If tails out is best ...

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famous beagle

famous beagle

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So I've always read that storing tapes tails out is better because it helps prevent print-through (maybe some other reasons too)?

But if this is the case, then why does all the literature in every manual I've ever read show threading the tape from left to right? And why do machines have features, such as the "LOAD" feature on the 388, that are designed to be used when threading tape left to right?
 
The same reason manuals of digital equipment still tell you to "record as hot as possible without clipping", even though that isn't the best advice.
 
Tails out doesn't prevent print through. Print through on a tape stored heads out precedes the original signal so if you are playing back and going through a silent section you will hear a pre-echo of the next passage, which will occur in one revolution of the supply reel. Tails out on the other hand, the print through is an echo that comes after the original signal, and because it is after it is often lost in the original signal.

Tape threading instructions and/or diagrams assume a new reel of tape.
 
Ah, ok. I suppose that makes sense.

What's everyone's experience with this? Have you had lots of issues with pre-echo when storing heads out?
 
I store tails out. (Since I've learned)
However, I've got some taoe from 20 years ago that I didn't store tails out, with no evidence of any print through at all. No sticky shed either, but it was some old Scotch. Maybe just really good tape? Dumb luck? I dunno.

But its one of those old maxims, where once you know the right way to do something, you need to do so.

So I always store tails out. Once you get the hang of the procedure, its easy.
 
The other big reason to store tails out is because the tape will usually have a much better, more even wind on the take up reel because it was wound at play speed instead of rewind speed.
 
I was always under the impression that it was the ACT of Winding back that reduced print?

I have also read (far longer ago than I care too....) that bad cases of print, of an especial nuisance on speech recordings, can be helped by running the tape past an erase head fed with a very low bias.

Dave.
 
Hmm ... interesting points. Thanks everyone.
 
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