This sounds like quite low levels to me. Im with you that too much levels results in distortion (mostly in mids first), but even +9dB on the meter should be possible with the VR. Save sweetspot is around 0-6dB in my experiences, +9dB doesnt work with all music/masters. But maybe this just depends on the revisions of the cutting head as well. The VR is around for many many years now and Im quite sure Souri had developed some great improvements over time.tragwag wrote:generally, I've found the VR setup to start distorting on high frequency info anywhere near 0dB to+3dB on the LED meter during the cut, depending on the source material.
it's true it can cut higher than that, I just generally don't try to push it any further because I know it will distort.
I think one of the biggest problem for most users is just the quality of the masters that are used for cutting. Uneven and uncontrolles freq spikes or crazy freq responses is nothing any lathe will take without ugly sideeffects, be it a VR or a VMS. I often get stuff for cutting that is really not cutable or with big compromises, with those I normally do not go beyond +3 as well (but just out of safety reasons). The art of mastering for vinyl is just lost over time, even by some professionals. And the rise of digital brought us some musical styles that arent really capable for cutting as well.
Im still really happpy with my VR for what it is (a really robust, easy to use solution for cutting dubplates), if something has got wrong in the past it was my fault everytime (mostly due to an unprecise setup). If a cut doesnt sound good its simply not the fault of the VR or the delivered components, thats for sure.
