Audio tape sound problem

Music9999 -  
jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   -
Hello,

I recently ordered an audio cassette from the group "Vidéoclub". I received it today and decided to test it on my Pathé Marconi Hi-Fi system.
However, I noticed a sound problem: it seems like the sound fades in and out, a sort of intensity issue.

I think it comes from the cassette since I tried it on another device and... same thing.

Is it because of its newness that it has this problem? Should I listen to it more to "break it in"?

3 réponses

jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   9 948
 
Hello,

"because of its novelty" with an audio cassette one might have expected "because of its old age" ;-)

What you describe could be a mechanical problem due to improper winding of the tape that might rub and slightly slow down the flow. To ensure a constant winding of the tape, it is possible to do 2/3 fast forwards of the entire tape.

--
        a foreigner is a friend we haven't met yet.
0
Music9999
 
Thank you for your quick response!

Yes, it's true, but the vintage trend is making a comeback with vinyl records and now, cassettes ;-)

I will try to fast forward the whole tape in both directions and I'll keep you posted!
0
jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   9 948 > Music9999
 
It's a recent recording, not a relic? On an old tape, the medium can deteriorate with age; on a new one, it could be the recording itself that isn't great, artisanal you might say.

I must have about a hundred audio tapes left, but nothing to play them on anymore. Memories: I started a joke by the Bee Gees, Queen (A Day at the Races, A Night at the Opera), Genesis (Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound), Pink Floyd (almost everything), Renaud Mistral Gagnant, I knew exactly how many seconds to rewind on my Walkman to go back to the beginning and listen to it endlessly.
1
Music9999 > jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention  
 
I rewound the tape several times and... it has somewhat improved...
But indeed, there is still a kind of regular rubbing sound.

Yes, it is a recent recording. The album was released in January 2021. As a fervent vinyl supporter, I tried out the cassette (the vinyl version not being available for this album).

I also have a few cassettes, Pink Floyd, Beatles, U2, Depeche Mode, and I have never had any problems.
I inherited my mother's Walkman and an old radio. The centerpiece is a 70's Pathé Marconi Hi-Fi system that my grandfather gave me. A real pleasure.
0
jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   9 948 > Music9999
 
Friction may be due to improper assembly, the tape leader rubbing. The quality may have deteriorated over time.

I don't recall any recorded cassette that worked poorly from the start. Often it was the player that was faulty.

However, not all recorded cassettes sold were of high quality. The best way to gauge the quality of the mechanism is actually the fast forwarding. Some are very noisy, whereas with superior blank cassettes (TDK, Sony), you could feel the smoothness and consistency of the playback.
0
Music9999
 
Indeed, I think there's a problem with the cassette's assembly.
After all, it's only the band's first album. I can't really hold it against them! And let's look on the bright side: it gives it a certain charm.

I've also read some reviews about the vinyl format of the album: there seem to be a few defects on some pressings. In the meantime, it's still a great album.

What's strange is that the reel doesn't make any particular noise when I rewind it. I tested it with the cassette of "The Wall" by Pink Floyd, and there were no issues.
0
jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   9 948
 
I'll leave you the certain charm. A flaw like that is unbearable to me. Like the delay between sound and image, just a few milliseconds, on a recorded and converted TS video, or the picture frame hanging crooked on the wall ;-)
0
Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   2 781
 
Hello.

Just passing by . . .

Periodically I clean the reading head (and others) with alcohol. If I don't have 90° alcohol >>> household alcohol ) Maybe . . .

I'm heading out . . . See you later

--
"Patience leads to success, haste leads to nothing"
0
jee pee Posted messages 9403 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   9 948
 
Indeed, the training rollers of the band as well.
1