cleaning the adat heads is very easy. But just go easy on the head(drum). You need to very,very gently hold a LINT free cloth with alcohol on it(99%,no water) while turning the drum and holding the cloth up against it. Alesis has info on there site all about this. They say you can simply use a tape cleaner also.Dont be afraid.I just did it last night.Clean the idler wheel as well. These little buggers cause a lot of problems if they are dirty. Buy a few extr.$5.00 a piece. Alesis tech notes!!! Alesis.com.Good luck,Jim