STU A-820 R2R Audio Plug-In
The Programs
The STU A-820 is now included in your R2R folder. It loads using a single plug-in instance. This uses a special new programming process that allows you to load separate settings via the single design interface. Once the plug-in loads, choose the button next to the setting you wish to select: Choose the tape speed: 7.5, 15, or 30, and Choose the Bias- NAB or CCIR. The button lights up briefly when selected. You will see the “BYPASS” button enter and release when the program is finished loading.
Programs are sampled at 96kHz and are tested to retain accuracy at 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample rates with the latest version of Nebula3 Pro.
Program Description:
30 CCIR
This provides you with the STU A-820 1/2″ Mastering Reel To Reel Machine with BASF EMTEC 900 Tape Stock at 30 IPS using CCIR Bias at 11 Kernels of Harmonic Distortion.
30 NAB
This provides you with the STU A-820 1/2″ Mastering Reel To Reel Machine with BASF EMTEC 900 Tape Stock at 30 IPS using NAB Bias at 11 Kernels of Harmonic Distortion.
15 CCIR
This provides you with the STU A-820 1/2″ Mastering Reel To Reel Machine with BASF EMTEC 900 Tape Stock at 15 IPS using CCIR Bias at 11 Kernels of Harmonic Distortion.
15 NAB
This provides you with the STU A-820 1/2″ Mastering Reel To Reel Machine with BASF EMTEC 900 Tape Stock at 15 IPS using NAB Bias at 11 Kernels of Harmonic Distortion.
7.5 CCIR
This provides you with the STU A-820 1/2″ Mastering Reel To Reel Machine with BASF EMTEC 900 Tape Stock at 7 1/2 IPS using CCIR Bias at 11 Kernels of Harmonic Distortion.
7.5 NAB
This provides you with the STU A-820 1/2″ Mastering Reel To Reel Machine with BASF EMTEC 900 Tape Stock at 7 1/2 IPS using NAB Bias at 11 Kernels of Harmonic Distortion.
About The Hardware
About the STU A-820 1/2″ REEL TO REEL MASTERING TAPE MACHINE.
The A-820 is considered one of the world’s finest 1/2″ two-track mixdown reel to reel machines. It is optimized for and calibrated for use with high end tape like the BASF EMTEC 900 used for this collection. The machine is used in the best studios in the world, and is a perfect compliment to the STU A-800 MK3 24 Track included in the R2R Collection. You are able to select 7 1/2″, 15″, and 30″ IPS tape speeds and you are also able to select between calibration for NAB or CCIR for different characteristics. At 30 IPS, the spectral response is consistent and very similar between CCIR and NAB. At 15 IPS, the NAB is more characteristic of classic mixdown’s associated with the 800 series with linear response, a slight bump at the extreme highs and consistent response down to 50 Hz, where the 15 CCIR is consistent up to a small decrease in the extreme highs and has a slightly quicker drop in the lows around 90 Hz. At 7 1/2 IPS NAB the A-820 remains consistently flat from 50 Hz to 15 kHz and has a slight drop at the extreme highs, and the CCIR at 7 1/2 IPS is consistently flat from 30 Hz to 2kHz and gets a steep bump in the highs from 5kHz to 30kHz. We recommend experimenting with the A-820 on tracks, buss, and mains.
For high end mixdown and mastering, you can freely use the CCIR or NAB at 30 IPS for similar response with unique harmonic character. There is slightly more character at 15 IPS, where the NAB 15 IPS is the most characteristic response for the A-820. The combination of the R2R A-800 at 15 IPS on tracks with the Otari at 30 IPS or STU A-820 at 30 IPS or 15 IPS NAB are the classic mixdown sound of countless records. The A-820 NAB at 7 1/2 IPS is an excellent choice for variation on tracks and even buss groups for consistent even spectral response and slightly more audible harmonics, where the CCIR at 7 1/2″ has a hyped high end peak that exaggerates the CCIR bias at slower speeds. This can be a great effect for enhancing dull tracks and sweetening hi hats.
I truly hope that this collection adds to your enjoyment of the R2R Audio Plug-In Suite.
Thanks and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Michael Angel
CDSoundMaster.com