Old 03-05-2021, 06:50 AM   #1
ggrey
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Upstate NY USA
Posts: 179
Default Unwanted distortion

Just found an old cassette of one of my favorite original songs recorded in 1980. I played the cassette through my front end...ADC...Reaper and found annoying distortion on the left channel during the louder parts of the chorus coming from a low mid freq build up. Once it's over distortion is gone. Next chorus, back again.

I tried EQ, but even though I can get it a bit lower, it's still there. It's definitely on the cassette because even at well below optimum signal levels it remains.

Is there anything out there that can tame distorted source material. I think I already know the answer, but I figured if anyone knew, it would be you folks.
ggrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 02:32 AM   #2
Poeticas
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 12
Default

Use it to add character! A cassette tape with a bunch of distortion and saturation- personally, I like the pristine DVD sound better but lots of folks would probably want that tape to stay that way. lol. I am sure it is beyond the simple distorted sound you are talking about, however.
Poeticas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 07:37 AM   #3
ggrey
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Upstate NY USA
Posts: 179
Default

I never thought about it like that Poeticas. But you are right, many cassette lovers love them for their "not so perfect" sound. All things considered I may have to live with it as is.

I am not one for re recording successful moments in the past. Every time I have tried, the original always seems to have a beauty that cannot be achieved.
ggrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 11:39 AM   #4
grinder
Human being with feelings
 
grinder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 2,905
Default

The passion and heart from a fresh tune is undeniable!
Seldom repeated.

Grinder
grinder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 11:48 AM   #5
ashcat_lt
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,272
Default

Sometimes the cure for unwanted intermittent distortion is more consistent deliberate distortion.
ashcat_lt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2021, 09:27 AM   #6
ggrey
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Upstate NY USA
Posts: 179
Default

Thanks guys!

"The passion and heart from a fresh tune is undeniable!
Seldom repeated.

Grinder"

Grinder, I have a regular client who regularly wants to re record old songs and I am forever explaining what you just eloquently stated. I am going to hit him with those very words next time a remake request is on the table. Well said!

Last edited by ggrey; 03-08-2021 at 09:28 AM. Reason: Addition
ggrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:23 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.