B
Beck
Guest
Should be pointed out that running 499 or similar tape can result in quicker head wear than using lower output tape on some machines.
I was advised this a while by by a technican servicing my Fostex E-16 who said that the 499 tape is more abrasive on recording heads.
Not sure if this would apply in the same way to the Tascam TSR-8 & similar machines or not?
Yep, 499 is one of the worst for premature head wear. It's stiff and sheds alot. GP9 is better -- smoother, but it’s still thicker, stiffer and heavier than 456. Since heads are now one of the most expensive replacement parts I avoid the +9 stuff.
In fact if I see a listing for a multitrack deck and I see a stack of Qunategy 499 in the background, I just move on. All things being equal I know the heads are going to have more wear than if the seller had used 456 or SM911.