Squeaking tape (or mouse in my motor)

  • Thread starter Thread starter MagnumPI
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MagnumPI

MagnumPI

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Hi All,
Ive been hearing a squeaking coming from my capstan motor (?) in the Quantegy 407 tape that my Tascam 388 is calibrated for. It gets louder the farther into the tape I go. Its only there when in PLAY or RECORD mode.
Im using fresh unopened tape and tried a few different reels.
I also tested with a reel of AMPEX 461 tape, which to my eyes seems noticeably thinner, and no such problem. No squeak.
Any idea why this could be happening? Its really too loud to record anywhere near the machine.
View attachment 388 squeak.mp3
I've attached a mp3 of the squeak sound.
Thanks.
 
If its Quantegy 407 its not sticky shed. Did this start happening after they changed the capstan drive belt?
 
I have an MSR16, which I bought some Scotch966 tape for (1/2"). The tape was new and looked really good, on beautiful gold spools. I'd arranged with the seller that if the 11 reels were unsuitable I could return them. Well, the tape was physically thicker than the Agfa 468 or Ampex456 reels I had (the Ampex I've since ditched as it was all SSS) and the MSR couldn't FF, REW or play without slowing down. I haven't setup the MSR since buying it, as I don't think it's seen much hard work in its lifetime (and I don't know enough about them yet to think I'd make the current situation any better) and it records and plays back tones all within spec. (level wise). Anyhow, I sent the tape back.....I think it was too thick for the machine to handle it.....wish I'd kept a few reels though just for the spools.

Al
 
If its Quantegy 407 its not sticky shed. Did this start happening after they changed the capstan drive belt?
Click to expand...
Actually it was happening before they changed the belt (right before it broke). But its funny because there is no squeaking with the thinner (?) AMPEX 461 tape. Could it be that the 407 reels are wound super tight? At the start of the 407 tapes there is no squeak, only after I get a few minutes into the reel does the sound start and get progressively louder as I go.
 
It may not be the 407 like Beck said....but hey, but I've seen that sometimes even the better, typically non-SSS formulations can get messed up once in awhile with really poor storage over time, so have you at least checked your guides and heads for any sticky buildup?

If they are smooth and clean even after the squeal starts....then it could be a tension issue, and it may be the thicker tape.
Do the tension arms get pinned to their max position, where there is no play in them as the tape moves?
 
UPDATE:
Today after about 4 hours of tracking guitars (with a fresh new reel of 407 squeaking away) I listened back to the track and it was totally warped!!
I couldn't believe it. I was doing some echo feedback etc over them and didn't notice until I put them up on my monitors. Completely warped.
This seems like a tension issue (but I really have no idea). What could be making it warp?

I checked and it's really clean on the heads and guides. No build up.

If they are smooth and clean even after the squeal starts....then it could be a tension issue, and it may be the thicker tape.
Do the tension arms get pinned to their max position, where there is no play in them as the tape moves?
Click to expand...
I'll check that tomorrow. Thanks.
 
Do the tension arms get pinned to their max position, where there is no play in them as the tape moves?
Click to expand...
Nope. They seem to be sitting in the normal position about half way down the slots. I'm going to take the machine back to the TEAC repair tomorrow (it's still under warranty for another repair) and let them work on it. I'll let you know what they say.
Thanks. M.
 
I bet this is beyond frustrating at this point. It could be a number of things, but nothing simple I'm afraid, so best bring it back in. Though I'm not having much confidence in this place you're taking to after all that's been happening.
 
"Warped"...

If it sounds "warped" (wowing, speed stability issues), it could be a handful of things, including the belt, pinch roller, pinch roller pressure, etc., but if the tape is squeaking would indicate most likely it is also dragging.

If the tape looks "warped", (stretched, wavy edges, etc.), it might indicate the head mount position is off-parallel with respect to the tape path. Seeing as you had the head relap done, this could be a factor. Not to assume too much, but it seems like your service reps were not showing the highest level of proficiency on this string of repairs.

In most cases you'd look at the tape rule that out first. You're already in deep on this thing, but squeaking tape is sending you a loud signal that it's not good tape or in good condition. Tape that causes a squeaking sound could also cause a subtle drag in the tape path.

Sorry to be redundant again.
:spank::eek:;)
 
Hi Guys, Just went to TEAC and figured the problem out. It was the pinch roller. The rubber was somehow making this squealing sound as the tape passed it. The tech switched it for another and the noise was gone. Simple.
Simple is good =I was very happy.
About the warping, they checked the Vari speed and said it was working fine. Time will tell...
 
MagnumPI said:
Hi Guys, Just went to TEAC and figured the problem out. It was the pinch roller. The rubber was somehow making this squealing sound as the tape passed it. The tech switched it for another and the noise was gone. Simple.
Simple is good =I was very happy.
About the warping, they checked the Vari speed and said it was working fine. Time will tell...
Click to expand...

Well that's great its fixed, but this could have all been avoided from the get-go.

Steps number 1 & 2 when looking at an old tape deck like the 388 that's been sitting around a while and is of unknown background.
1 .Change the capstan drive belt
2. Change the pinch roller

It just took them way too long to get around to the obvious.
 
Well that's great its fixed, but this could have all been avoided from the get-go.

Steps number 1 & 2 when looking at an old tape deck like the 388 that's been sitting around a while and is of unknown background.
1 .Change the capstan drive belt
2. Change the pinch roller

It just took them way too long to get around to the obvious.
Click to expand...
I agree!
 
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