassette tapes 
> into regular cassette shells and then playing them back on a regular 
> cassette player is that all of the Microcassetts that I have come across 
> have been Mono. Playing them back on a regular cassette machine generates 
> a stereo file. Not the optimum IMHO. And yes, I understand that I may be 
> splitting hair strands here but here is what I do:
>
> For regular playback, I use a transcribing machine which (IMHO again) has 
> a slightly better transport than the portable recorder/players. If I have 
> to rehouse a Microcassette, I will use a good quality standard size shell 
> and play it on a Marantz Model 221 (I have two). The 221 has two 
> advantages: It's the same format (Mono) and will play at half speed.
>
> So,
>
> Although Dan Gediman appears to be headed in the right direction, He may 
> have been a bit unfortunate in his choice of playback decks if David 
> Breneman is correct. Other than that possible stumble, Dan has received 
> some excellent advice from the list members.
>
> My $0.02
>
> Corey
>
> Corey Bailey Audio Engineering
> www.baileyzone.net
>
> On 6/20/2018 3:37 PM, Eli Bildirici wrote:
>> There was a discussion about this fairly recently. IIRC the 
>> recommendation for capture was rehousing in regular sized shells and 
>> playing back with a recommended deck (e.g. Tascam 122 Mk3, various 
>> Nakamichis inc. the famed Dragon, etc)
>>
>> -------- Original Message --------
>> From: Dan Gediman <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 05:49 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: [ARSCLIST] Processing micro cassette audio using iZotope RX5
>>
>>> Oh great hive-mind of ARSC,
>>>
>>> I need your wisdom again. I had previously mentioned that I have to 
>>> digitally dub some micro cassettes. Today I got a GE model from Ebay and 
>>> have started messing around with these interview tapes that were 
>>> recorded by a journalist colleague some years ago. I have access to 
>>> IZotope RX5 and have started applying its various modules to try and 
>>> make the audio more intelligible (my goal is to be able to broadcast 
>>> excerpts from the results in a radio documentary). I am using it in 
>>> stand-alone mode. Do you have any suggestions for which RX modules to 
>>> use, in what order, and with what settings? I have so far experimented 
>>> with the De-Noise and Corrective EQ modules, but there are many presets 
>>> and other variables in each. I’m hardly a power user so I would 
>>> appreciate any tricks of the trade any of you would be willing to 
>>> impart.
>>>
>>> With enormous gratitude,
>>> Dan
>>>
>>> Dan Gediman • Executive Director • This I Believe, Inc.
>>> 502 259-9889 • 502 259-9890 fax
>>> www.thisibelieve.org 


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