Test Review #4
Power Range'r.
Tape Sony Metal-SR
Bias High (IEC Type IV)
Song Jay-Z - "Run This Town"
Cassette Deck Pioneer CT-W910R
Noise Reduction Used C
Date of Test March 20, 2010
Source CD
  Sony's Metal Bias tapes have gone through a lot of evolutions. The problem was that Metal cassettes were still expensive. Sony kept expanding their line throughout the 80's. Over that time, pretty much every line got expanded, especially the Metal series of cassettes. To make Metal more affordable, The Metal SR was created and then you had Metal ES. The Metal SR was formulated to be of quality Metal, yet not be too high in price.

  After the late 80's design, Sony decided to change things up a bit and not have so much uniformity. What they eventually designed on was something truly unique. The shell is almost completely black with a small viewing window built inside the shell. It is also very thin and very tinted. Those without a lighted cassette deck will have trouble seeing the progress of the tape. The spools are completely black with white holders, which again, are a bit tough to see. The printing of the brand of tape is on the upper right corner. Placement for the sticker label is on the bottom, with a gold band from side to side on top of it. The sticker covers up a little of the very tinted portion of the bottom which most won't see anyway when the tape is in the deck. The tape is surprisingly light, despite this being Metal Bias.

  I wanted to use a song that featured some bass so I could truly test the range of this "budget" Metal from Sony. Using one of Jay-Z's songs was a perfect fit due to there being so much diversity in the style. This is sourced from an original CD, not a burned mp3.

  I had to see what levels would be best, so I did a +2dB for this. Levels at times, eventually hit the +8dB mark, but not often, so I averaged them to be around +6dB. What surprised me the most was to the range, although even a re-recording at 0dB still had some distortion in the bass. Clarity was quite amazing, but I wouldn't recommend this for party music like, dance, hip-hop, or anything that utilizes bass well. This is more suited for classic rock or lighter music. The re-recording peaked to +5dB often.

  I was a bit disappointed with the bass production of this cassette, though, Sony Metal SR is still great to range. The source was dupicated well with no drop in regular sound, but did feel a bit too light. This isn't really an old tape either and I did get it "opened new" as it did not have a wrapping on it, but it was never actually used.

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 Initial recording @ +3dB: ~+3dB Re-record @ 0dB: ~+4dB
Level Range Very Wide
Distortion Initial recording: +4dB to +5dB, there was bass distortion

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 9
Build & Design 6
Bass 5
Mids 7
Treble 10
Recording Range 8
TOTAL SCORE 45

Final Notes

  I have yet to try much of Sony's higher quality Metal tapes. Other than the CDix from Japan, this is the only Metal I own from Sony. The Metal Master and Super Metal Master are quite hard to obtain, especially these days where they fetch well over $50USD each. I have great respect for Sony's Metal SR, as Sony knew how to market it to the right people. I do admit though, TDK's MA is a far better solution.

  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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