Pix That Make You LOL-Warning-SNWS
- Thread starter Big P
- Start date
Chunky Stool
Well-Known Member
lokie
Well-Known Member
For those that lack 8 track experience.
Wedging a match book in the slot would help keep the tape in alignment.
Head alignment. This was an issue for two reasons: a) Azimuth misalignment results in reduced high frequencies, and b) Head height misalignment allows sounds from adjacent tracks to bleed over, an effect sometimes known as "double-tracking". This is due to the resultant time delay between the left and right channels resulting in a degradation of phase correlation. This effect is enhanced in an 8-track system, as compared to either reel-to-reel or cassette, due to the larger physical distance, on the tape, between the left and right channel tracks. Resetting head height and azimuth is a primary service procedure required when refurbishing any vintage tape deck. Once set, the player will perform accurately. This format, unlike other tape formats, features a movable head with four positions. Among audio service technicians, there used to be a joke that "the eight-track is the only audio device which knocks itself out of alignment four times during each album." When tracking/azimuth is set using a high quality (ex: Columbia) or alignment tape, correct operation will be restored. Some brands of 8-track decks had adjustable tape head thumbwheel knobs on the front panel, so the listener could adjust the tracking, much like the later Beta and VHS video tapes that were adjusted for picture quality. The listener could then adjust the tape head individually for each tape, avoiding double tracking.
This is one I missed out on. They must have been pain in the ass.
BobBitchen
Well-Known Member
Don't forget Beta
Bareback
Well-Known Member
Thanks @lokie . I definitely remember wedging the tapes but never knew that a match book was standard practice. I was lacking a father figure back in those days......no one to teach a young lad those important lessons in life. I was 20 before I ever had a telephone, and by 23 my wife insisted she needed one in her car ......... mind blown.For those that lack 8 track experience.
Wedging a match book in the slot would help keep the tape in alignment.
Head alignment. This was an issue for two reasons: a) Azimuth misalignment results in reduced high frequencies, and b) Head height misalignment allows sounds from adjacent tracks to bleed over, an effect sometimes known as "double-tracking". This is due to the resultant time delay between the left and right channels resulting in a degradation of phase correlation. This effect is enhanced in an 8-track system, as compared to either reel-to-reel or cassette, due to the larger physical distance, on the tape, between the left and right channel tracks. Resetting head height and azimuth is a primary service procedure required when refurbishing any vintage tape deck. Once set, the player will perform accurately. This format, unlike other tape formats, features a movable head with four positions. Among audio service technicians, there used to be a joke that "the eight-track is the only audio device which knocks itself out of alignment four times during each album." When tracking/azimuth is set using a high quality (ex: Columbia) or alignment tape, correct operation will be restored. Some brands of 8-track decks had adjustable tape head thumbwheel knobs on the front panel, so the listener could adjust the tracking, much like the later Beta and VHS video tapes that were adjusted for picture quality. The listener could then adjust the tape head individually for each tape, avoiding double tracking.
This is one I missed out on. They must have been pain in the ass.
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FresnoFarmer
Well-Known Member
raratt
Well-Known Member
When the heads on the tape player, or the tape in the housing were misaligned you could put a matchbook under or over the 8 track to position it up or down to get it to work. Edit: Note to self, catch up on thread prior to posting, that is all.
BobBitchen
Well-Known Member
BobBitchen
Well-Known Member
FresnoFarmer
Well-Known Member
FresnoFarmer
Well-Known Member
Battle of Costco, March 2020 memorabilia
