Sound Problem

[spacefactory]

Im new to the forum and new to analog recording, I have an Akai X-355d that Ive been using just as a stereo to listen to tapes and to master some of my recordings on to tape and everything works great until I hit play back. The sounds I recorded are all there but are faint and dull and only come to full volume when I apply weight or pressure to the reel as it is in motion. I haven't been able to find any information about it on the internet and unfortunately I dont have any of the schematics for this machine. I wonder if it could be a problem with the alignment, calibration, or Pinch wheel? I can also select different reel sizes with a switch on the back of my reel, when I change it from 7 1/2 to 10 1/2 the volume gets full but only for a second or two which makes me wonder if maybe I could have a dying capacitator or bad fuse? Is this a common problem that can be fixed?

 

[Steenamaroo]

I had a machine that did that.
It was a simple mechanical problem.

The brakes on the left reel are meant to be on ever so slightly to stop the tape falling slack during playback.

In my case the pads were slightly worn but the mechanism was adjustable so I just tightened it up a little.

If lightly holding your finger against the reel results in proper playback then this could be your problem too.

Make sure the heads and tape path are nice and clean before you go hoking and poking though.

 

[spacefactory]

Ive got some memorex head cleaning solution so the heads and tape path should be nice and clean so I think it is the simple mechanical problem that you mentioned. The left reel does have a brake in case of the tape falling slack but I am so unfamiliar with this tape deck I do not recognize the brakes if I can see them. Should I be looking in the back of the tape deck or take the front panel off, and what would the mechanism I need to adjust look like? anymore help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Steenamaroo]

I suppose access is different on different machines.

Like, my sony tc645 is front access and very easy to get at, whereas the a3440 is rear access.

It kinda looks like the front panels come off, but maybe someone who knows akai machines will chip in.

 

[spacefactory]

Thanks Steenamaroo! your info has helped me a lot. I worked on it for a while now and got the front panels off and Ive found the brakes and Ive been making a lot of adjustments but still just can't get it to sound right. Im thinking Im still missing the mechanism that is controlling the brakes. I've been finding some more info under brake problems so I might post this again under Akai brake problems and hopefully some one will be able to help me out who knows a little more about akai or the x-355d. Im getting close and I know that great sound from my deck is just a touch away!

 

[Beck]

Sounds like a back tension adjustment issue and/or bad tape. What kind of tape are you using?

 

[spacefactory]

Hey Beck thanks for your question! Currently I am using all pre-recorded tapes that I have found at my local antique store. I know that different tapes and oxides and such can effect sound and playability and I have all kinds of tape but the tape I've been testing my deck with currently is some Realistic Tape that I re-recorded on to. I've played my recorded tapes on other decks and have gotten great sound from them so I know my deck is properly recording onto the tracks its just not playing back at full volume until I touch the left reel as it is in motion with my finger, the slight weight/pressure of my finger pushes the reel and tape against the machine just slightly and it will be at full volume. I downloaded a pdf of the owners manual for an akai GX-630d. Its a totally different deck but I found that the set up is very similar to that of my Akai x-355d so I have a better understanding of where the brakes are and what I need to do to make sure they are aligned and working properly. I also read on reelprosoundguys.com they say: the most common cause of drag, slow speed, noise or slow track output is remedied with two adjustments (pinch roller, and brakes) head cleaning, demagnetization, and alignment. If it was a back tension adjustment problem would that be just as easy to fix? I've been at work all day but once I get home I'm going to follow the directions in the pdf and attempt to do some brake and pinch roller adjusting as well as check out that back tension adjustment theory. I also have some brand new ConcertTape which is 44-755/1200ft/1.5 mil mylar that Ive done some recording on and sounds great but I also use a lot of Scotch No 120-6 tape, BASF, Sunset RB-7, Triton and Rival tapes. I always make sure they tapes seem in good condition before I get them but I also like to make weird psychedelic lofi recordings and I've gotten good results so far with these miscellaneous pre-recorded tapes. Is there a specific brand of tape that you might recommend?

 

[Steenamaroo]

IDK about that akai, but with my sony, the left tension arm dynamically controlled the playback brake friction across a pivot.

If the tape was slack the arm would fall which put the brake on.
If the tape was taught the arm would life and release the brake.

Do you have anything like that?

I even had to replace a few springs that managed tension of the brake mechanisms, as they had stretched slightly over time.


Does the felt pad look to be very smooth/shiny/worn down?

 

[spacefactory]

Yeah that sounds like what I have. The felt pad is somewhat smooth and looks worn. Im still having some problems fully removing the face plate to get in and fully inspect all the braking mechanisms, it looks like they might be screwed into the back of the face plate? I feel like I'm a little in over my head on this project but Im going to take it to some people around my area that might have an idea and hopefully we can get it fixed up. Thanks for the help Steenamaroo!!