tape vol. fluctuation
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Posted on Oct 24, 2008 05:57 am
Dematrix
http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member Since: Nov 27, 2007
so i got my desk up and running, and im using some older tape i had still sealed in the bag. it looks fine actually, but the problem im having is,
im getting volume fluctuation with playback after recording. like it does with old tape or tape that's been thrashed.
i've used rubbing alcohol to clean the heads and ive cleaned the rubber do- dads.
im yet to demag the heads and i dont know when the last time it was done, i guess it could've been years.
could this be the reason why the volume is fluctuating? or could it be more serious?
anyone know the damage for new heads?
cheers
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Oct 24, 2008 07:35 am Definitely de-mag the heads ASAFP.
That said - It could be a dozen different things why you're having volume fluctuations - It could be mechanical, it could be tape drop outs, it could be calibration, warp, belts (if it's a belt-drive), brakes, on and on.
For troubleshooting, another tape - especially a calibration tape (although around $300 *if* there's one available for that machine) would be ideal.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 24, 2008 08:53 am i have a new tape, but i will wait till i get the demag first. should be here in a couple days.
F***k i hope its not stuffed, there's a dude up the road that fixes these though, and he seemed to think it would be a miracle if it didnt need "some" work at least, so might give him a call.
do you know off the top of your head how much new heads are worth?
Oct 24, 2008 12:54 pm Deon, it's also possible it could be a head/tape guide alignment issue. The trick is finding a truly qualified tape technician who can assess the real cause of the problem. But yes, get them demagged and go from there.
Good luck with this. I want to hear that machine up and running!
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 24, 2008 08:53 pm tell me about it Herb, i cant wait.
i can already hear the difference compared to my digi interface when im just talking thru the mic into headphones. it sounds really nice.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 24, 2008 10:04 pm OK!
well i have discovered (off my own back, geez im smart ha ha) that the old tape im using is on a 5 inch reel and its going to a empty 7 inch reel, so im thinking thats why it was fluctuating.
who knows how "long" this old tape is and it probably isnt the right tape anyway.
so i put on the new 7 inch reel and its all good, sounds good! no fluctuating at all, just needs a demag and we are away.
just one question, the empty reel i am using seems to be a bit outta shape, so when the tape rolls off onto it, it kinda clips the tape as it goes onto the reel.
im no expert but i'd be thinking this is not the best scenario?
or is this common? maybe get a new reel?
NightcapVeni, MIDI, ViciMember
Since: Jul 02, 2008
Oct 24, 2008 10:26 pm A new reel would be good. You need to protect the tape as much as possible from touching the reels. This is especially true when fast-forwarding or rewinding.
Oct 24, 2008 10:56 pm Deon, it sounds like the belts and/or motors on the deck may be a little tired. That's often noticed when the machine is pulling from the heavier reel.
Turn the machine off when you're not using it. That will help the life of the motors. Also, cheap plastic reels are often warped. Your best bet is to use aluminum reels.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 24, 2008 11:11 pm ali reels,
yeah parently they are hard to get now days, i should be able to devise someway of stopping the tape hitting.
its actually where the notch out bit that goes right thru the reel is. its just collapsing a bit. should be easy enough to fix.
Herb, the thing runs like its new, i had a good look at it while playing and it so smooth.
but once i fix the reel or take it back and get another i will check it again, you can actually see the tape hittng the reel, so that should be all it needs.
just waiting on my demag so i can do ome stuff.
