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Only a properly maintained tape deck will permit you to realize the full potential of any tape. The following procedures are essential and will, if carefully observed, benefit both your tapes and deck.

WHY DEMAGNETIZING IS NECESSARY

The magnetic coating on recording tape is very sensitive to extraneous magnetism since the recorded signal itself is only a modulation of the residual magnetism retained in the thin layer of magnetic coating compound. Exposure to subsequent magnetic fields of any consequence degrades the recorded signal. Such degradation is noticeable as a loss of or attenuation of the higher recorded frequencies, as well as an unwelcome "hiss" or background noise which can amount to several dB. Unless offending tape transport components are de-magnetized, the condition worsens each time the tape is played. The only way to correct this condition effectively is to demagnetize the offending components whenever necessary.

It is important to periodically demagnetize your playback & recording heads, rollers, and steel capstan & tape guides to prevent irreparable damage to your tapes. Although any of the demagnetizers designed or this purpose may be used, the R.B. Annis Company, "Han-D-Mag" is the unit of choice. It outputs a demagnetizing field intensity of 350-400 oersteds (industry rating designation) and is +1 3/4 to 4 times more efficient than tape deck brand demagnetizers (up to 100 oersteds). Be sure to follow any manufacturer's instructions carefully and make certain that the tape deck power switch is in the off position.  Use a 'sideways waving' action under or next to the point of de-mag about 1/8" to 1/4" away and SLOWLY 'pull' away the energized instrument to at least 12" away from the deck part. Three to four inches per second is the correct speed for 'pulling'.  KEEP DEMAGNETIZER PROBES AT LEAST 1" AWAY FROM LEVEL METERS AND AT LEAST 12" FROM YOUR TAPES!  If you use your deck primarily for playing tapes, demagnetizing the heads once a month should be adequate; if however, you do a great deal of recording, you should demagnetize twice as often, or even weekly.

Incidentally, the "Han-D-Mag" can also bulk erase tapes using the opposite side from the probe.  Do not erase more than a few at a time (use a standard bulk eraser for large quanities). 

CLEANING THE HEADS AND TRANSPORT

It's very important to clean the tape heads on your open-reel deck after approximately every ten hours of use. The slightest oxide buildup can prevent intimate contact between tape and heads and also result in a severe loss of the higher frequencies during payback. Your capstan and pressure roller should also be cleaned. You should use either denatured alcohol or a head cleaning fluid that is specifically designated safe for use on any material, including rubber (some tape head cleaners can be harmful to your rubber pressure roller). I use the brand, American Recorder 'S-721H' Professional Cleaning Fluid (good for metal and rubber parts). Apply the fluid with a cotton swab or a soft cloth and make sure that no metallic object touches the heads.

MAGNETIC TAPE: STRONG OR FRAGILE?

Magnetic tape is naturally very durable and will suffer damage only when subjected to extreme negligence or abuse. Do not expose your tapes to excessive heat or cold. Do not place tapes within two feet of strong magnetic fields such as those found in loudspeakers or operating motor-driven equipment such as air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, etc. Tapes should be stored in their upright position like books (prevents pressuring the tape edges to the inside reel surface) and only when under the normal tension of their natural playing speed, never in a fast-wound condition caused by rewinding or fast-forwarding the tape to prevent "sound print-through". For maximum physical protection, it is recomended that a 3 or 4 foot blank leader be spliced to the beginning of each tape. DO NOT USE ORDINARY ADHESIVE TAPE. Splicing and foil sensing tape additions (enabling the auto-reverse feature found on some units) must be carefully positioned on the tape to prevent overlapping and 'blending' adhesive residue over onto the heads or other tape deck components.

LIL ANNIE LOGG WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, PROMISE!

"Han-D-Mag" by R.B. Annis Company