Dull Sounding Tape Deck
- Thread starter alfie
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The magnetic tape rubbing across the heads do eventually cause them to become magnetized. Once they do, they will strip the high frequencies from the tape. So not only will it sound lifeless -- the damage to the recorded program is permanent. So I would say demagetize them often, especially if you have one of those electronic tape cartridges since it is soooo easy. As for azimuth -- yes, all tape decks worth even mentioning will have an azimuth adjustment although I can't really see it changing much, if at all, once set. That's why I don't recommend playing with it unless the other two simpler solutions aren't effective. You can adjust the azimuth by ear to best sound but the best way is to check and observe with a dual input scope (horizontal and vertical) to check the phase alignment. Unfortunately, on the cheapest decks -- I have seen some where the adjustment is by bending the mechanism. 
The handheld ones can be used on heads, capstan needle, guides and almost any metal part. But it can also magnetize parts just as easily as demagnetizing them so it requires more skill to use.
The ones I recommend for the casual user looks exactly like a cassette tape but has battery operated electronic circuitry in it. Unlike the former, it can only demagnetize the heads and no other parts. But then on many machines, especially those where the cartridge goes in upside down, it's hard to even access the heads, needle, etc without disassembly. You only use it for a second or so, and it's done so pretty much idiot proof. But I recommend you put the machine in Radio or Line mode when doing it so as not to damage any tape circuitry since it emits quite a strong HF signal through the heads.
The ones I recommend for the casual user looks exactly like a cassette tape but has battery operated electronic circuitry in it. Unlike the former, it can only demagnetize the heads and no other parts. But then on many machines, especially those where the cartridge goes in upside down, it's hard to even access the heads, needle, etc without disassembly. You only use it for a second or so, and it's done so pretty much idiot proof. But I recommend you put the machine in Radio or Line mode when doing it so as not to damage any tape circuitry since it emits quite a strong HF signal through the heads.
The electronic cassette demagnetizers use standard lithium watch batteries that seem to last forever. The battery in my TDK HD-30 is still kicking after three years. It operates like this:Reli said:
1) Turn the volume to zero on the boombox and turn the power on if necessary
2) Insert the demagnetizing cassette
3) Press the PLAY cassette key
4) The demagnetizer will start with a high-pitched, steady tone
5) When the steady tone becomes a series of beeps, the demagnetizing is complete (usually less than a second or two)
6) Press STOP and remove the demagnetizing cassette
7) Clean the head with alcohol if you want
Having one really makes it easy to keep the play head in good condition.
rumble_under
Member (SA)
hey there gluecifer,
where did you find the electronic demagnetizer? was it here in australia?
cheers
where did you find the electronic demagnetizer? was it here in australia?
cheers
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