Squeeling Tape Deck
Squeeling Tape Deck
Just picked up a TEAC 1230, and surprise, surprise, there's some issues...
At first it was doing OK, and recorded this (using Sony ULH back-coated tape probably not ideal for this deck):
http://soundcloud.com/palinilap/tape-deck-test
And then a squeeling started to occur, and the tape started winding down slower and slower.
This is a hi-hat track which demonstrates the squeeling imparting in the audio:
http://soundcloud.com/palinilap/tape-deck-test-hi-hat
Seller said they installed new belts and lubed everything.
My guess is a bad motor, but wanted some other opinions.
EDIT: Also the rewind function doesn't work. Neither does the timer, but I doubt that's related to anything.
At first it was doing OK, and recorded this (using Sony ULH back-coated tape probably not ideal for this deck):
http://soundcloud.com/palinilap/tape-deck-test
And then a squeeling started to occur, and the tape started winding down slower and slower.
This is a hi-hat track which demonstrates the squeeling imparting in the audio:
http://soundcloud.com/palinilap/tape-deck-test-hi-hat
Seller said they installed new belts and lubed everything.
My guess is a bad motor, but wanted some other opinions.
EDIT: Also the rewind function doesn't work. Neither does the timer, but I doubt that's related to anything.
I think you are being victimized by an issue some call 'stiction.' The binder in the tape has become sticky, and it and much of the magnetic material is applying itself to everything in your machine that the tape touches. It is very sticky. You must clean every place in the machine the tape has touched with either denatured alcohol or a proprietary cleaner. The gunk is always visible... Use only a proprietary rubber cleaner on the pinch roller.
Upper level Sony tapes were infamous for having this problem, as were so many others. Our biggest problem has been with Ampex 456. It is possible to 'bake' problem tapes, according to a recipe available on the internet, and it is quite effective. However, this method is only used for getting valuable data from a tape so affected. It will not heal the tape so that it can be used again for general recording.
Bottom line: There is probably nothing wrong with your machine. However, you must clean the heads, capstan, guides, etc. You must then purchase quality new tape, or find old tape unaffected by the condition.
Your symptoms have been experienced by a lot of us old guys who have shelves and shelves of master tapes, and then some client comes to us from the 70s and wishes to have a copy of their mixes. Sounds easy. However, it is not...
Best to you.
Byll
Upper level Sony tapes were infamous for having this problem, as were so many others. Our biggest problem has been with Ampex 456. It is possible to 'bake' problem tapes, according to a recipe available on the internet, and it is quite effective. However, this method is only used for getting valuable data from a tape so affected. It will not heal the tape so that it can be used again for general recording.
Bottom line: There is probably nothing wrong with your machine. However, you must clean the heads, capstan, guides, etc. You must then purchase quality new tape, or find old tape unaffected by the condition.
Your symptoms have been experienced by a lot of us old guys who have shelves and shelves of master tapes, and then some client comes to us from the 70s and wishes to have a copy of their mixes. Sounds easy. However, it is not...
Best to you.
Byll
'Everything Matters'
Lisa Diane Cope
1963-1979
Lisa Diane Cope
1963-1979
-
- pluggin' in mics
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 10:34 pm
- Location: Logan Square
- Contact:
-
- pluggin' in mics
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 10:34 pm
- Location: Logan Square
- Contact:
what kind of tape is it? some older tapes (like Scotch 175) squeal but don't go sticky. baking will actually make this tape worse, since it's dried out (I think it's a loss of lubricant issue).
These tapes are likely on 7" reels; NEVER BAKE PLASTIC REELS!
These tapes are likely on 7" reels; NEVER BAKE PLASTIC REELS!
http://www.trounrecords.com
your life is beautiful / a seed becomes a tree / a mountain into a sky / this life is meant to be
your life is beautiful / a seed becomes a tree / a mountain into a sky / this life is meant to be
It's Sony ULH back-coated tape, apparently known for this.donny wrote:what kind of tape is it? some older tapes (like Scotch 175) squeal but don't go sticky. baking will actually make this tape worse, since it's dried out (I think it's a loss of lubricant issue).
These tapes are likely on 7" reels; NEVER BAKE PLASTIC REELS!
I've got Ampex 641 on the way, which will rule out other causes if it works ok.
-
- pushin' record
- Posts: 215
- Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:19 am
- Location: New York City
I've heard a lot of differing opinions on this. Some shudder at the thought of using high grade tape, and say the lower grade stuff is better because that's what the machine was biased for, and what the record eq caps are designed to compensate for.Dominick Costanzo wrote:Keep in mind 641 is pretty low quality tape, "voice quality" is how Ampex described it.
Developed in the mid 60's, it has dramatically less dynamic range and HF retentivity compared to modern tape.
Best bet for your TEAC 1230 would be new RMGI LPR 35.
I think I'll end up trying a little bit of everything until discovering what works best, and eventually try out the RMGI and Quantegy 456.
641 will sound cool if you want a '60s type sound. it's also way more stable than most of the tapes that came later.
http://www.trounrecords.com
your life is beautiful / a seed becomes a tree / a mountain into a sky / this life is meant to be
your life is beautiful / a seed becomes a tree / a mountain into a sky / this life is meant to be
-
- audio school graduate
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 3:19 am
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 44 guests