which flavor of SMPTE?

[Media Man]

Originally Posted by lego

Depending on the quality of the heads and tape re-striping might cause more leakage of the SMPTE tone to track 23. I'd make some tests on an empty area of the tape.

another good point. There is audio recorded on track 23, and although I can't remember specifics of the mix session at the time, the leakage must have been bearable. Maybe not now if I re-stripped.

Mark

[Postman]

I would not restripe for the following reason.

Analog machines never ran at the same speed twice and many 2" decks were notorious for running at a different speed depending on how much tape was remaining on the supply reel. Resolving the SMPTE to a reference (or lock PT to the SMPTE) helps ensure the tape plays at or very near original pitch, assuming the same deck was used as recorded the music. Yes, I know it doesn't solve the 29.97/30 question, just pick one, maybe a guitar tuner will help decide. Prob not.

Some decks have higher wow/flutter when they are locked with a synchronizer, more than PT jitter when resolving to SMPTE, there are too many variables to make a choice without listening and thinking, IMHO.