3 head cassette deck vs. 2 heads?

[studiodrum]

Good mornin' my 'Analog Brothers' .. .

Can someone explain to me why a 3 head cassette deck is better than a 2 head cassette deck . . . I believe that the main difference is that, if you have an additional ERASE head with its own motor, . .that ultimately, you will be putting less wear and tear on the RECORD, or PLAY motor, and heads .. But, is that it??? Is there any more philosophy behind why a 3 head cassette deck is more superior to a 2 head deck .. . are there any 2 head decks that would be considered in the same 'caliber' as a 3 head, . . or is that just comparing apple, to oranges. . .?

Thanks everyone.. . .

 

[The Ghost of FM]

All cassette decks that are designed to record have an erase head. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to re-record over the tape after the first pass.

A three head cassette deck or open reel deck for that matter, have a dedicated reproduction head, otherwise called a "repro" head for short.

The advantage of a third head is so that calibration set up procedures can be accomplished in a quick manner and to also facilitate live monitoring of the recorded results; also called "confidence monitoring" in some circles of users.

The third benefit is that each head can be designed and manufactured for its specific task of either recording or playing back so as to optimize the frequency response of the deck. If you pay attention to specs, you will find that most 3 head decks offer superior frequency response characteristics compared to their two head brethren.

Cheers!

 

[studiodrum]

Wow, dude .. .!!!

That was a great explanation GFM. . . I've been saved by the 'Holy FM Ghost'. . . ! Seriously, that really helped, and I completely understand. . . "Yeah, scary, I know. . .

Thanks FM, I appreciate the insight. . .So, is it mostly in the 'RECORDING' mode that a 3 head cassette will befit you, or because of the better frequency response characteristics, both Recording, and Playing. . .

'I think if I hang around this BBS much longer, I'm going to end up be 'FM', 'REEL', and DIDGITALSMIDGITALS, side-kick, . .like boba-booie is to 'Howard Stern'. . . !!! I might have to change my screen name to Studio-booie" LOL Thanks again. . .