Tape bias: using two different frequencies to adjust a cassette deck

📼 Is it possible to calibrate a two-head cassette deck using an approach borrowed from a higher-end machine? Let's find out!
Text version of this video: reflectiveobserver.medium.com...
Chapters:
00:00 - A quick bias theory
01:45 - an idea for bias adjustment
03:00 - the results
#cassette

[@m80116]

I suspect you know but the upmarket version of the Technics deck you're showing not only has a Function Generator for the tones but can also perform a fully automated spectrum calibration starting from the BIAS at 10KHz following a baseline set at 400Hz, then performs a level adjustment at 3KHz and finally the level adjustment to match the output to the input, it even had a graphical spectrum representation of that function. It is mind boggling to think all of this could be handled by a tape deck in the early 1990. It was convenience at upmost grade... and of course you didn't close the door manually, once dropped your cassette into the holder you pressed PLAY on your RC and let the machine do the job for you.

[@ConsumerDV]

My other deck has auto-calibration. It is a two-head deck as well, so it records a series of test tones, then rewinds and plays them back. I think that closing the cassette door from a button or remote is excessive, and I hate the power liftgate on many modern SUVs too :)

[@nickdiba7512]

This video is simply perfect!

[@opinionday0079]

Damn I just want to record something off the radio I never knew it was all going to be so complicated when I bought my Tape Deck

[@ConsumerDV]

You don't have to use bias adjustment. You can just leave it in the neutral position, and most of the time you'll get a good recording if you use a compatible tape from a well-known brand.

[@RakeshKumar26026]

🙏

[@charlesvanvessem]

Excellent information!

[@BacktoTranceCassettes]

Ammmazing!

[@raysrcsandtech]

Nice

[@ImreBaracsi]

HASZNOS !!!!!!!!!!! 5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hifirulezzz]

It would be much better to get another App for your Android phone to precisely measure levels. Deck indicator is a bad tool with very low precision.

[@ConsumerDV]

You are probably right. I wanted to explore a simpler approach using the controls the deck offers.

[@hifirulezzz]

@@ConsumerDV in that case you need Nakamichi 680zx 😎