Tape Guide (Jan. 1981)

by Herman Burstein

Auto Audio

Q. I am planning to buy an 8-track record and playback cartridge machine. This is to be used to record cartridges for playback on my car and home systems. I have read that as a rule, cartridge machines have a relatively high noise level. So I have been thinking of buying a Dolby noise reduction unit. This leads to two questions: Will this system give me a good tape system on both record and playback? Will cartridges recorded with this system be playable in my car system?

-Name Withheld.

A. Generally speaking, 8-track cartridge machines have not attained the quality of performance of the better cassette machines. Of course, adding a Dolby noise reduction unit will help, but I don't think that a cartridge ma chine with Dolby will give as good fidelity as a fine cassette unit without Dolby. There may well be exceptions to the foregoing statement, and the cartridge machine you plan to buy could be one of the exceptions.

You will have to query your audio dealer as to whether the cartridge unit you plan to buy will produce cartridges compatible with your car's cartridge system. My guess is that if you record with Dolby, you will get excessive treble when playing the cartridge in your car. On the other hand, the prevailing noise level and deficient treble response in your car's system might offset the excessive treble response of the cartridge.

Weighing the Scales

Q. I would like to know how to use the scales that are on cassette tapes. These scales are on both sides of the case and are numbered 0 to 100. Is there some meaning to them with regard to time, thickness, and speed of the tape?

-John Johnson, Philadelphia, Pa.

A. The scales to which you refer are sometimes known as logging scales.

They have no absolute meaning in terms of time, number of feet of tape, etc. They are arbitrary reference points to enable you to locate specific portions of the recorded material. For example, if you have a tape consisting of a number of musical selections, you can note at which point on the scale a particular selection occurs. The next time you play the tape you will be able to start it at the desired point on the scale.

Splicing It Right

Q. I am confused about tape splicing. On which side of the tape should I apply the splicing tape?

-Craig Inouye, Dumont, N.J.

A. Splicing tape should be applied to the side of the recording tape that is away from the heads. For most tapes this is the shiny side of the tape, the dull side being the one that contacts the heads. However, sometimes the tape sheen is reversed so that the magnetically coated side, which contacts the heads, is shinier than the base side. So make extra sure you know which side has the magnetic coating, and apply the splice to the other side.

Foreign Fluctuations

Q. I am contemplating a move to London and am concerned about the alterations I must make in my audio equipment. In particular, speed fluctuations in my tape recorders and turn tables would be disastrous. I have heard a variety of reports about what could happen to my equipment and recordings while overseas and would appreciate any advice you can offer.

-Robert Miller, St. Louis, Mo.

A. Some U.S. audio equipment is al ready designed to be used either in the U.S. or Europe, requiring only a flip of a switch in order to convert to the line frequencies and voltages commonly used in Europe. In the case of speakers, there is a problem only if they in corporate electronic equipment (such as an electrostatic speaker or one containing an amplifier). There may or may not be a problem with receivers, depending on what provision has been made for switching to a line voltage of 220 or 240 a.c. You have two problems with tape machines and turntables: Adapting to a line voltage much higher than in the U.S. (usually 220 or 240 volts a.c.) and adapting to a different line frequency (usually 50 Hz in Europe). The change in line frequency will change the speed of the turntable or tape transport unless special provision has been made, such as changing a pulley or capstan. (However, at least one manufacturer, ReVox, produces open-reel decks that maintain constant speed independently of line frequency; speed is crystal-regulated.)

Except perhaps for your speakers, you have to check the instruction manuals, and possibly with the manufacturers, about what adjustments are required for operation of the equipment in Europe. I doubt whether a line frequency of 50 Hz would hurt any of your equipment. But a line voltage of 220 could very well do damage.

Don't Squeak to Me

Q. Although my tape deck has not been used more than 30 hours, I hear a squeaky noise on playback and record. I have cleaned the moving parts, but still get a squeak.

-Raymond Greene, Richmond, Va.

A. The most likely cause of the squeak is the particular tape you are using. Squeak, or squeal, is apt to occur with the thinner tapes. Squeal also varies with the particular combination of tape machine and brand of tape. For example, a tape may squeal with one machine but not with another, or a certain machine may squeal with one brand of tape of a given thinness but not with another brand of the same thinness. Make sure your ma chine is well cleaned, and try various brands of tape. If the squeal persists, you should consult an authorized service station.

Let's Torque About It

Q. I have a tape deck equipped with automatic reverse. My problem is that near the end of the reel the tape begins to slow down, at times coming nearly to a stop. Cleaning the heads and tape guides, plus a lube job, has not corrected this problem. Have you any ideas?

-Steve Wells, Philadelphia, Pa.

A. The motor driving the take-up reel may, for some reason, have insufficient torque. Possibly the brake may be contacting the supply reel or take up reel. Additionally, your line voltage may be too low so that the transport motors cannot develop sufficient power. You should also check the reversing mechanism for faults.

(Source: Audio magazine, Jan. 1981; Herman Burstein )

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