alignment?

[Peck]

Well, I've figured out the "tape hiss" was just from recording with bad levels... thanks to those who pointed that out to me.

However... I've now found another problem. My overdubs aren't in time now. I select the correct buttons for the record track and the reproduction track and the recordings are still a little bit out of sync. Could this possibly be an alignment problem? It just started within the past few days.

The tension arm on the supply reel seems to be a little looser than it was before, so the tape doesn't look like it going through the heads perfectly lined up. From the supply reel to the tension arm, it comes in at a slight angle. I don't know how the hell this happened, but it is making my recordings useless right now. Could this be the reason the tracks aren't in sync?

EDIT: When I said "correct buttons" I'm referring to the source/tape switch for each channel.

 

[FALKEN]

the tape is probably out of sync because you need to be monitoring from the "sync" head, not the "repro" head, when doing overdubs.

as to the tension arm....I'm having trouble understanding which way the tape is angled. it could be three different ways...

either way, the problem is very easily fixed, don't give up yet. It sounds like either the knob on the end of the tension arm could be tightened (just rotate it like a nut) or if you open up the machine there should be a spring that keeps it down, which might need to be tightened.

 

[Peck]

Falken,

Here are a couple of pics. It looks like the tension arm is bent now that I look at it. The picture with the flash is hard to see, but you can see the side of the tape that you record on when you look directly at the machine. What do you think?

I'm pretty sure i'm monitoring the sync head, because I've done it before plenty of times and it worked fine. I push in sel/rep for the one to be monitored, push in rec for the track I want to record on.... and then push in "tape" for the track to be monitored, and "source" for the track to be recorded. It usually works fine.

 

[cjacek]

Yes, it's bent for sure.

 

[A Reel Person]

Carefully bend it back!!

Forgive me if I've not kept up with topics, but what R/R tape deck is that,... an 80-8 ??? Thx.

 

[Peck]

It's an otari (mx5050 MK1). 8 track 1/2"... this sucks bad.

Is there going to be any way to find a replacement for it? I'm beginning to freak out a little bit. or i'll just bend it back like you said...

 

[cjacek]

No need to freak out just do as Dave (ARP) said: Carefully bend it back.

 

[A Reel Person]

Oh yeah, the big amp-stack & separate transport module!

It's an otari (mx5050 MK1). 8 track 1/2"... this sucks bad.
...

BTW, that's a fine looking machine!!!................

 

[Peck]

Thanks guys... i guess I'll just try and bend it back. So is that the reason my tracks are out of sync now by chance? And I have no idea how it got bent. This is weird.

 

[cjacek]

So is that the reason my tracks are out of sync now by chance?

I don't think that's the reason. Usually it's using the wrong head other than sync.

 

[A Reel Person]

The bend could cause alignment issues, but...

the sync problem sounds like you're using the "Repro" head for overdubbing when you should be using "Sync". I know you stated you set all the right control settings, but it should probably be double-checked.

 

[cjacek]

Peck: Can you snap a couple of photos of the heads (close and clear) and also of the rubber pinch roller ?

 

[cjacek]

Are we competing, Dave ?

 

[Peck]

Yeah I'll try and take some and post them.

 

[A Reel Person]

I dunno. I have 3-dozen Tascams and a dozen Fostexes. How'bout you?

Are we competing, Dave ?

.............................

 

[cjacek]

'Nuff said (walks away in shame ...)

 

[Peck]

well the lighting sucks right now... so I'm going to have to post them tomorrow.

 

[cjacek]

Cool, ok!

 

[Peck]

Here are some pics. I had a hard time getting a good picture of the heads, but this is the best I could do.

 

[A Reel Person]

!!!

The heads/lifters look worn & the pinch roller looks slick!!!