re-record or demagnetize?

[MartyMcFly]

If I want to erase some 1/4" tapes to be a clean and new sounding as possible would i be better to just re-record over the entire tape or to take out the old Head Demangnitizer and use that on them. Or do both? Would the demagnetizer casue any permenant harm?

 

[cjacek]

A head demagger would not work well for your purpose. It'd be best to either re-record or better yet buy yourself a bulk tape eraser.

 

[MartyMcFly]

But they claim "DONT bring a demagnetizer aANYWHERE close to magnetic media unless you want to erase it." Would it leave a bad sound?

 

[cjacek]

It would cause erasure of high frequencies.

 

[fred s.]

Han-D-Mag will do the trick on 1/4" tape. Ive erased a couple that way. Takes a little bit of work, but does work!

Though its best to get a bulk eraser if you plan on doing this more than a couple of times.

 

[FALKEN]

where do you get a bulk eraser and how much do they cost?

 

[evm1024]

Bulk is the way to go

The operative word is to get the tapes in the best condition for new recordings.

Using the tape decks erase heads will of course erase the path that they travel over the tape. Provided that the tracks you are erasing are aligned you will get as best an erasure as the heads can provide. Mis-alignment will cause partial erasure.

Using a handi mag will work. But as was noted you will have to work at it to get a uniform erasure. Should you mis a spot or get a non uniform erasure you MAY be able to hear it. (or may not)

Using a bulk eraser removes all material from the tape in a matter of a few minutes and gives you a uniform state on the tape.

You can also use your bulk eraser to demagnitizr youe screw drivers before you do any adjustments of your heads.

I bought my Laffyette (sp) bulk eraser for $40 off craigslist here in PDX. I see them on eBay for about the same price. Well worth the price even though I do not use it too often. When you want to wipe a tape you know it is gone.

 

[FALKEN]

do they make 1/2" bulk erasers? does a bulk eraser have a transport, etc? or is it like a mini bake oven?

 

[evm1024]

Some are hand held (RS) and others you place the tape on a surface and rotate it. Others have a transport and cost thousands of $$$ (industrial strength).

On my model you place the tape on the surface and rotate it around the locating pin. Then you turn the tape over and do it again just to be sure.

Mine is strong enough to erase 1/2" and 1" tape in a few minutes. 2"tape would be a streach but with enough time....

Do an ebay search on "bulk eraser" and you will see the gamut. The Akai and robins look nice.