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Bias settings on cassette deck

NAD613

NAD613

AK Member
Banned
Does anyone use the bias controls on your cassette deck? If so, what is the setting you use to get the most out of your tapes, both type I & type II cassettes? I have a bias control on my NAD deck, but I'm not sure if I even need to use it on type II cassettes, yet some folks say you need to adjust it. I have heard some people use it on type I tapes to expand the frequency response & my owner's manual says to rotate it counter clockwise to increase the highs, clockwise to decrease the highs. I just want to know if anyone has a preference based on whatever type of tape you use.
 
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The ideal position for the "fine bias" control is different for each machine, and tape. So there is no way to generalize what position is going to work best for you.

You should be able to hear the difference while you are recording, if this is a three head machine. If the tape sounds a little dull while you monitor the recording, then back-off on the bias a bit. If it sounds a little too bright, then increase it a little.

FYI - Bias is purely a record function. It makes no difference when you are playing a tape back.
 
goldear said:
The ideal position for the "fine bias" control is different for each machine, and tape. So there is no way to generalize what position is going to work best for you.

You should be able to hear the difference while you are recording, if this is a three head machine. If the tape sounds a little dull while no monito the recording, then back-off on the bias a bit. If it sounds a little too bright, then increase it a little.

FYI - Bias is purely a record function. It makes no difference when you are playing a tape back.
Click to expand...

Yep, I knew that. I don't think I've ever had an issue with highs on type II cassettes.
 
Most type 1 tapes on my Sony were between 12 and 1 oclock on the bias. Most chromes were around 2 oclock. Metals- well I don't recall since I haven't used them much these past several years. But they may also have been around 12 oclock. Best thing for you to do is to switch between tape and monitor until you get the sound as close as they can be using your ears. I had to do that on my Luxman deck.
 
You do not want to adjust the bias to "extend the frequency response." Gains in frequency response are paid for by losses in distortion and dynamic headroom. This will be especially true if the frequency response is a little dull due to head wear and you "compensate" by jacking down the bias.

Fred
 
Fred Longworth said:
You do not want to adjust the bias to "extend the frequency response." Gains in frequency response are paid for by losses in distortion and dynamic headroom. This will be especially true if the frequency response is a little dull due to head wear and you "compensate" by jacking down the bias.

Fred
Click to expand...

Fred, as always, great info. Thanks.
 
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