Smithers XKR
Well-known member
I have read a lot on the subject and with my very limited knowledge my thoughts are thus...
In a professional recording studio or professional video environment then yes. The equipment is used a lot and serviced by trained audio and video engineers.
But for us average Joes with a home recording facility then the dark art of demagnitising is not really needed and should not be attempted and could actually do more harm then good.
The VCR system actually self cancels magnetism when it runs tapes, I have read.
As far as cassette decks are concerned, then yes the heads can become magnetised ... but under normal playback and home use then it will never pose a major problem and better to leave it than attempt to do it without seeking pro advice.
My learning is yes, clean the heads manually with Iso and a lint free cloth and avoid the head tape cleaners which are abrasive and will only damage the heads. But any demagnetising process is risky and mostly not needed for home use and best left to the professionals IMVHO
In a professional recording studio or professional video environment then yes. The equipment is used a lot and serviced by trained audio and video engineers.
But for us average Joes with a home recording facility then the dark art of demagnitising is not really needed and should not be attempted and could actually do more harm then good.
The VCR system actually self cancels magnetism when it runs tapes, I have read.
As far as cassette decks are concerned, then yes the heads can become magnetised ... but under normal playback and home use then it will never pose a major problem and better to leave it than attempt to do it without seeking pro advice.
My learning is yes, clean the heads manually with Iso and a lint free cloth and avoid the head tape cleaners which are abrasive and will only damage the heads. But any demagnetising process is risky and mostly not needed for home use and best left to the professionals IMVHO