Wow and flutter towards end of reel?

[leddy]

Hey all - I'm experiencing issues with my Nagra IV-S. Sounds great until the last few minutes of a reel, then I hear some speed fluctuation.

I'm probably going to just pack it up and send it to Trew Audio or something, but I thought I would check here first. Maybe just a belt or a tension adjustment?

 

[jpmorris]

When I had this happen with my B77, the issue was that the pinch roller didn't have enough force, and the tension increased towards the end of the tape such that it was overpowering the capstan. Pressing the pinch roller manually stopped it on a temporary basis. I never resolved this on mine as it seems to be the solenoid itself - or the PSU.

For your Nagra, a loose or otherwise aging belt might have similar results so it might be worth trying that first.

 

[leddy]

I just realized I'm using a 1 mil tape (LPR35). I will try some thicker tape - I have some 468 laying around. If that solves it, maybe a new pinch roller will do the trick. Thanks.

 

[jpmorris]

Thicker tape is unlikely to fix it complete, but may improve things.