Tascam TSR-8 problem

[libertycourt]

Fellow members,

I have a problem with the playback mode (Tascam SR-8 1/2" tape). Here it is:

1. Place each track in record mode and levels are fine. (before and after play mode is activated).
2. When I rewind and go back to listen, the meters are 1/5 level and audio volume is low.
3. When placing an old tape on reel (with previously recorded material), and listening to that; the levels play fine and audio is crisp.

Does this sound like a major issue with the machine, or could I be lucky and just have old tape that I'm working with when recording new material?
Obviously, I'm not an expert on this machine, but I do know that repair from Tascam is pricey and I'm not sure the cost "for repair" is greater than worth!
I tried contacting Tascam, but all they could reply was send the machine in for repair (it was kind of a generic response!)

any suggestions would be deeply appreciated

Sincerely.

Steve

 

[jjones1700]

Did you recently acquire this machine? I'm thinking that the machine could possibly be calibrated for a different type of tape and/or the heads could be dirty. That's what pops up first for me anyway.

 

[libertycourt]

jjones1700,
Thanks for replying...I purchased this "new" in the 80's. It was working awesome (about 10 yrs ago) but, I have not used it since then. The tape is an old one, but good one (ampex 456). I cleaned the heads with cleaning solution but have not calibrated the machine. I'm not sure how to calibrate it and finding someone to do work on this machine is almost impossible. Is this something a owner can do and is there any method to determine this is even the problem?

any ideas, if not, thanks again for the advise

LC

 

[jjones1700]

Now that I think about it, alignment wouldn't be an issue if the pre-recorded stuff sounds fine and has the correct general output, as well as recording on the current tape. Did you clean the record head as well? Get a bright light and a magnifying glass if you have to in order to get a good look at the heads. Sometimes the tiniest bit of oxide with throw a wrench in the works and you will kick yourself when you see it.