High Corey
I think your method is better than removing the heads. Long time ago I had
a discussion with Mike Spitz about it (came about after the flutter wheel
on one of the ATR's froze). Simply removing the heads without placing a
dummy instead changes the scrape flutter characteristics and frequency
since the length of tape left unsupported is now longer than the
manufacturer designed, thus changing the flutter frequency and amplitude.
Cheers
Shai Drori
Expert digitization services for Audio Video
Hi Res scanning for film 8mm-35mm
www.audiovideofilm.com
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On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 6:28 AM, Corey Bailey <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> Hi Nigel,
>
> I an one of the proponents of using Teflon tape (perhaps the only one).
> I've been using Teflon tape on the un-used heads of analog tape recorders
> for years, starting in the 1970's as a way to preserve the multi-track
> heads not in use while mixing. I have not measured any difference (or
> noticed any) in tape tension. This would currently be on four different
> decks: Otari MTR-15, Technics RS1500, Pioneer 1020Q, Nagra 4.0. The
> disclaimer here is that I do not have a very scientific method of measuring
> tape tension other than an inch/pound scale and a voltmeter (I have to do
> it the old fashion way, no Tentelometer).
>
> What I have measured is lower flutter when using Teflon tape on the
> un-used heads, as much as 30% lower. I suspect the difference in flutter is
> attributable to reduced scrape flutter.
>
> Most people simply remove the unused tape heads.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Corey
> Corey Bailey Audio Engineering
> www.baileyzone.net
>
> On 5/2/2016 2:13 PM, Nigel Champion wrote:
>
>> Hi Fred
>>
>> Teflon tape applied to the record and erase heads during playback has
>> been advocated at times on this list.
>>
>> At first glance, it seems a great idea for reducing unnecessary head-wear
>> and creating a gentler path for fragile tapes - SHRO for the poor!
>>
>> On the other hand, what does it do to those carefully-engineered
>> "incrementally developed changes" in tension, especially where it matters -
>> on the playback head?
>>
>> Best wishes
>> Nigel
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List [mailto:
>> [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fred Thal
>> Sent: Tuesday, 3 May 2016 2:32 a.m.
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Tapes with shedding mag coat
>>
>> Hi Shai,
>>
>> Observing the peak tape tension control and limitation under transport
>> mode changes is useful when evaluating transports.
>>
>> But as you may know, an equally important characteristic is discovered by
>> observing the dynamic tension changes (as seen with tape moving) at
>> different locations through the transport's tape path.
>>
>> Tension will not be the same at all locations due to incrementally
>> developed changes (additions) resulting from the kinetic friction seen at
>> each stationary path component such as tape heads and fixed guides.
>>
>> Fred Thal
>>
>>
>
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