Test Review #3
The sound matters.
Tape Sony UCX-S
Bias High (IEC Type II)
Song Crowded House - "Something So Strong"
Cassette Deck Pioneer CT-W910R
Noise Reduction Used C
Date of Test November 25, 2009
Source Vinyl (45 RPM)
  Most people are used to the Sony UX series of cassette. Back in the late 80's/early 90's, Sony had quite an extensive line for High Bias which included UX, UX-S, UX-ES, UX-Pro. People I have talked to tell me there practically is no difference between the UX-S and -ES models. Well, I guess it also depends on what you're using them for and what you are recording them on.

  A while back, I obtained some older tapes from Sony. Before they were called UX, they were known as UCX. Now, while I am not absolutely sure what it means from Sony's Uniaxial tape, the tape is practicaly the same as far as the tape apperence goes. The shell has has a large window with hash marks in the center almost spanning to the top and bottom of the window. Label area is on top and is small. Tape branding and model are printed above the label area. The spools are a dark grey with orange holders. The tape itself is pretty smooth except for the mouth area where it is very textured. The tape itself is basic brown. A little lighter than what you would expect from typical Type II tape.

  The song selected is from a 45 I just obtained earlier in the week. One of my favorites. This was a good opportunity to test out a different source than the CDs I usually use anyway. The 45 is in extremely excellent condition.

  For this recording, I set the levels to average somewhere around +1dB. The levels during recording peaked at about +5dB, but went as low as -3dB. Yes, a song not affected by the Loudness War. Believe me, the punch of the drums are heard quite well, especially on this tape. On playback, the overall bass of the song was maintained well. Believe it or not, the highs were much clearer. It made the song much lighter and airy, without losing the full quality of the song. The Dolby C reduction took out the vinyl sound, but retained the warmness. In actuality, the tape produced the sound better than the vinyl. The range barely changed much at all. If anything it took the recording range and made it tighter. (A tape for the Loudness War?) The lowest barely went under -3dB. The upper end of it went to +5dB a few times, but never went to +8dB which the source did a couple times.

  Though the bass could have been better. The song came out clear and crisp. The tape actually adjusted the levels so you can hear everything and still hear the punch of the drum and the lows kept low. Even for recording from vinyl, the resulting recording made the music flow well and without any form of distorting. For a tape that seems like it has been used maybe 3 times for playback and due to its age, the recording came out quite well for me. Tape is practically brand new.

Results in Recording

   These are some things that happen in recording. Level range is what happens if noise reduction lowers the levels making a larger or shorter range. This can be good with some songs. Classical music can be ruined with this method making the tame unsuitable for recording such music. Distortion is if the recorded range (with level change or not) does not suit the tape well, causing distortion in the final recording.

Level Change -1dB to -2 dB on the upper parts
Level Range Wide
Distortion None

Score Results

   Certain criteria are met in determining the "average joe's" take on how a cassette should perform. Here are the final findings based on the music used and the cassette deck that did the recording. Different results will happen on each cassette deck used as all cassette decks are not the same. Numbers are on a 10 point system and half points can be rewarded. Points total to 60.

Mechanical Noise 8
Build 9
Bass 7
Mids 8
Treble 10
Recording Range 8
TOTAL SCORE 50

Final Notes

  People told me in the past the UCX series was way better than the UX series. I've used UXs in the past. While I have enjoyed them, out of all the sony cassettes I have used, this one is by far one of the better ones. I've done a full tape on a UCX I obtained from that same thrift store. The recording came out decently, despite most of the discs being vicims of the Loudness war. The distortion was kept pretty low. So it has a good range. I would now concur that the UCX-S is better than its later counterpart the UX-S.

  Also, please keep in mind that the information is as accurate as my experience allows me. Different cassette decks produce different results. I make sure I maintain my equipment to optimum performance. Your opinion with this cassette and your experience with this cassette may differ as well. If you have any questions, please E-mail me.

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