Cassette Tape Recording and Playback EQ

In another post we discussed how to record on high bias tapes in normal bias shells. One issue is to have the proper playback EQ so the person listening to your tape won’t find it too dull nor too bright. Many cassette decks have a button to choose either 70 (chrome) or 120 µS (normal) EQ on playback, but this button was done away with on many later generation decks.

Tape EQ selector

Tape EQ selector

High bias tapes are traditionally recorded with 70 µS EQ. If you play them back with 120 µS EQ they will have a 4.5 dB high frequency boost .

If you cannot choose the recording EQ on the machine you can adjust the audio input by applying a high-shelf EQ filter to cut 4.5 dB:

cassette recording EQ compensation filter

EQ compensation when recording high bias tapes with 70 microsecond chrome EQ but playback will be at 120 microsecond normal EQ