Why to NOT mess with the Cassette Tape Head Azimuth

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  • Опубліковано 13 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 33

  • @robertnixon8625
    @robertnixon8625 11 місяців тому +3

    Loving the channel Gary! For me, azimuth & Dolby tracking when recording on one deck and then replaying later on you new 'uprade' machine, or in the car was the biggest letdown of the cassette medium (oh, and speed discrepancies!). I am currently digitising many cassettes made on many different machines over the years. I've found an easy way to get a reasonably close match is to listen to the tape on quality headphones, IN MONO. The channel summing exaggerates the audible effect of any mismatch. In this way the tiniest fraction of a turn of the screw will have a profound effect on the treble amplitude, an optimum position of the screw being easy to determine . Even different tapes recorded on the same deck can vary a fraction when played on a different machine, yet of course replay perfectly on the deck on which they were recorded. this is probably due to tolerances of the cassette shell. Naturally, before you take a screwdriver to your prized vintage machine, it's a good idea to do a recording of something like white noise first, so you can easily re-set it back again. I will twiddle the screwdriver whilst dreaming of owning a Nakamchi Dragon, or CR7

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  11 місяців тому

      You obviously have a need and ability to do this. I unfortunately do not trust my ears and so I use an app to show the max amplitude settings. My hearing stops at around 15k using Headphones but as it happens the phone app agrees with my ears as to the best setting, so I use both. Thanks for the support and the info. Seasons greetings. Happy New Year.

  • @summersky77
    @summersky77 Рік тому +7

    All you need is a tape that has been recorded on a known good deck. You can even buy such tapes online. Then adjust by ear to what sounds best...you won't be far off if at all. Besides, unless you're running production copies, chances are, any tape you make will be played back by you and your own equipment. Just make sure it sounds good on that.Cassette taping is a pretty closed ecosystem in the 2020s so it's really not that big of a deal if it's off on someone else's deck that will never be played on.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Рік тому +1

      You are correct. That is my main point. A deck cannot be wrong to itself. But so many people just fiddle with it and then it will never match the tapes they had made before they fiddled, let alone any Commercial music tapes or friends tapes. Normally the problem they are trying to fix is NOT caused by Azimuth, and now they have at least 2 problems.

    • @summersky77
      @summersky77 Рік тому +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple Indeed! Thanks for the reply and the video, of course! :)

  • @gevowavemagnet
    @gevowavemagnet 2 роки тому +8

    The problem is, most of us don't have the equipment and most of the guys that did and knew how to do it are dead. so it becomes a matter of DIY, just be patient and figure 20 or so attempts is not out of the question.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 роки тому

      That is the point of my Video. If you go onto the Facebook groups they are always quick to offer totally wrong advice that is hard to come back from. And some Diehards will tell you that you cannot get results other than with £3000s worth of equipment. There is a happy medium and despite the Diehards, it is not that hard it is just as you say time-consuming because you have to try and then see if it worked. 😊PS I have the equipment, so when I say it worked I checked the results before I Post.

  • @zecapereira1286
    @zecapereira1286 Рік тому +2

    There was a technician who did this experience, I just don't remember the channel. In-ear fit tops out at 50-80% with better vu's with reference tape and oscilloscope achieves more than 95% perfection Rotation of 97% or 103% is noticeable on models with PITCH

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Рік тому

      The main point is that they should be left alone until all other suspects have been checked off. Too many people just go in and mess it up. before it is even known to be a problem.

  • @Mikexception
    @Mikexception 9 місяців тому +2

    I have two tape decks - in one that I use for recording I've set the best to my colection azimuth and keep it fixed. This way my all new recordings have common choosen as best more or less common to my colection azimuth. For reproduction I use separate deck where I adjust azimuth according to played tape. I was recoreding cassettes in past on different decks and most of my colection are brand original cassettes - the have aslmost each unique own azimuth so it is unavoidable to make adjustment to each - I align by ear almost every time when I listen. For recording azimuth I prepaired special noise cassette which alows to make it easier then with recorded music. But setting one best azimuth for all tapes, not touch any more and listen all with quality is for me impossible

  • @rickduncan692
    @rickduncan692 2 роки тому +1

    How do you adjust the azimuth on a cassette player without the azimuth screw like a fixed azimuth head because I am having trouble with azimuth alignment on a sony wmfs399 sports walkman with a fixed head and I don't know how to adjust the azimuth if that's even possible? ( which I hope it is)

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 роки тому

      Have you got a picture? email it to me. Happy to try and help.

    • @rickduncan692
      @rickduncan692 2 роки тому +1

      Well the thing is it is a fixed azimuth head meaning there is no (atleast conventional) way of adjusting the azimuth; there is no screw. I have tried pushing on the head to no avail. If u have an idea on how to adjust a non adjustable head I will gladly send a photo but it’s ok if you don’t. I haven’t been able to find anything on it online.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 роки тому

      I have just looked at the manual and there is a screw holding the head in place. But there is no mention of adjustment in the manual. But even the simplest mechs normally have something . The screw holding it down is on the tape supply side must have a small effect on it. it says in manual special head. I think that is a tamper proof or torx head. so it would suggest that will be what they need to use and they did not want it fiddled with. A photo would help. I can send you the page from the manual if it helps.

    • @rickduncan692
      @rickduncan692 2 роки тому

      Gary Keep It Simple ok what’s your email I’ll send a photo of the mechanism

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 роки тому

      Gary.j.Goodridge@gmail.com

  • @hifirulezzz
    @hifirulezzz 2 роки тому +2

    I believe you are kidding. Azimuth can be set for the any tape by just using your ears. Exact azimuth is required for recording. To have compatibility with the other decks. More precision can be achieved by turning Dolby c on, as this system is more sensitive to improper azimuth. With proper tools it is just more easy to set it up. Check Nakamichi CR-7 or DR-1 to understand what I have mean.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 роки тому

      Most people do not have the proper tools. Or the knowledge to do it. You are lucky you do.

  • @ArturArocha
    @ArturArocha 3 роки тому +2

    How to adjust azimuth without the test tapes? How to make a thrustable test tape?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 роки тому +1

      See my How to do it Video. Explains how and shows How. ua-cam.com/video/8Hqwkuo753o/v-deo.html Please Like and Share Thank you

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 роки тому

      Lembre-se de fazer uma fita para consultar, se necessário.
      Remember to do a tape to refer back to if needed.

  • @MonguzTea
    @MonguzTea Рік тому +1

    After replacing all caps and transistors in my JVC, turns out it WAS the azimuth. Set wrong at the factory 40 years ago.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Рік тому +2

      That's a problem. because all the tapes that deck ever recorded will be wrong. Bummer dude.

    • @MonguzTea
      @MonguzTea Рік тому +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple I just got it, i restored and readjusted everything, now its factory spec. Whoever had it was listening to max 12khz. Now its capable of 18khz on chrome.

  • @royrice6060
    @royrice6060 2 роки тому +1

    You are right. Most of the time and most of us shouldn’t try this! 👍👍👍

  • @topa1798
    @topa1798 3 роки тому +2

    is the voice recorded with azimuth tape head?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 роки тому +1

      I am not sure what you are asking?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 роки тому +2

      All magnetic recordings have an azimuth. That means the replay head must be set to the same height and angle as the head that originally recorded it. Hope that helps.

    • @MrSerendipity01
      @MrSerendipity01 2 роки тому +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple He is being sarcastic. I think he means your voice sounds muffled.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 роки тому +1

      @@MrSerendipity01 . Now you mention it i think you are probably right. Thanks. I think i have got better equipment now. Lol. What do you think?