Beocord 9000 auto-calibration: can you post your figures please?

26 replies

Hello,

I was wondering.

When I try to calibrate an old metal cassette (with no specific holes, detected as chrome) with the calibration system, isn't it supposed to re-classify it as a metal, thus lighting the metal led?

Mine stays on chrome. 

Also, I'm a bit worried as the values given are not very stable, once returning 5.2, then 6.2 for instance. 

Bias difference between R and L is high (1 to 1.5 dB).

BASF Chrome Super II      8.1     5.2      8.3     7.4      6.5

TDK AD (Type I)                6.1     4.2      8.3     12.4   11.5

TDK SA                             9.1     6.2      2.3     8.4      9.5

 

What do you think?

Jacques

I only had 1 gold Maxel type II which got identified as another type when inserted into the Beocord.

Even though the auto calibration does the job very well the end result sounds best when you manualy select the right tape type.

From the manual:

The 5 steps of the auto calibration.

1. Bias left channel

2. Bias right channel

3. Recording equalizing, adjusted to the tape's treble sensitivity

4. Sensitivity, medium frequency

5. PPM adjustment, 0 dB corresponding to 2% distortion

The manual give some samples how it might look like for the 4 different tape types.

A complete check might look like this:

Ferro          10.1, 10.2, 12.3, 08.4, 11.5

Ferrochrom  09.1, 09.2, 13.3, 08.4, 11.5

Chrom        11.1, 10.2, 13.3, 11.4, 10.5

Metal         08.1, 07.2, 13.2, 09.4, 11.5

The tapes used at the time was:

Ferro: BASF LH I C60

FerroChrome: Sony FeCr C90

Chrome: BASF chrom II C90

Metal: Scotch Metafine C90

Old tapes can get different readings depending on alot of factors mainly age and storage/general treatment through the years.

 

Thanks. So what the manual says about metals isn't necessarily true then.

Could you test old tapes in your Beocord for me please, and post your results?

Jacques

I will do later today.

The manual is right. I found the answer to the Metal tape selection in the manual too. Some Metal tapes do not have the holes that the Beocord identify as Metal type so you have to select it manualy. Then it says better still use the auto calibration.

In any case even if the tape gets a NO store red light the recording is still going through the 5 phases for optimal recording for the tape. No store means the Beocord can't give the numbers or store them in the memory.

 

Okay, thanks.

I took the plunge and re-adjusted everything, which is not too difficult on this deck in service mode (great stuff).

After adjustments, an old metal tape without the metal detection holes now turns to metal (the metal led glows) during calibration!

Pure magic!

Hello,

Would anyone share their Beocord 9000 experience please? 🙁

 

Jacques

The Beocord 9000 is very with difficulty again to be adjusted. One week long I exchanged all caps and need adjusted…. very heavily and much nerves.
To end runs beocord perfectly: -) Main problem lay in the tone generator for test-sounds. If it is not correct, then the calibration runs inclined
Really good sound! Possessions 3 pieces beocord 9000. 2x with hitachi dolbychip which are much better than the complicated self-build dolbychip.
I cannot write unfortunately in English. Is translated with AltaVista.

Thanks. Can you tell us how you did your adjustments (is the service manual correct?) and what results you go for each type of tapes please?

Jacques

Ok I finally got around to do some tests on different tapes laying around.

TDK SA-X 90 II late '90s

07.1-07.2-04.3-09.4-10.5

Maxell UR 90 I mid '90s

02.1-00.2-00.3-08.4-06.5

TDK SA90 II Late '90s

09.1-06.2-05.3-04.4-03.5

Maxell XL II 60 Late '80s

06.1-03.2-05.3-01.4-01.5

Basf FEI Ferro extra 90 I late '90s

00.1-00.2-00.3-09.4-06.5

TDK MA-XG 60N IV 1990 from B&O factory 4 in Struer.

00.1-00.2-00.3-04.4-05.5

TDK CD Power 110 II Late '90s US version

01.1-00.2-00.3-08.4-06.5

Maxell UDII CD II 110 Late '90s US version

03.1-00.2-00.5-05.4-04.5

Some tapes gave a NO STORE which means that no numbers is given and you can't store them in the memory but the tape is still optimized for the best recording for tape in any case.

Audio Magnetics 60 I late '70s

Basf Ferro Extra I 90 '94

Sony HF 90 I Pure gamma '93

TDK D90 I late '90s

Maxell Ur60 I mid '90s

I hope this is good information to you. I have never seen these numbers before and I have no idea what to do with them but the CC calibration is great and I always use it when recording.

Anyway there might be some Beocord 9000 owners wondering how to see these numbers but do not have a manual.

Step 1

Find a tape and put it in the Beocord 9000

Step 2

Rewind A side and push record open

Step 3

Push Rec call shortly. Longer íncludes the timecalibration but its still ok and do not ruin the process other than take a minute longer.

Step 4

When the Rec call is done push stop and tape type. The counter flashes 0000

Step 5

Push 1-5 and you will get the 5 numbers one by one. Sometimes you have to repeat step 4 with stop and tape type to get the numbers.

Be aware that a little tone will be recorded on the tape about 40 seconds into the tape. It lasts about 10 seconds.

 

 

Very informative, Friedmett! 🤒

And thanks for posting the instructions!

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