Aug 11, 2010 10:18 pm Hmm. Is it a mechanical counter, or a digital one?
It almost sounds like the counter is stuck somehow. And it's trying to reset in some fashion.
Yamaha 4-track cassette clicking noise
Posted on Aug 11, 2010 09:51 pm
HB456
Member Since: Aug 11, 2010
Hello HRC,
I purchased a used Yamaha MT4X track cassette machine.
There is a clicking noise after a cassette is inserted. This noise isn't heard in the headphones, but is coming from the tape mechanism somewhere.
I shot this video, you can hear the problem:
Anyone have any idea what the cause may be and how to fix it?
Thanks in advance.
[ Back to Top ]
Aug 11, 2010 10:18 pm Hmm. Is it a mechanical counter, or a digital one?
It almost sounds like the counter is stuck somehow. And it's trying to reset in some fashion.
Aug 11, 2010 10:59 pm Let me look on a few tech forms for you. I seem to remember something about the counter and the tape sensor. I'll poke around and see what I come up with and get back to you.
Aug 11, 2010 11:10 pm My old Tascam used to do that--the counter would stick. Good luck with that. I won't launch into my usual "Why would you even bother with a cassette player for any reason" diatribe. It can be fun to fiddle with the sliders and knobs, but it all ends . . . .
Aug 11, 2010 11:13 pm Actually, with the digital counter and all, it sounds like a problem with the capstan, and that ain't good. The old Tascam(s) used to do that too. Towards the end, something called "cascade failure" occurs. There are so many moving parts that depend upon each other . . . .
Aug 11, 2010 11:24 pm Nice video--I swear I've experienced this exact problem, though with which machine I can't be sure. Does the tape play faithfully? Or is there a lot of wow and flutter? It's triggered by the automatic mechanical sensor that the tape engages--I'm thinking this starts the motor, and something is bent. Or maybe a plastic gear is jumping it's spindle. If you're mechanically inclined, I would suggest taking the beast apart. I was able to save at least two Tascams and one Nakamichi by taking them apart and finding a relatively simple problem.
Aug 11, 2010 11:28 pm The capstan starts to turn as soon as the back "trigger" is engaged. Seems like a gear/motor problem. Take it apart--follow a sequence, and keep track of all the screws. Write it all down, or better yet, film it.
Aug 11, 2010 11:29 pm A lot of the message boards do mention the "Clicking" sound that you are getting. However, none of them mention what the cause is, or what the fix is either.
The good news is that it's mechanical. It's not going to be an electrical nightmare to find where and what is causing the issue.
I think if there is a good tech in your area, it shouldn't cost all that much to get repaired. If your not familiar with taking things apart. I wouldn't attempt this on your own. But, if you have some knowledge on repairs......... Take it apart. See if you can see what and where is making the noise.
Aug 11, 2010 11:41 pm Thanks for all the replies.
Tim; I actually have a recording setup for my PC. I bought the 4-track to transfer my old tapes that i recorded years ago.
I originally thought the heads were shot, but after a good cleaning everything is actually playing very clearly on all tracks.
I'm thinking maybe it was dropped at some point and something is just slightly out of place.
Rob; a tech friend of mine should know about this stuff - maybe I will have him look at it.
If I crack it open on my own, I will definitely film it and post back.
Aug 12, 2010 12:23 am I just spoke with my tech friend. he explained that there are a series of gears and the clicking sound is when they wear over time and are not tight anymore. He recommended to just leave it, that the sound may be an issue for recording, but I am just using it for playback only.
So... I guess I shouldn't crack it open.
Aug 12, 2010 12:35 am Sure. It most certainly be just gear wear. The only thing that lead me to the counter is the even space of the clicks. And the fact that it starts the minute the tape sensor is engaged.
But, like you said. If your not recording with it, then what does it matter.
Aug 13, 2010 10:17 pm it seems to be working good, (besides the click)...
I had another question about this setup; a song can be played on this 4-track with 4 separate outs.
If I were to get something like an M-audio card for my PC:
www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Delta1010LT.html
..how would I tell my DAW to go to the separate tracks? Would the included software with the card cover this? I've only dealt with stereo transfers so far.
|
Related Forum Topics: |
If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.