Using a demagnetisizer for deleting old tapes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter WarmJetGuitar
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WarmJetGuitar

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Hey guys!

I read somewhere that you can use a demagnetisizer as a poor mans bulk eraser on 1/4" and 1/2" tapes?
Got shitloads of old, nice sounding 1/4" AGFA-tapes and would prefer not to put unnessesacry mileage to our Fostex M80.

What's your experience?

I'm aware that I should keep the demag in distance from tapes I don't wanna erase.
 
I always recorded/deleted, over them.

Sometimes, put them on the lowest speed and walk away.
 
The Anis Han-D-Mag (R.B. Annis Instruments, Inc.) can be used for that in a pinch...though I never tried it in all these years.
It's a larger demagnetizer, and has a big, flat base that puts out a much stronger magnetic field than the probe end.
Of course, you should only run it like that for a short time, as it WILL get real hot if on for more than a few minutes.
That's why the purpose-built bulk erasers work better, because they put out a stronger field that does the job quicker.

If you are thinking of doing it with a smaller unit, and just working your way around the tape spool....I doubt it will work well.
 
But there's no way of messing up anything major in trying? The metal reels won't cause damage to heads because of some weird magnetism? Assuming that the demag drags out magnetism and it's made for the metal parts of the tape deck I guess not?

Sorry about the load dumb questions, just wanna save that relap/lookingfor "new" heads process for as late as possible.
 
Nothing gets it done like a heavy, flatbed bulk eraser! I do 2 passes on each side of a reel, wind it FF and RW, and it is better than new. BTW, I do the same with new stock as well as it tends to lower the noise floor!
 
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