Corey Bailey

           Audio Engineering

USEFUL INFORMATION

MOISTURIZING ACETATE BACKED TAPE Encountering an acetate backed tape that has been stored for several years will almost guarantee problems. As noted in my article “ANALOG TAPE”, cupping is a common problem with acetate tapes that have been stored for a long time. Cupping can also cause uneven winding problems. Both problems are caused by the tape losing moisture over time. Acetate backed tape was brittle when it was new and the loss of moisture in the oxide only makes that situation worse. Here are some remedies that have worked: Method #1. Place some moistened (damp, not wet) cotton balls in the corners of the box with the tape. I use distilled water for moistening the cotton. Make sure that the moistened cotton does not touch the tape and leave it overnight. Upon checking the tape, look for how much has been absorbed by from the cotton. Check a couple of layers of tape if you think it is warranted. If progress is being made, repeat as many as two or three times. If not, try Method #2. Method #2. This involves building a closed system whereby the tape is suspended over water. I used a portable BBQ (Tailgate type) that was cheap and it included a lid that fit well. I simply placed the tapes on the grille and filled the area where the coals normally go with distilled water (after sealing the pan area). You can leave the tape(s) in this environment for weeks or months if necessary so be sure that all of the water doesn’t evaporate. In my situation, the process took about 3 to 4 weeks as I recall. It was long enough that the barbecue pan began to rust and I threw the whole thing out when done. The tapes however, were playable. I’ve heard from people that have used plastic storage containers or large kitchen cookware steamers for hydrating acetate tapes. In fact, I’ve been keeping an eye out for just such a large steamer at the local thrift stores so that I can add it to my stash of “I will need this someday” items. Method #3. Wind the tape inside out (B wind). To do this, simply put a twist in the tape while winding from one reel to another. The result will be oxide out. Use a slotless hub reel if you have one. Otherwise, attach some leader to the end of the tape so that the leader acts as a buffer against a slotted hub. While you are at it, attach some leader to the head end of the tape so that it protects the outer wraps. Avoid the (stationary) lifters on your tape deck and wind the tape directly from one reel to the other. Use your hand to control the winding speed and tape tension on the edge of the reel, protecting the “speed and tension control” hand with some cloth or a cotton glove. A “B” wind can neutralize some of the deformity that is encountered with acetate tape that has been stored for a long time. Be mindful of the oxide at all times. This method will put more stress on the oxide layer so if the “cupping” is severe, this method could loosen the oxide and cause flaking. If that happens, it’s game over. This method takes time, three months or longer and, can be used by itself or combined with methods 1 or 2 if you wish.  It took a long time for the tape to become deformed in the first place, so it will take some time to reverse the situation. Sometimes this method will work better than humidification and sometimes this method works best in conjunction with process 1 or 2. It all depends on the condition of the tape.  I have only used method #3 a few times because customers usually don’t want to wait for the time it can take. As such, I usually have to warn them that the returned tape will not be wound as smoothly as when it was delivered. TRANSFERRING WARPED TAPE Head contact is a real problem with warped tapes so I will add some extra pressure to the play head to help the situation (yes, this will increase head wear). I use an artist paint brush for this process. I also use “Helping Hands” alligator clips to keep a constant pressure (Figs. 1 & 2 below) so that I don’t have to hold the brush for the duration. Fig. 1  “Helping Hands” Fig. 2 Positioning of “Tension” brush Return to TOP of page © Corey Bailey Audio Engineering

DO IT YOURSELF? ANALOG TAPE BAKING AUDIO TAPE LUBRICATING AUDIO TAPE RECORDS (DISCS) RECORD CLEANING

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