De-magnetizing tape heads

[Sir Trefor]

I know why and how, and how often to do it; but I was wondering if those all-in-one cassette "cleaner/demagnetizer" jobs actually work.

I don't have a gauss meter, so I can't do any sufficient tests. Does anyone know from experience?

[Sir Trefor]

I am talking about a cassette-type demagnitizer that you play like a normal cassette.

[AudioOrigami]

yes the all in 1 tape unit works well ...think they recomemnd about using once every 6 months or so...

hope that helps

[Sir Trefor]

Yes, that does help; I have always been suscpicious as to whether the cassettes work as well as standard de-magnetizers- alas, you have answered my question .

Although, I must say that I think heads should be de-magnetized a little more often than every six months... a little bit of magnetism (as low as 0.2 gauss) can cause a big loss in recorded sound quality. 0.7 gauss will erase high frequencies on commercially recorded tapes.

[AudioOrigami]

yea ive got 1 ...i have had it for years ...was disapointed that i could not hear much sound improvements with it...

on the de-magnetizer front i have unit for my screw drivers that does both...instanly makeing the tip magnetic then de-magnetized
so i guess the physics certainly works

best wishes
j7

[Sir Trefor]

Originally posted by AudioOrigami
yea ive got 1 ...i have had it for years ...was disapointed that i could not hear much sound improvements with it...

j7

Talking about the normal ones you plug into the wall...?

Those things have always confused me for some reason; I was always confused about the issue of polarity, and I was never quite sure whether to move it up and down across the tape head, or side to side in the direction of the tape travel when I actually owned one.

[netwalker]

Hi,
in my oppinion this "cassette" type demagnatizers don`t work well enough. Most of the user`s manuals I`ve seen state that the entire tape path is to be demagnatized. This includes all three heads (if a 3-head deck) capstans and tape guides, everything which can get magnetized through a contact with the tape. So a friend of mine gave me such a cassette and I`ve tested it. It has one cell battery and it comes in contact only with the PB head. So in my oppinion in no way can this device develop the required field with the strength needed to do this job. I prefer a hand demagnatizer. It makes quite a good job if you read and follow the procedure which the manual states. With a hand demagnatizer you can (and should) demagnatize also your screwdrivers and tools.
Best regards,
Plamen

[anatech]

The cassette units that "play'" do not work well at all. You need to use the proper type that plugs in the wall. You need to use it properly or you can magnetize the heads or something else. Turn the deck off when doing this!

-Chris

[dnsey]

I was never quite sure whether to move it up and down across the tape head, or side to side in the direction of the tape travel

AFAIK, the probe should be moved in small circles in close proximity to the head for a few seconds. The circles should then gradually become larger until a considerable distance from the head.

[anatech]

Turn the wand on far away and bring it into the head slowly using a circular moton. Move the wand away evern slower maintaining the circular motion. You want to very gradually colapse the field to zero as it alternates.
-Chris