Universal Audio UAD POWERED PLUG-INS ver.6.1 - Manual (Page 165)

UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual - 165 - Chapter 12: Ampex ATR-102
Manual
Calibration Tools
These controls are the suite of tools included to perform
manual calibration of the recorder. These UAD-only
tools are not in the original hardware. Manual calibra-
tion is entirely optional, as the
Auto Cal feature can
quickly and automatically calibrate the system.
The manual calibration tools consist of an “external”
tone generator with multiple test tones and levels, a dis-
tortion meter with digital readouts, and a full suite of
modeled Magnetic Reference Laboratory (MRL) alignment tapes.
Note: The Manual Calibration Tools are operational only when Path Select
is set to Sync or Repro. Additionally, the tools may not operate in some hosts
unless audio is present on the track containing the plug-in and the transport is
running. Placing the plug-in on an aux, bus, or master output may eliminate
this host limitation.
This section describes the functions of the manual calibration tools. For instruc-
tions on how to use the tools to perform a manual system calibration, see the
“Manual Calibration Procedure” on page 167 .
About MRL
Alignment Tapes
Alignment tapes are carefully recorded with accurate and consistent flux lev-
els and test tone frequencies. They are constant companions to all well-main-
tained professional tape machines. Different alignment tapes are required for
each tape speed, head width, equalization standard (CCIR/IEC or NAB),
and fluxivity level.
Alignment tapes are required for system calibration and adjustment so that
playback of previously-recorded session tapes will have correct and consis-
tent equalization and levels, regardless of when, or where, the session tape
was originally recorded.
After tape playback system EQ and levels are calibrated to match the
known-to-be-correct values of the alignment tape(s), the record-side alignment
is performed. The entire record/playback system will then have proper EQ
and gain structuring.
Magnetic Reference Laboratory (“MRL”) is a company that produces align-
ment tapes. The MRL tapes used in the UAD Ampex ATR-102 are fringing
compensated. In-depth discussions about fringing compensation and system
alignment are beyond the scope of this manual; thorough resources are avail-
able from the MRL website at:
http://www.mrltapes.com