REEL-TO-REEL TAPE RECORD/REPRODUCER

The reel-to-reel tape recorder/reproducer (fig. 13-10) uses magnetic tape supplied on spools. Standard audiotape is one-quarter of an inch wide and it is available in several reel sizes and tape lengths. You must thread the tape onto the machine where it passes the tape heads at either 7.5, 15 or 30 inches per second (ips). Faster tape speeds will give you better recordings.

If you have a sound source on reel tape, load the supply reel onto the left spindle so the tape feeds counterclockwise. Load a take-up reel of the same size on the right spindle. Unwind several feet of tape and thread the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once you have properly loaded the recorder, you must accomplish the following steps:

1. Set the speed selector of the recorder to the appropriate position.

2. Play the tape and adjust the playback level on the VU meter of the recorder to zero (if the tape has a tone recorded on it). If there is no tone on the tape, adjust the playback level to fall between 80 and 100 percent on the W meter of the recorder.

3. Place the output select of the recorder on the audio console to audition. Using the slider for the recorder, set the sound levels on the audition VU meter to fall between 80 and 100 percent.

4. Once you have set the sound levels, cue the tape to the audio portion to be played. Stop the tape at the first audio of the selection to be played; then slowly back the tape up to the precise start point of the audio. From this point, back the tape up about half an inch to give the recorder enough space to get up to speed. The tape is now properly cued and the sound levels are set.

NOTE: Cuing distances vary from recorder to recorder. Experiment with your machine to get the optimum distance.

5. Place the output select on the audio console into the program mode. The reel-to-reel source is now ready to air.

MICROPHONES

Setting up your studio microphones before airtime is a relatively simple task. Sit down at the console in the same position you will use when producing or working on air. Place the microphone four to six inches from your mouth at a 45-degree angle. It is possible to set a microphone level by placing the output select in the audition mode and setting the level on the VU meter by using the proper slider. Once you do this, place the output select back into the program mode. Repeat this procedure for the newscaster's microphone.

RADIO CONTROL ROOM HINTS

Exactly how you get the source "on the air" is simply a matter of choice and experience. Each operator develops his own method of preparing for and actually airing a sound source, and each method has its pros and cons that you should take into account.

The following are some radio control room hints for you to consider.

Be certain the correct source is aired at the specified time.

Monitor the VU meter while the source is playing and adjust the volume, if necessary, to maintain the proper VU level.

If you play two or more sources at the same time, make sure the primary source does not drown out the secondary source(s). You can do this by running the primary source at about 80 percent and the secondary source(s) at about 50 percent initially, adjusting for a final overall output of between 80 and 100 percent.

If the sound source goes off the air unexpectedly and cannot be restored within a reasonable amount of time (say within five seconds), fill the time according to your station's emergency procedures.

Practice! To understand your radio control room equipment fully, you will need hands-on experience. The more time you spend practicing studio operations, the sharper your mechanical skills will be.