Leaving tape on the machine

[reel buzzer]

Is it OK to leave the reel of tape on the machine overnight for a few nights?

Or should I be taking the tape off the machine every night?

 

[Son of Mixerman]

Take it off when your not using it.

There are a few things that are undesirable when you leave tape just sitting there.


SoMm

 

[reel buzzer]

does it affect the tape or the machine?

 

[Son of Mixerman]

Both.

Tape has metallic particles in it and when its in the air (which contains moisture) the magnatism from the heads create a corrosive environment. Corrosion is bad for heads. On the tape side the heads will still be activated somewhat and that will cause a slight particle shift or random scatter. Its very slight but its works against you because its a form of noise.


SoMm

 

[longsoughtfor]

reel buzzer - SoMm is right on all counts. The biggest danger to leaving tape on the machine is that when you power the machine on, the in rush current through the heads can induce a magnetic field and erase portions of your tape... I often leave tape on the machine overnight but I do take care and pull the tape away from the heads before powering the deck on or off.

Cheers
Kevin.

 

[Son of Mixerman]

The biggest danger to leaving tape on the machine is that when you power the machine on, the in rush current through the heads can induce a magnetic field and erase portions of your tape...

And some transports have been known to engage and snap the tape or dump edit onto the floor. They don't say Ghost in the Machine for nuthin And don't pull a slipperman either



SoMm

 

[reel buzzer]

Thanks guys. I guess I'm just being lazy.
I can take 5 minutes to put the damn tape away.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Thanks guys. I guess I'm just being lazy.
I can take 5 minutes to put the damn tape away.

And clean up your room, young man and take out the garbage!

My god!

I have turned into my parents!

Cheers!