Cleaning a Tascam 424MKII

[Dropped Z]

I was just wondering how often everyone cleans their Tascam... the instructions in the manual look pretty rigorous (with the solution, cleaning mode, etc). Would a self cleaning tape do the trick or should I get out the cleaning solutions? If so, is the cleaning as difficult as the manual appears to be? Thanks!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

The tapes do nothing... you need to clean manually... use 90% isopropyl alcohol on the heads and capstan, use pinch roller cleaner on the pinch roller......

Do NOT use the alcohol on the pinch roller - it'll dry out the rubber......

 

[Son of Mixerman]

I was going to say, pour a 1/2 cup of liquid detergent into the cassette well and get out the pressure washer at 1500 psi, that should clean it, let it dry overnight. It will work about as good as before

Just kidding! Just follow BBS BS and youll be fine....

SoMm

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

SoM..........

You suggestion is the ANNUAL maintenance routine.... mine was just the monthly!!

 

[statecap]

To clean the 424 is NOT as difficult as that manual lets on to be.

Just follow the directions to the letter a couple of times and you'll be able to do it with ease.

Same with de-gaussing

Don't forget what BEAR said though...90%...but not on the pinch roller...

Denver

 

[statecap]

Oh by the way....

Don't be afraid to clean it often. As the manual states.

The cost of that alcohol and q-tips is alot cheaper than a trip to the service department.

 

[Sennheiser]

The manual for my 488MkII states every session or every six hours whichever comes first.

Think of it as changing the oil in your car. It's good preventive maintenance.