IEC 61120-4-1992 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61120-4:1992 — Digital audio tape recorder reel-to-reel system, using 6,3 mm magnetic tape, for professional use — Part 4: Magnetic tape properties: definitions and methods of measurement. This part defines terminology and specifies methods of measurement for the physical and magnetic properties of 6.3 mm professional reel-to-reel digital audio tape used in recording and reproducing systems.

Abstract

This standard specifies definitions and measurement procedures for magnetic tape properties (for example flux transitions, physical recording density, test density, recording current characteristics and reference levels) applicable to professional 6.3 mm digital reel‑to‑reel audio systems. It is intended to ensure consistent test methods and comparable property data for tape manufacturers, equipment makers and test laboratories.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (base edition from 1992; listed as the active IEC publication edition).
• Publication date: 25 July 1992 (IEC edition publication date).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.160.30 (Audio systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1992).
• Number of pages: 25 pages (base IEC publication).

Scope

Applies to methods of measurement for the properties of magnetic tapes specifically used in digital audio reel-to-reel recording and reproducing systems that use 6,3 mm magnetic tape for professional use. The standard gives definitions of physical and magnetic tape parameters and prescribes test conditions and measurement techniques so material properties can be reported and compared consistently between suppliers and test laboratories.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of tape magnetic and physical parameters (flux transitions, physical recording density, test density, etc.).
• Specification of test recording currents and reference recording current definitions (recommended and reference levels).
• Procedures for measuring tape magnetic response and recording/reproducing characteristics.
• Methods for reporting measured values so that tape properties are comparable between manufacturers and laboratories.
• Normative references and cross-references to other IEC documents used in measurement and terminology.

Typical use and users

Used by magnetic tape manufacturers, professional audio equipment designers (recorders and playback systems), test and calibration laboratories, archival and broadcast engineering groups, and standards/quality departments that require standardized measurement procedures for 6.3 mm professional digital tape. The standard supports conformance testing, product specification and archival quality assessment.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61120 series for digital audio reel-to-reel systems; other parts of the series cover complementary system and performance topics. National and regional adoptions exist (for example EN 61120-4:1992 / DIN EN and national implementations). The document also cites and refers to older IEC references used for measurement and terminology where relevant.

Keywords

IEC 61120-4, magnetic tape properties, 6.3 mm tape, reel-to-reel, digital audio tape, tape measurement methods, reference recording current, flux transitions, professional audio, tape testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61120-4:1992 is Part 4 of the IEC 61120 series; it defines magnetic tape properties and specifies methods of measurement for 6,3 mm professional digital reel-to-reel audio tape.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions of tape properties (magnetic and physical) and prescribes laboratory measurement procedures (test densities, recording currents, reference levels and reporting conventions) so that tape characteristics can be measured and compared reliably.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tape manufacturers, professional audio equipment makers, test laboratories, broadcast and archive engineers, and quality/standards groups concerned with digital reel-to-reel tape performance and specification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1992 edition (edition 1.0) is the published IEC base document for this part; IEC store listings and national catalogs show the 1992 edition as the base publication (no later IEC amendment or new edition is listed in the primary IEC catalogue entries accessed). For procurement or formal confirmation of current status always check the IEC webstore or your national standards body for the absolute latest status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 4 of the IEC 61120 series covering digital audio tape recorder reel-to-reel systems; related parts and national/regional adoptions (EN/DIN/UNE/ÖVE variants) are published.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Magnetic tape, 6.3 mm, digital audio, reel-to-reel, tape properties, measurement methods, IEC 61120, professional audio, reference recording current, flux transition.