A problem with my tascam 234

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hamburglerosis
  • Start date Start date
H

Hamburglerosis

New member
Hi, I have a Tascam 234 and my problem is that it records very quiet and very distorted. The singal coming in is clean and loud, but no matter what it always records in this way. Do any of you recognize this problem? I've tried cleaning the tape heads. Is there anything I can do? I'd rather not have to pay for an expensive repair. Thanks.
 
If it comes in hot and good but plays back low/distorted, it could be a head alignment problem. This is something I wouldn't recommend a novice try if you've never done it before. Of course this is just a guess.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. Head alignment, eh? Does anyone know of any good DIY guides on this subject? If it really is very difficult or dangerous to the equipment to do, I guess I'll have to take it to shop.
 
Not dangerous. It requires an alignment tape for that machine and an O scope.
 
Have you tried demagnetizing the heads? Cleaning will only do so much.
 
Track Rat said:
It requires an alignment tape for that machine and an O scope.

Ahh, two things I don't have. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and pay for it to be done. Thanks for the help
 
Just as a rudimentary check, also make sure all the output pots are up on the front of the deck.

Are you using the 234 with an external mixer?

If so, is the mixer passing signals properly?

Also, make sure the heads are clean and that you are using the correct type of blank tape; IE TDK SA60 or equivalent.

Cheers! :)
 
Back
Top