Calibrating my Tascam 42B

[analogkid]

Ok, it has been 25 years since I calibrated a tape deck - and I am rusty! Here's the thing: Following the instructions in the manual I have properly calibrated the input level, the meters and the playback level. All is golden right?
For some reason the record level is VERY low - and I am doubtful it is the record head since I checked the playback level on both record and playback heads, both were close to identical. The issue is on BOTH channels, so I am thinking it can't be in the record/repro cards themselves.

1. Could this simply be a badly calibrated bias? (I haven't adjusted that YET)

2. Is there something else failing in the machine? (If so, what might it be?)




ANy help is appreciated on this one - I would really love to use this unit as my main mixdown unit. I do have that Studer PR99, but the TASCAM is simply a better and newer unit. Well, if it was working it would be anyway.



Thanks in advance,


Analog Kid

PS Yes I have tried three different types of tape; Ampex 456, Scotch 201 and Maxell UD35 same results.

[sweetbeats]

by 'low' how low do you mean? Are you sure none of that tape is shedding? Did you demag the deck? did you check the wrap? Cleaned it like a surgeon? are you unable to get the record levels up with the trimmers on the amp cards? Just throwing questions out there...

[analogkid]

Low as in -20db (on the VU meter; I need to check the output voltage)

No shedding tape issues, my ampex is new old stock from the 80s (I bought it in the 80s and kept it sealed cool and dry all these years).

Deck has been thoroughly cleaned - (and demagged; though I was thinking another round of demag wouldn't hurt.

Adjusting the record level pots doesn't help the problem.



AK

[analogkid]

Ok I was dead wrong... the old reel of 456 IS leaving sticky all over the damned transport! I cleaned it all up and everything is good! I did demag everything again, but the 42B is calibrated! Yay!



Looks like my 80s Maxell UD35 is going to have to hold me until i can find some new quality tape; is teh new Quantegy what everyone is using?

AK

[cjacek]

Do NOT use any Ampex branded tape, made prior to 1995. That's the rule.

Yes, Quantegy or RMGI.

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[analogkid]

Thanks - I read the warnings, but somehow thought my old tape would be fine, since I never had trouble back in the old days. then again, the Ampex I have is 20+ years old, and I doubt any tape that old is a good idea to use.

*smacks self in head three times*


AK