Tape drop-outs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter WhinyLittleRunt
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WhinyLittleRunt

WhinyLittleRunt

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I have been using UD 35-90 tape with my 388 all along (completely by chance, never knew the "hype" along with it; bought several reels at a flea market) but I found it odd to hear drop-outs in the tape, like, 20 minutes in or so. On an inner track (2)... I'm used to this on the outer tracks here and there but I wonder what might be causing it that far in? I am hearing this right now on only 1 tape so far but each tape I own has little differences anyway, like wind speed, etc...
 
Did you buy those tapes new or were they already open and used? On a clean machine Maxell 35-90 should be good for hundreds if not a thousand passes before audible dropouts due to wear. However, contamination from bad tape on the tape path or sharp edges in the tape path can cause dropouts a lot sooner.

And if you bought the tape used you’ll never know how much it was used before and what condition the machine was it was used on. Little things like dirt and hair can cause dropouts too. An eyelash could cause an audible dropout during recording.

Keep the transport clean with a mini vacuum and compressed air before each session. And of course clean the heads and tape path before each session. If you still have dropouts your tape may be beyond its usable lifespan for critical use.
 
Thanks man, the tape was definitely used and I don't know how much but let's just say the boxes and reels were in very good shape and even still had the plastic the reels came in plus the track sheet cardboard, which I got like 4 tapes for a song. Been using it all along with the 388 and don't really want to change it up, so I'll do what you said about blowing out the transport etc. I clean my tape path all the time because I'm conscious of the repercussions of not doing it.

I should probably grab some sealed tapes for the serious recording...
 
It might also not hurt to get a demagnetizer either.. I have borrowed a Han-D-Mag from a friend of mine but those are wicked pricy... Are there any specific inexpensive ones that will do the same job?
 
WhinyLittleRunt said:
I should probably grab some sealed tapes for the serious recording...
Click to expand...

Yep, definitely don't skimp on tape for serious recording. Maxell 35-90 is good stuff. I see it new and sealed on eBay regularly. Maxell XLI 35-90B is even better. Quantegy 407 is another fav for the 388. You shouldn't be plagued with dropouts on the outer tracks, unless the tape is a little ragged, which it might be.

WhinyLittleRunt said:
It might also not hurt to get a demagnetizer either.. I have borrowed a Han-D-Mag from a friend of mine but those are wicked pricy... Are there any specific inexpensive ones that will do the same job?
Click to expand...

The Han-D-Mag is the best thing going right now and is worth the price... I've seen it as low as $65.00 new. You can find one for less than that on eBay if you keep an eye out everyday for new listings.

Another one to look for is the TEAC E-3, which is recommended for the 388. I have both the Han-D-Mag and the E-3.
 
Cool, thanks man... I'll just go borrow the Han-D-Mag for now and git r done and then buy one when I feel like spending the cash... funny how we sometimes hem and haw at the important tools because they cost money, eh? :facepalm: Famous over here for that...

Would you say there is a difference between the older 35-90 boxes and the newer-styled ones? Tape any different or the same? I have the older ones with the gold stripes...
 
Reff de- magging.
Could someone with the required skills perhaps do a short video? You can do more harm than good with a powerful AC magnet if you are not careful...And I don't mean just credit cards!


Dave.
 
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