portastudio wobble playback speed... problem

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_brian_

_brian_

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I have a 414 mk i portastudio which is used regulary as a sketch pad. After I had recorded something I came back for another listen (say 20min after last used it). The playback speed was all over the place. It sounded pretty cool but I certainly don't want this kind of scratching effect on everything:p. I opened the little gadget up to have a quick peak inside (having to disconnect the mixer section from the main board). I replaced the tape & it seemed fine :confused:. So I boxed it up again and end of problem. Bit strange :eek:. I have always noticed that it has been struggling to rewind at times, giving out a really laboured sound. Playback, Record & FF Have never had such problems though.

Any thoughts?
 
The 1st thing I'd suspect is tape slippage at the pinch roller. When and with what was this part cleaned last? While heads, guides, and lifters should be cleaned regularly with head cleaner, the pinch roller should be cleaned with a good rubber cleaner to keep it supple enough to grip the tape properly. Even when properly maintained, this part won't last forever and will need to be replaced every so often.

Also try a different tape just to make certain this cassette isn't funky.
 
RRuskin said:
The 1st thing I'd suspect is tape slippage at the pinch roller. When and with what was this part cleaned last? While heads, guides, and lifters should be cleaned regularly with head cleaner, the pinch roller should be cleaned with a good rubber cleaner to keep it supple enough to grip the tape properly. Even when properly maintained, this part won't last forever and will need to be replaced every so often.

Also try a different tape just to make certain this cassette isn't funky.
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I've never actually cleaned the pinch roller, do you know of any sources (uk)?

I have some maplin spray tape head cleaner that i've used on my r8 as well as the porta (never cleaned the pinch rollers though) is the spray stuff a good idea?

What you've said makes a lot of sense, sorry I'm just analogue beginner :rolleyes:
 
As a general rule, no head cleaner should ever be used on rubber parts because it causes them to dry out. I still have and use TEAC Rubber cleaner but the stuff is no longer made. Check to see if CAIG Labs has anything of a similar nature.
 
My eyes feel like they're going to explode :eek:, i've searched everywhere for pinch roller cleaner. I'm going to have to use washing up liquid diluted in water :(
 
RRuskin said:
The 1st thing I'd suspect is tape slippage at the pinch roller.
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Just been thinking, the pinch roller only engages when playing & recording but the recorder was struggling when rewinding - so as an novice looking at things I would find it hard not concluding that the wobbling during playback (which has happened only once to date) and the machine labouring to rewind (and once even gave up rewinding & stopped) are related. Maybe they're not - I don't know.
 
Shuttling problems may or may not have any relation to record or playback speed problems. Have you even investigated to see if the pinch roller is dirty, overly hard, or damaged? Checked the machine with a different tape known to be good to see if you can repeat the problem or not? I can tell you this - if the machine needs to go into service you are better off throwing it away and looking for another working unit. Not worth fixing in my book.
 
RRuskin said:
Shuttling problems may or may not have any relation to record or playback speed problems. Have you even investigated to see if the pinch roller is dirty, overly hard, or damaged? Checked the machine with a different tape known to be good to see if you can repeat the problem or not? I can tell you this - if the machine needs to go into service you are better off throwing it away and looking for another working unit. Not worth fixing in my book.
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Yeah, i checked the roller & it's in very good condition. I tried different tapes but have never been able to repeat the "wobbling" fault. The labouring rewind happens with all tapes no matter the manufacturer. I just bought this because it was going cheap on ebay, but at the moment it's my only idea tool. I was originally wanting an older portastudio a 246 or whatever. I have an R8 but only want to use it when recording a serious mix that has been thought out and completed arrangment wise.
 
_brian_ said:
Yeah, i checked the roller & it's in very good condition. I tried different tapes but have never been able to repeat the "wobbling" fault. The labouring rewind happens with all tapes no matter the manufacturer. I just bought this because it was going cheap on ebay, but at the moment it's my only idea tool. I was originally wanting an older portastudio a 246 or whatever. I have an R8 but only want to use it when recording a serious mix that has been thought out and completed arrangment wise.
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You probably have a stretched belt or belts. Find a replacement set and change them all. I've never seen the wisdom of working stuff out on one set of equipment before going to a better system to do it for real. Working it on your best gear from the start means you only have to get it "right" once. But as they say - Different strokes for different folks.
 
RRuskin said:
I've never seen the wisdom of working stuff out on one set of equipment before going to a better system to do it for real. Working it on your best gear from the start means you only have to get it "right" once. But as they say - Different strokes for different folks.
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It's a little different with me though because I'm firstly a songwriter and I play everything myself. I'm the first to admit that my instrument playing is of a lower standard than what it should be. But I'm more interested in getting ideas down before I forget them (I'm lazy too :rolleyes:). My stuff is a little bit more complex & different aswell from what I've heard others pen and due to the fact of knowing nothing about musical theory I have to very much rely on my instinct. This means I have to sometimes try something a few times to get what I'm hearing in my head onto tape - especially with unusual time signatures. Sadly the R8 would be long gone if I used it for that!! Portastudios are invaluable to me, great tool. If I was able to record my stuff straight on to the reel to reel god knows how many songs I'd have :eek: Just not skilled enough sadly. Anyway, I'm going to look into getting a set of belts, I guess there should be some generic drive belts around that you can buy?
 
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