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In the world of analog tape machines, test tapes are essential, as are signal generators, and o'scopes. You are flying totally blind without them.

Also, do you have a test tape and a scope to check the alignment of your r/p head?

If the guides & reel table heights are properly set and the only problem is with the erase head, then I'd be looking at that head being too far back. Even if there is no adjustment per se, there could be some wear at the mounting point. Just out of curiosity, is this problem repeatable with a...

Do you have the service manual? Is there any way to move the supply guide back? Perhaps it's too far forward and not allowing proper contacted with the headstack.

If the tape is hitting the top of the guide, that guide is too low. There has to be a way to raise it so the tape is running evenly through it.

You mentioned that when you applied pressure with your finger that it erased ok across the entire tape so it isn't the head. Is there a center guide misaligned or worn guide somewhere in the path?

Try micing the edge where the head meets the shell at an angle. Start @ 45 degrees and modify to suit.

All Ampex 456 will have sticky-shed as will 3M/Scotch 226 & 250. Makes no difference how or where they were stored.

Perhaps the overheating resistor is defective. If not, it's seeing more juice than it should making the power supply and/or specific branch from it the most likely causes.

If a fuse keeps blowing, you have a problem somewhere farther back in the branch the fuse protects or in the power supply itself.

She was correct. The only caveat is that you don't want phantom on most older "non-powered" ribbon mics. Furthermore, Wes Dooley of AEA Microphones, recommends that dynamic mics be plugged in and/or out with the phantom power off to avoid magnetization of their internal transformers.

The techs I knew at TEAC/TASCAM all advised against long term use with a deck standing up. Their reasons were in that position: 1. Cleaning the tape path was more difficult; 2. It was not as easy to edit; & 3. the motor bearings were supporting the weight of the motors.

So the procedure I outlined didn't work or have you not tried it yet?

Original Poster.

The TEAC inputs are what you need to be careful of. All that is necessary is to watch how hard you hit them because the Roland puts out a hotter signal than the TEAC line ins are designed to handle. Look up and learn about "gain staging." FYI - an RCA connector will not change output level...

I am aware but the OP might not be.

Correct but gain staging between the Roland outs and TEAC ins will be critical as the Roland puts out considerably more than -10.

You can use any type of mic as long as an inline low to high impedance matching transformer is just before your mic input. The TEAC doesn't provide 'phantom power so you'll need an outboard 48v supply for condenser mics. FYI - the mic inputs on TEAC machines are not very good. You would be...

ampex@lena.recordist.com These are the folks to ask.

Since all the transport does is move the tape across the heads as precisely, logic dictates that as long as the heads & electronics match, it should work. You could ask or search through the archives of the on the Ampex listserv for a definitive answer and other pertinent info.