My DR-2 also needed the output levels adjusted, the right/left weren't even the same.
To really get the most out of those tapes you'll need to get some
banana-plug-to-RCA cables and use a multimeter to examine each channel's output.
My DR-1 has a slight volume difference between the left and right channels. It's about 1db or so and I simply just raise the volume in post.
Not sure if that's cheating or if it should really be matched when outputting from the hardware.
I still need to look into those calibration tapes. I want to get them but I'm afraid of starting another project when I haven't finished so many.
Just in the last day or two, I decided to transfer these 8mm tapes again of a Japanese band called 'False Love'. The lead singer graciously sent me her master video tapes with the intention of digitizing them. The quality is amazing for what is analog video from 1991 to 1993. It probably helps that I have the original masters and that they weren't probably played that much. There's literally no funny playback issues at all which goes to show what a good master tape can bring you.
I already transferred these tapes once last year and used the fabled DataVideo TBC-1000 but then I realized that device actually darkens the signal and posterizes the shadows a bit. For most bright scenes it doesn't matter but most of these tapes are shot in dark clubs so I realized I lost precious detail / signal.
So now I'm transferring all 13 tapes without the device just to be safe as I plan to send back the tapes when I'm done.
That deck between the camcorder and USB capture card is a Panasonic ES10 DVD recorder which functions as a quasi TBC on analog signals. It can actually help minimize or get rid of tracking issues on VHS tapes that the DataVideo TBC-1000 can't.
Today in A/V Horrification: stroboscopic analysis indicates that my old turntable ran too fast.
Way too fast.
View attachment 1518
If the speed was correct, those "33" numbers would be holding completely still.
Battery-powered 60Hz strobe here:
https://elusivedisc.com/kab-speedstrobe-turntable-speed-tester-strobe-disc-test-light/
Alternatively, you can save some money if you get a strobe light that plugs into the wall and print out a paper disc.
My old cheapo record player from 15 years ago which I got as a gift was a DJ style model which had this pitch shifting slider which adjusted the speed. It would have been fun if I was into that sort of thing but in terms of accurate playback, it was always off despite having the slider set in the default / off position.
When I finally upgraded my player last year, I bought this Rega Neo PSU which supposedly provides cleaner power and helps with the speed playback.
I was comfortable thinking that it could accurately play 33 1/3rd or 45 rpms with a press of a button but now I just looked at their website and found out they too have Strobe kit' which they describe as:
"Designed as the perfect partner for the speed adjustable
Rega Neo PSU."
I'm sure it's still pretty accurate but it's potentially yet another project for this hobby which consumes too much off my time already