A really dumb open reel tape question.

[Duo]

Well, this is sad, but it is actually a good question.

I'm sitting here with a TEAC A-3340S and a pile of old 7" reels and one 10" reel of Ampex 456.

I've just thought of the idea that the oxide surface must face the tape head. Looking at all the old tapes I have, the surface normally run across the head is the dark oxide looking surface.

Now, on my ampex 456 reel, I've noticed that the shiny brown side of the tape has been running across the head while the dark matte surface is out.

I'm thinking now that somehow I've been using my ampex tape inside out???

[Duo]

Well, I shouldn't have spoken so fast.

I've answered my question: The tape is useless to record on the matte side.

Interesting how high end tape is different from low end tape.

[Zero Cool]

Thants an anti-static back coating. brown oxide side towards the heads!


Zc

[Duo]

Yes, I have looked into some research on the topic. Interesting anyway.

I was also wondering if anyone knew anything about the 3340S tape machine?

[cyclotronguy]

Teac A33xx machines were very nice consumer grade machines. What sort of information did you need?

Cyclotronguy

[Duo]

Well, I was just interested any specifications and technical information I can find.

Also, the bias and EQ controls elude me. They simply have settings 1 and 2 respectively, instead of something more specific.

I was also wondering what to do about heads; they show uneven wear, the heavier wear being on the third and fourth track end of the heads. It still sounds fairly even, but I can tell that especially on the fourth track, the fidelity is weak. I suppose basically that I would like to get a new set of heads soon so that I can experience the full standard of the unit.

The blanking head seems to be fine, but definitley the record and PB heads are running out of life.

One last question about the machine, I find that after rewind or fast forward, there's a delay before it will do playback. Was this normal? Or is my machine acting up? (The delay is regular, it always takes the same time for the relay to click back so I can hit play.) (Perhaps I have a sticking relay, I had that in a radio once.)

Thanks.

[Netlist]

Originally posted by Duo
there's a delay before it will do playback.

The old Revox I own behaves the same. I guess the delay is there to make sure the reels are standing still before going into play mode to avoid tape damage.
An old Tandberg cassette deck is also acting in a similar way.

/Hugo

[Duo]

Hmm, yeah, I suppose that's the idea behind it.

Though, even with 10 1/2" reels, the tape seems to always stop long before the machine will allow playback. I might see if I can somehow shorten it a wee bit, it takes about three seconds before it'll switch.

[cyclotronguy]

Hmmmmm, can't tell if that is too long or not; as I don't have any plastic reels or 7 inch reels.... only 10.5 inch metal. They shift from high speed reverse to play or high speed other direction with no delay only a timed braking curve. This is on an equivalent Tascam machine (semi-pro version of the Teac 3300 SX)

Cyclotronguy

[Duo]

Lol, with plastic 7" reels on the 3340S it can stop on a dime.