What causes the warbling sound on a tape? (reel to reel)

C

checkin

New member
There is a warbling sound of the vocalists on the tape, sounds like they are under water, or on a bad cell phone connection, wavy sound, I cleaned the head & demagnitized it, could it be the pinch roller?
 
Wow (&flutter) can be caused by many different problems.
If the capstan dive is a servo type like the Revox the you could have a mighty fight to get that fixed (if it is a Revox check that the PU coil is in place and the gap not fouled.

My Tascam A-3440* uses a DC servo motor with vari-pitch. DO NOT make me think what could go wrong with that!

Overzealous take up tension. Out of whack take up brake, sticky guides.
Is the machine in good general order? Have you had it setup and biased for a particular tape? You should you know.

Find a good service tech and get it all sorted, you will need to take a decent wedge with you.

Of course I COULD say "go digital" but I won't.

*Always trying! Need the rectangular 12 pin RC plug. Money not really an issue.

Dave.
 
Apart from what was already suggested, try to observe the tape motion. Do you notice the tape riding up and down any of the guides?
Do you have the manual for your machine? If so, check to see if there's a lubrication point and suggested oil for the capstan.
 
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