Fostex R8 R2R Acting Funny! Please help

  • Thread starter Thread starter analog aaron
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analog aaron

Swami King of Poppers
Hey Guys,

Today I hooked up one of my R8s' (I've been using the MR6 lately) and it's acting a little funny. Last time I used it, it seemed to work fine( though I do admit I have not used it in a while-probably 8 months or so) . This is exactly what I did in order. Cleaned the heads only and threaded the tape. Pressed play and the pitch was super slow. I checked the pitch control and of course it was in the - position. Turned it to normal and it didn't speed up. Turned it all the way up to + position and it didn't speed up. Turned it off, cleaned the pinch roller and capstan, (still a little crud on the capstan I cannot get off- I can feel it with my fingers and see it, but I've applied much pressure with a cotton swab and it still won't come clean, should I try a razor and use super light pressure?) Anway, unplugged the remote control faceplate, plugged it back in, Powered up and it played at normal speed, but upon pressing play immediately the song is a little slow and then speeds up to normal (for just a second or two though, kinda like it's taking a second to "build up" to normal speed) I don't remember it doing this, but is this normal? Like if you are playing a song and press stop in the middle of the song, once you press play again, Shouldn't the tape start playing on dime? I guess I could hook up the other R8 and use it, but I'm a little worried about this first one. I am going to start recording our band this Wed but I kinda wanted to use this first R8. Basically I have one great R8 Near mint that I have packed away and one that is moderately used and I leave it out. The mint one I packed away to use at a later date. But now it looks like I will be using it for Wednesday's session. Anybody got any advice about the used unit?
 
How old and what kind is the tape you are using? It could be something more serious, but this is a common symptom of tape with sticky-shed.
 
It's either ampex or quantegy tape. It was slightly old to begin with, but never opened until about 8.5 months ago. I bought the tape in 1997.
??? I have a couple more rolls like this from the same purchase. Should I not use them??? Thanks Guys,
A.A.
 
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You need to be sure which it is, Ampex or Quantegy and / or tell us the date code (usually on the box spine). If you know it's Quantegy then it's good, no matter the date. If it's Ampex then you need to tell us the date code. For a while, since Quantegy took over and begun with their improved binder, it was still using Ampex branded boxes. If the date is anything prior to the end of 1995, then it's all suspect.
 
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