Sep 29, 2011 08:11 pm I don't want to swoop in like Captain Obvious here, but you're playing 2-track tapes on a 4-track deck...?
You're going to hear all 4 tracks. Even realigning the heads is probably going to keep some of that crosstalk.
Reel to reel recording question
Posted on Sep 29, 2011 06:22 pm
tbbooth
Member Since: Sep 29, 2011
Hi,
I'm new to the forum so I'm still trying to figure things out a bit. I recently pulled out my old reel to reel recorder and decided to start using it again. I bought some tapes through e-bay, which was a pretty good deal, and have found some of the tapes that I would like to keep as I enjoy the music on them. However, I have found a few tapes, that while I really like the music, the tapes sound like they have two recordings on the same track. I hear two songs during the playback, one is in the background, and one is the primary recording. Anyone know of any way to separate the two tracks? I've tried reversing the tape and playing it that way with no success. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. I have tried the tapes on two different reel to reel recorders, both of them 4 Track recorders.
Thanks loads for any suggestions.
[ Back to Top ]
Sep 29, 2011 08:11 pm I don't want to swoop in like Captain Obvious here, but you're playing 2-track tapes on a 4-track deck...?
You're going to hear all 4 tracks. Even realigning the heads is probably going to keep some of that crosstalk.
Sep 30, 2011 01:43 am Thanks for the input, but I don't think that is the problem. I have a number of other 2-track tapes that play just fine without any background sound, or any other interference. I'm playing all of the music on older equipment, dating from the 70's so it isn't as sensitive as some of the newer equipment available today. I seem to be having the problem with only some tapes that came from the same seller. I have many other tapes that play just fine that I purchased from other sellers and they play with no problem. Again, thanks loads for the info, I appreciate any feedback.
Sep 30, 2011 11:42 am I suppose there's always the possibility that the tapes were (A) stretched or (B) recorded on a machine that wasn't properly aligned...
Sep 30, 2011 01:02 pm Thanks for the input, I hadn't thought about an improper alignment of heads on the recording machine. That put's a different light on the problem. Do you know of anyway the background "noise" can be filtered out so the primary recordings can be saved? As I mentioned earlier, I have a 4-track deck but with the flip of a switch, I can make it a 2-track deck as well. I don't know if that will be helpful or not. I do know that some of the music is very hard to find now so if there is a way to save it, I would definitely take a shot at preserving it.
Oct 01, 2011 01:26 am If you have a calibration tape (so you can return the machine to spec) or even if you toss one together with a tone generator (assuming you know your machine is properly aligned), you could simply throw the alignment off and try to match the recording machine.
If it's crosstalk, there really isn't anything you can do about it.
Oct 01, 2011 09:25 pm I'm pretty much a newby when it comes to anything other than straight recording. What do you mean by crosstalk. Also, I don't have a calibration tape, is that something one can purchase or make? If so, where would I purchase one, or how would I make one?
Really appreciate the feedback!
Oct 01, 2011 09:46 pm Purchasing would probably be around $300 if you can find one. But if you want to return your machine to it's current alignment, just record tones (100Hz, 1k and 10k should do) for around 30 seconds each at 0dBVU.
If you can find a place that would rent you a tape, that'd be a nice place to start. Get it to "factory" before you make your own tape. Most (I shouldn't say "most" but it seems that way) places that would sell them also rent them out.
|
Related Forum Topics: |
If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.