Having a number of playback/digitizing issues with Nakamichi DR-1 deck and Topping E2x2 interface, not sure which. Need help.
Finally got all the stuff together to digitize some cassette tapes. Nakamichi DR-1 tape deck (https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/nakamichi-dr-1-43.html), Topping E2x2 Audio Interface for ADC connected to Mac with USB-C (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/topping-e2x2-audio-interface-review.49127/) and Tisino Dual RCA to XLR Cables for connection between (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083R4FMK3).
However I'm running into some problems and I'm not sure where they are stemming from (see pics):
1- There's high frequency "noise" as shown in the spectral frequency display in the 14khz and up range that shouldn't be there, even when the tape is silent
2- Either the left channel is louder than the right, or the right is quieter than the left. It's not any of the recordings settings, they are both matching. These tapes have been recorded on two other tape decks prior and on both of those their channels were even, so I don't think it's the tapes.
Last picture is the deck inside (It looks like there's hairs/dust but that's just the camera/light and hyper close up). It was cleaned with 99% IPA. The audio quality itself is extremely good.
I also have a few technical questions too on properly digitizing using an audio interface:
1- For best quality/hiss, should the output be low on the tape deck and higher on the audio interface or vice versa?
2- I can seemingly monitor one channel, 1 (left) or 2 (right), but not both together like stereo. If I do both they are just mono in my headphones.
Posting this in here and general audio section because I'm not sure which this falls into properly, I hope that's okay.
Finally got all the stuff together to digitize some cassette tapes. Nakamichi DR-1 tape deck (https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/nakamichi-dr-1-43.html), Topping E2x2 Audio Interface for ADC connected to Mac with USB-C (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/topping-e2x2-audio-interface-review.49127/) and Tisino Dual RCA to XLR Cables for connection between (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083R4FMK3).
However I'm running into some problems and I'm not sure where they are stemming from (see pics):
1- There's high frequency "noise" as shown in the spectral frequency display in the 14khz and up range that shouldn't be there, even when the tape is silent
2- Either the left channel is louder than the right, or the right is quieter than the left. It's not any of the recordings settings, they are both matching. These tapes have been recorded on two other tape decks prior and on both of those their channels were even, so I don't think it's the tapes.
Last picture is the deck inside (It looks like there's hairs/dust but that's just the camera/light and hyper close up). It was cleaned with 99% IPA. The audio quality itself is extremely good.
I also have a few technical questions too on properly digitizing using an audio interface:
1- For best quality/hiss, should the output be low on the tape deck and higher on the audio interface or vice versa?
2- I can seemingly monitor one channel, 1 (left) or 2 (right), but not both together like stereo. If I do both they are just mono in my headphones.
Posting this in here and general audio section because I'm not sure which this falls into properly, I hope that's okay.
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